APRIL 11, 2025 – CONFLICT

READ: Phil. 1:29,30: For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.

The words of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5:10-12) remain true until His return: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

It is difficult for us to imagine what persecuted churches endure. The situation in Philippi was significantly more challenging than what we experience. Paul was in prison, and fierce opponents made life especially difficult for the believers. Yet, Paul does not express a single complaint about it.

He even goes further: it is a privilege, even a gift of grace, to suffer as believers for Christ and His kingdom. Faith itself is an undeserved gift of grace, but the consequence of faith—hatred and oppression from the great adversary—is also included.

Suffering here means struggling. Paul transitions from one to the other because, for him, they are the same. Enduring suffering requires struggle: the struggle of the Lord Himself, for which He provides His armor.

This struggle is directed against our greatest enemies: the devil and his followers, the world, and even our own sinful nature. It is an honour to engage in this battle and to share in suffering for Christ’s sake.

Paul sets an example in this. He reminds the church of how much he suffered when he first brought the gospel to them, which even led to his imprisonment (Acts 16:19ff). Yet, it is pure grace if we must seal our faith and testimony with our lives (Rev. 7:14ff; 11:7).

Are you afraid of suffering and persecution?                 

Sing: Ps. 37:2