To Suffer for His Sake

by Mitchell Tan
September 06, 2018

EXPECT SUFFERING

Young people, are you afraid of suffering? It is natural for us to feel fear when suffering comes. However, we do not need to be overwhelmed by fear. As Christians, we should expect that sufferings may occur as part of our life and ministry. Why is this so?

1. BECAUSE THE LORD JESUS TAUGHT IT AND EXEMPLIFIED IT

a. He taught about how blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake (Matthew 5:10).

b. He exemplified this teaching by how he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death (Philippians 2:8).

2. BECAUSE PAUL ALSO TAUGHT IT AND EXEMPLIFIED IT

a. Paul taught Timothy about sharing in suffering for the gospel (2 Timothy 1:8).

b. He was a prisoner for the Lord Jesus and was unafraid to do so.

We too can learn about going through suffering without being afraid to do so.

UNAFRAID TO SUFFER

Paul was writing to the Philippians to not fear persecution that may arise because of their faith in Christ.

1. PAUL TAUGHT ABOUT SUFFERING ON BEHALF OF CHRIST

A. HAVING COURAGE OF FAITH TO STAND AGAINST ENEMIES OF THE GOSPEL

“And not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.”
Philippians 1:28

These adversaries were the enemies of the cross of Christ (Philippians 3:18). They set their minds on earthly things. They sought to create much trouble for Paul. And yet, he was not afraid of them nor of suffering. The Philippians needed the courage to stand fast as one for the Lord.

I. A PROOF OF PERDITION OF THE ENEMIES

When the Philippians sought to be totally united in their stand for the faith, it will prove to their enemies that they will face destruction. They will have to face judgment from the Lord (Philippians 3:19).

II. A PROOF OF SALVATION FOR US

The Philippians would have certainty in their salvation when they are not terrified of their enemies. Their boldness to stand for their faith will help them prove that they were indeed saved and that what they have was from God. Our assurance in salvation is made that much more certain when we have the courage to stand for our faith.

B. HAVING A CALLING TO SUFFER ON BEHALF OF CHRIST

“For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake”
Philippians 1:29

Part of the calling of the Philippians was to also suffer for the Lord. If they truly had faith in Christ, loved Him and were identified with Him, they would gladly suffer for Him. There is tremendous sense of purpose in wanting to suffer for His sake. Our faith is not just about believing. One true test of our faith is whether we are willing to suffer for Christ.

2. PAUL WAS AN EXAMPLE OF ONE WHO SUFFERED FOR CHRIST

“Having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.”
Philippians 1:20

Paul had gone through the same conflict as the Philippians. He went through much suffering when he was at Philippi (Acts 16:26-40). He was beaten with rods, imprisoned and had his feet fastened to stocks. And yet Paul boldly stood for his faith in the Lord. He was still going through suffering as he wrote this epistle. The Philippians were also not to be daunted by suffering but to be inspired to follow Paul’s example. Let’s also learn to build our faith and courage to go through any testing or suffering that may come our way.

PERSONAL APPLICATION:

There are times when we are afraid that we might lose our friends if we were to make a stand for our faith in the Lord Jesus. Young people, let’s not be ashamed to be identified with the Lord Jesus. Let’s learn from the example of the Lord Jesus and Paul. Let’s boldly speak of Christ and stand for Him. Let’s not be afraid to suffer the loss of friends along the way. The greatest friend you can ever have is the Lord Jesus. Let’s learn to suffer for His sake.

 

image credits: http://i.huffpost.com/gen/1168542/thumbs/o-PRISON-CELL-facebook.jpg

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