It Has Been Granted to You to Suffer for Christ

Philippians 1:12-29

It Has Been Granted to You To Suffer for ChristI want you to know that what happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. Philippians 1:12 (Can we say that what happens to us because of our faith in Christ advances the gospel? Or are we so busy complaining about how we’re treated that the gospel loses ground in our area of [social] influence?)

It has become clear that I am in chains in order to encourage others and speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. Philippians 1:13-14 (In our hardships do we encourage others to speak the word of God courageously and fearlessly? Or are our words merely complaints based on our self-rights-ness?)

I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Holy Spirit what is happening to me will turn out for my deliverance. Philippians 1:19 (Are our prayers sending help to someone through the Holy Spirit? Or are our prayers mainly for deliverance from our current trials?)

I eagerly expect and hope that I will not be ashamed of my actions but have the courage to witness for Christ. Philippians 1:20 (When we look back on our life, will be ashamed of the words spoken to others, the acts committed against others, and the poor witness of Christ presented to others?)

Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Philippians 1:27

This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed and you will be saved — that you stand firm in one spirt, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way. Philippians 1:28 (As the persecution of those in Christ increases, will we stand firm in our faith, absorb the blows of others, and pray that God will forgive them? Or will we lash out with words and weapons?)

It has been granted to you on behalf of Christ to not only believe in Christ, but also to suffer for him. Philippians 1:29

If we have been regenerated through Christ, then God will change our attitudes about the things for which we pray. Oswald Chambers