Philippians 1:12-30

Philippians 1:29-30(NIV): For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

The Apostle Paul suffered greatly for Christ during his ministry. He saw his suffering as an expected and necessary part of his Christian walk. We can learn from Paul’s example how to endure suffering without giving up. He suffered:

· Outwardly - Philippians 1:12-14

· Inwardly - Philippians 1:15-18

· Upwardly - Philippians 1:19-26

Over the next 3 weeks we will look at what Paul suffered, and how he was able to persevere. At the end of Paul’s life, he was able to make the following statement, one which every follower of Jesus can aspire to:

2 Timothy 4:7-8(NIV): I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day —and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Psalm 22:1-11; Philippians 1:19-30

Philippians 1:29-30(NIV): For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

The Apostle Paul suffered greatly for Christ during his ministry. He saw his suffering as an expected and necessary part of his Christian walk. We can learn from Paul’s example how to endure suffering without giving up. He suffered:

• Outwardly - Philippians 1:12-14
• Inwardly - Philippians 1:15-18
• Upwardly - Philippians 1:19-26

During times of suffering, God can seem distant and we can feel alone.

Psalm 22:1-2(NIV): My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest.

“The messages we tell ourselves are not always trustworthy. Don’t take the bait. Don’t believe what your emotions tell you.” – Clay Scroggins (How To Lead in a World of Distraction)

In Christ, Paul found:

• Truth - Philippians 1:6, Ephesians 1:3-10, 2 Corinthians 10:5
• Grace - 1 Timothy 1:12-14, 2 Corinthians 12:7-9

“Quiet time is when we hear the still, small voice of truth - the voice of God.” – Clay Scroggins

Paul found his hope in Christ alone.

What voice are you listening to today?

Philippians 1:20-21(NIV): I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.