The Gift of Suffering Philippians 1:27-30

Philippians 1:27 - 30 PHP 1:27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved--and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

Suffering for Christ Suffering is a gift from God (Php 1:29)

Acts 9:15 - 16 AC 9:15 But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name."

Suffering for Christ Suffering is a gift from God (Php 1:29) Suffering is a calling too (2 Tim 1:8)

2 Timothy 1:8 2TI 1:8 So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God

1 Peter 2:20 - 21 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps

Suffering for Christ Suffering is a gift from God (Php 1:29) Suffering is a calling too (2 Tim 1:8)

Philippians 1:27 - 30 PHP 1:27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved--and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

Suffering for Christ Suffering is a gift from God (Php 1:29) Suffering is a calling too (2 Tim 1:8) Suffering is on behalf of Christ (Php 1:29)

1 Timothy 3:12 12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

Philippians 1:27 - 30 PHP 1:27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved--and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

WHY DOES GOD GRANT THIS UNEXPECTED GIFT OF SUFFERING TO US? Suffering for Christ WHY DOES GOD GRANT THIS UNEXPECTED GIFT OF SUFFERING TO US?

Philippians 1:27 - 30 PHP 1:27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved--and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

2 Reasons why God has granted this gift to His children

2 Reasons why God has granted this gift to His children Your suffering preaches to the World 1:28 This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved

2 Reasons why God has granted this gift to His children Your suffering preaches to the World 1:28 This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved The World sees Christ in your suffering

1 Peter 2:12, 20-24 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 20 …if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 22 "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." 23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.

2 Reasons why God has granted this gift to His children Your suffering preaches to the World 1:28 This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved The World sees Christ The World learns the Fear of God

1 Peter 3:14b - 15 "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

2 Thessalonians 1:5-6 All this is evidence that God's judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. 6 God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you

Why God has granted this gift to His children REASON 1: Your suffering preaches to the World 1:28 This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved The World sees Christ The World learns the Fear of God The World finds their Shame

1 Peter 3:15b - 16 But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander

Why God has granted this gift to His children REASON 1: Your suffering preaches to the World 1:28 This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved The World sees Christ The World learns the Fear of God The World finds their Shame

Why God has granted this gift to His children REASON 2: Suffering Matures and Secures you 1:28 … that you will be saved

Suffering blesses the believer 1 Peter 3:14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed 1 Peter 4:14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Matthew 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Why God has granted this gift to His children REASON 2: Suffering Matures and Secures you 1:28 … that you will be saved Suffering conforms you to Christ (Jas 1:2)

Why God has granted this gift to His children REASON 2: Suffering Matures and Secures you 1:28 … that you will be saved Suffering conforms you to Christ (Jas 1:2) Suffering confirms your adoption (Heb 13:3-7)

Hebrews 13:5-8 "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6 because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."n 7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8 If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons.

Why God has granted this gift to His children REASON 1: Your suffering preaches to the World REASON 2: Your suffering Matures and Secures you 1:28 This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved

Why God has granted this gift to His children It may be our suffering that leads someone to God.

Why God has granted this gift to His children It may be our suffering that leads someone to God. It is the witness of Christ in us.