Read Philippians 1:29-30 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Discover
Perhaps one of the most mind-boggling phrases in Scripture is “the privilege of suffering.” It’s hard to see suffering as a gift, but that’s exactly how Paul describes it. As we close out this week’s reading on what it means to live as a citizen of heaven worthy of the gospel, this is the ultimate call. Suffering is one of the biggest things that shapes us into the image of Jesus.
The Bible doesn’t shy away from the truth that suffering is coming. We will suffer. The Christian life isn’t an attempt to avoid it; it’s a call to embrace it. Even when it’s hard to see suffering as a gift, we can trust that God is using it in our lives to give birth to something good and beautiful.
Suffering can often be a refining – a chance to see who we are and what we’re living for. Who do we become when opposition comes? Suffering gives us the opportunity to be unifying and brave. When it doesn’t make any sense to the world around us, we can be rebels and find joy, even in suffering.
• Suffer well. Is there an area where you’re currently experiencing suffering? What are some ways that it’s refining you to be more like Jesus? Are you not in a season of experiencing suffering? Is it possible that it’s because you haven’t been actively living out your faith lately? Use this time to let God speak to you and reveal where He wants to refine you.
Respond
Use your Philippians Guidebook to reflect and respond. For a digital copy of the guidebook, visit tpcc.org/rebels-guide.
Want to go deeper? Look up the following verses to see what another early church leader had to say about suffering. Note what you observe and then continue with your time of response.
• 1 Peter 3:14-17