(1) Strength in Suffering Series
Who suffers? You know the answer to that question already. Everyone suffers. We all know it, but it’s hard to accept. And when we can’t fathom what we are going through, it makes the heat of the trial that much more unbearable. Christians in the first century suffered, too. Looking at their situations can explain a lot to us. They can show us how to live and thrive while in hardship. The church at Philippi is one such example of Christians under fire. The Philippian Christians were trying their best to develop and grow in the faith, and they were suffering while dealing with false doctrines and persecution. Paul’s letter to them is to keep them steady. He doesn’t correct them and tell them they have turned away from God. He doesn’t reprove them for not having enough faith; rather, he assures them. He tells them to keep up their guard. The letter is a solace inspired by the Spirit of God, assuring all Christians of their hope in Christ. It teaches that faithful Christians who are suffering need to be encouraged not to give up.
When Paul greets the church at Philippi, he specifically greets the bishops and deacons, as well. The Philippian congregation is established in the way God set it up to function with Christ as the head shepherd of the flock. This already mature church needs comfort and help from God. This God-breathed letter reminds them that everything will work out for the very best. In mature churches there are mature Christians present, and mature Christians suffer, too. Christians get a false impression of their journey with Christ, and the idea is: when you’ve made it to a certain stage, or to a certain level of understanding, your spiritual walk with God is much easier. Like, you’ve arrived. You’ve somehow made it to some spiritual maturity destination. You’ve “leveled up” and you don’t need the same support and encouragement to keep working. This idea is so untrue; every one of us needs just as much comfort and assurance that we are serving God and headed in the right direction! We live in a confusing and dark world. Our journey through it is filled with obstacles and tricky detours. No matter your age, situation, or circumstance, you, my sister, will always need reminding that God loves you and things are going to be all right.
Paul counsels the Philippian Christians on what to do to stay focused. He assures them of what is the true state of every Christian, regardless of the way Satan tries to sully, twist, and create doubt. That true state of God’s child is “I am righteous in God’s eyes (Philippians 3:9).” That true state for God’s child is “I am confident in His Son (Philippians 3:3).” That true state of being for God’s child is “I have peace when the world seems to be crashing down around me (Philippians 4:7).” It takes looking through the eyes of faith to see that true state, and Paul models this for his family in Christ as he writes this letter while he’s a prisoner in Rome.
At the heart of Paul’s words is a plea not to give up. God’s children will suffer, and suffering children must learn to stick to what God says—not to trust their own ideas about righteousness and truth. Just as Satan was trying to convince these Christians to doubt their place in Christ, that roaring lion is trying to convince you and me, dear sister, that we are not enough in Christ. This letter negates Satan’s lies. It reminds us that Christians, even the experienced Christians, need daily practical advice and daily validation from God. David said in Psalm 148, “Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning, for in thee do I trust” (verse 8). David didn’t want to begin his morning without God’s affirmation of love and care. We are like David; we need to hear He loves us at the very beginning of our day. We need perspective from God all the time. Strength of mind and purpose is not a constant; we are fighting against the enemy, and our strength can wane. We get tired. God knows that, and He has Paul address that struggle. He uses Paul to give the Church godly advice and warning flags to watch for. His words remind us that suffering is part of the journey, and there are good and bad ways to hold up under the pressure.
This series, Strength in Suffering, will follow the Philippian letter to help Christian women reflect on God’s assurances and counsel in hard times. Posts will be listed and updated under the “Strength” section of Womencourage.org. Please join me in studying the passages as we go, and pray for me and for Christian women everywhere as we learn how to “do all things through Christ who strengthens” in the face of trials.
Read on: Birth from Suffering.