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.

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. Paul coped with his inward suffering in the church because his:

• Identity was found in Christ alone - Philippians 1:1, Galatians 1:10
• Purpose was to preach the Gospel - Philippians 1:15-18, 2 Corinthians 10:10
• Love was for the church - Philippians 1:8-11, 1 Corinthians 13:1-4

“We are all both deeply flawed and deeply loved.” – The Emotionally Intelligent Pastor (Jeannie Clarkson)

“Most people are doing the best they can with the tools they’ve got.” – Brene Brown

Paul chose to love his brothers and sisters in Christ rather than take offence. Do we?

Philippians 1:17-18(NIV): The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,

Proverbs 19:11 (NIV): A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offence.