Back in verse 27, Paul encouraged the Philippians to conduct themselves in a worthy manner. In these final two verses of chapter one, the reason for that becomes very clear.

You can see it for yourself in Philippians 1:29-30:

The Philippian believers needed to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ. But why? Paul explains why here. It is because they will experience the same struggles that Paul is facing.

Let’s look at these verses phrase by phrase.

For it has been granted to you – It is no accident that the Philippian believers will experience persecution and suffering. God has ordained it. The word “granted” is rooted in the same word as grace. Paul is making a bold statement here: the Philippian believers have been graced with the opportunity to believe, and to suffer because of it. That indicates that suffering is not something to be avoided at all costs. As uncomfortable as it may be, it serves a very important purpose in the life of the believer, both in Philippi and today.

On behalf of Christ – This identifies the Philippian believers with Jesus, as it does for us. We are not only called to suffer with him, but for him.

Not only to believe in him – The ability to believe and have faith is also a gift from God, being tied back to the word “granted.”

But also to suffer for him – This is something that we instinctively try to avoid, isn’t it? But Paul identifies suffering and faith together as gifts from God, on our behalf. Suffering identifies us with Christ, and produces within us a joy that cannot be explained, a joy like Paul had even in prison.

Since you are going through the same struggle – Just what form the Philippians struggle came in is unclear. But what is clear is that they were struggling for the cause of Christ and the gospel just as Paul was. And if Paul can rejoice, the Philippian believers can as well, even as you and I can rejoice. The word “struggle” is where we get our English word “agony,” displaying just how intense these struggles can be.

You saw I had, and now hear that I still have – The Philippian church knew that Paul was in prison, an undoubtedly were wondering how he was doing. His letter to them will answer that question, and give them some peace, on that topic at least. In Acts 16, Paul faced opposition while in Philippi. This may be the struggle that he has in mind by the phrase, “you saw I had.” And now, the church in Philippi knows that his struggles have continued.

Paul’s attitude here is solidly positive. In fact, he will shift to that topic in the very next passage, in chapter two. But the implication for us is clear, just as it was for the Philippians: Suffering is not a defeat. Just the opposite. Suffering is a victory, just as Paul explained in verses 12-13.

When we face trials and suffering, we should rejoice. Paul states that here, and James makes it very clear in his letter as well. We think suffering s something to be avoided. But, while I won’t advocate that we should go seeking it, suffering is not the negative that we think it is. It brings tremendous benefits into our lives and faith.

And, looking at the cultural climate of the world around us, it may not be that far away for any of us. When it occurs, rejoice! Count it a blessing to be able to suffer for the sake of the gospel of Christ!

Question: How do you respond to suffering and struggles? How do you need to revise your response? You can leave a comment by clicking here.