(9) Strength in Suffering Series
When David, God’s anointed future king, was in hiding from Saul, there was a group from the tribes of Benjamin and Judah who came to help him. He went out to meet them and gave them a warning. He said, “If you have come to me in friendship to help me, my heart will be joined to you; but if to betray me to my adversaries, although there is no wrong in my hands, then may the God of our fathers see and rebuke you” (I Chronicles 12:17ESV). David didn’t always know who his friends and who his enemies were. Here, he tells them he can’t read their hearts, but God can; and, if they are sincere, then his heart will be joined to them. People who go through hardship with a united purpose become knit together in heart. Paul wishes this for the Christians in Philippi.
“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ: that, whether I come and see you or be absent, I may hear of your state, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the gospel; and in nothing affrighted by the adversaries: which is for them an evident token of perdition, but of your salvation, and that from God; because to you it hath been granted in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer in his behalf: having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.”
Philippians 1:27-30
The phrase “manner of life” is politeuomai in Greek. It is better translated “your citizenship.” Paul is reminding the Christians in Philippi that their value is not defined by the laws where they live. It has nothing to do with the rights they have in city-states of Roman rule. Paul tells them to “be worthy,” or behave appropriately as citizens of the eternal kingdom. He wants their Christian lives to reflect that message of hope.
The Philippian church is the shining light for exposing godlessness in the city of Philippi. Paul knows how they are fighting for the faith of the gospel. He tells them not to be afraid of adversaries who come against them, who try to tear their hope from them and take away their light. Suffering is not meant to deter the Church—or scare its citizens—from serving God; it is meant to unify them in one cause. Suffering creates resolve, a powerful determination to stand firm in the faith. Paul highlights the reason for suffering when he says, “…that you stand fast in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the gospel…” Can you picture a group of people all striving as one against something?
The Philippians in Christ are pushing against the same evil force as Paul is. They are jointly, unitedly coming against the same conflict. The Greek word for conflict in this passage brings to mind a stadium where the ancient Grecian games were fought. The Greeks created forms of entertainment that allowed an audience to watch the human struggle. The audience would cheer on their contestant as he endured and suffered to complete the course, contending for a prize. They witnessed his fatigue and agony, as their champion took on each obstacle that came against him. The hardship created the need for endurance, and the audience willed their competitor to press forward in hope of victory. It was a short-lived, worldly victory, but Paul uses this image to explain to his readers what that desire to press forward together looks like. What is the prize before them? Eternal victory.
“If there is therefore any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassions, make full my joy, that ye be of the same mind, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind; “
Philippians 2:1-2 ASV
According to Paul, the unity of the Church is expressed when a Church exhorts, consoles, spends time with, and shows mercy and compassion. These are actions carried out by individual hands.
Exhortation
When Christian sisters exhort each other, they encourage each other to do the right thing. This prompting to do right creates an atmosphere of godly thinking. It surrounds Christians in an environment of knowing how to behave. It firms up their understanding of what is expected of them as citizens in God’s kingdom. It does not take the form of a guilt trip; it takes the form of a cheer, a salute, a genuine statement of confidence.
Consolation
The word Paul uses that is translated “consolation” means to talk to someone in a persuasive manner. When Christian sisters console, or comfort, each other, they take the time to persuade a low spirit to lift. Each of us needs that comfort and consoling to cope a little better with our suffering and help us endure. Consolation does not take the form of a constant reminding to “do better.” Rather, consolation is the help that comes alongside and says, “You are not alone.”
Fellowship
Fellowship is taking the time to be together, but it also brings with it the concept of belonging. Fellowship in the Lord is belonging to a family that is not like any earthly family. Being with our sisters in Christ on this earth is a preparation for an eternity of sharing and companionship in heaven. The more we spend time together, the more we get to know each other and understand each other. When we understand each other—our quirks and mannerisms, strengths and weaknesses—we can better develop the last traits Paul mentions, tender mercies and compassions.
Tender Mercies and Compassions
Tender mercy is that ache a sister feels in the gut when she hears bad news about someone dear, and compassion is the moving pity and emotional rise that causes her to reach out and want to help.
Paul is describing traits that we feel as individuals. The Church becomes the composite of these traits when the individuals express their love with these behaviors.
Paul tells the Christians reading this letter to strive for the Faith. It’s an active role the Christian woman takes on. When you are going through personal suffering, your soul will have to strive. Striving is necessary to keep the faith. Soul-striving teaches us to seek God out and draw close to Him. It also brings us as individuals to seek closer relationships with our siblings in Christ, as we reach out to each other in exhortation, consolation, fellowship, and tender mercies.
Do you see yourself in your trial as an athlete of the faith? The Father and the Son are cheering you on, willing you to press forward. Their hands will reach out to you through the comfort and compassion of your family in Christ. God tells you that you are not alone; we are all striving for the faith. Allow Him to open your eyes to the unity of His people in times of suffering.
As we continue in Philippians chapter 2, we’ll read about what happens when these efforts of unity are neglected.