Paul's Prison Epistles: Paul And The PhilippiansSample

Importance of Perseverance: Philippians 1:27-2:18

In Philippians 1:27-29, Paul acknowledged the Philippians’ struggles with hardship and encouraged them with these words:

Stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you… For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ … to suffer for him (Philippians 1:27-29).

The Philippians’ sufferings were distressing and painful. But they were not beyond God’s control. On the contrary, God himself had planned their suffering as a means of blessing them. And therefore, it was vital that they persevered through these difficult times, both by maintaining their faith and by living righteously.

Jesus’ work of suffering will not be finished until he returns. In the meantime, he completes his appointed suffering through the church. Because believers are in union with Christ, when we suffer, Jesus suffers. And from Paul’s perspective this was not just a means of completing Christ’s appointed sufferings, it was also a badge of honor.

As we just read in Philippians 1:27-29, God had not just “permitted” the Philippians to suffer — he had “granted” them to suffer. Paul unpacked this idea in Philippians 2:5-9, where he wrote these words:

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus … he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name (Philippians 2:5-9).

Jesus willingly endured suffering and mistreatment in order to benefit the church, and his reward for this sacrifice was immeasurably great. In the same way, believers should humbly endure suffering and mistreatment in order to benefit the church. And when we do, our reward will also be great. This was why Paul could write these words in Philippians 2:17-18:

Even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me (Philippians 2:17-18).

Paul did not just want the Philippians to endure their appointed suffering, but to rejoice in the midst of it because of the blessings it produces. Moreover, he wanted them to rejoice in the blessings that would result from his own sufferings, just as he rejoiced in the blessings that flowed from their sufferings.

Paul encouraged believers to focus on the rewards of suffering in order that they would have the strength and courage to persevere in faith and holy living, even under great duress. After all, if they did not endure, they would not gain the blessings suffering could provide.