stephen R Harrison

(Read Philippians 1:30)

There’s nothing that forms a friendship like someone who says, “Me too.”  I’ve noticed a deeper connection to people when I have a common bond. Anytime I meet someone who’s been adopted, I can identify with them. We usually talk about how that experience has affected us.  There’s an instant connection when I see someone wearing a Ouachita Baptist University logo.  When someone says they’ve endured the demon-inspired torture device otherwise known as a kidney stone, I automatically cringe as I have suffered from that pain.

In Philippians 1:30, Paul says the Philippian believers are experiencing the same struggles he’s endured. Before this epistle, Paul suffered harsh opposition when he and Silas were imprisoned in Philippi (Acts 16:16-40). The church at Philippi, it seemed, was also facing persecution like Paul and Silas. Paul’s current persecution was imprisonment in Rome (vv. 12-18), leading us to believe some Philippians believers were also imprisoned.  Paul and the Philippians faced similar opposition to living out the gospel.

Paul and the Philippians suffered for spreading the good news of Christ. Who stands against us today?  Potentially, anyone who disputes the saving message of the gospel. While people are not our enemies, it can seem that way when they oppose gospel advancement and mission. What do we need in these instances? Gospel brotherhood and sisterhood. We need Kingdom-minded believers who all feel the pressures from the world for living for Christ to pray with, send and receive encouragement, and rally alongside in perseverance of the faith.  

Questions for the Head (Think)

• Are you sharing in the sufferings of other believers?  Are you struggling well together with brothers/sisters in the faith?

Reflection for the Heart (Worship)

• Allow the Lord to open your eyes to those you could pray for, encourage, and resource as you bear the burden of similar struggles for the gospel’s sake.  Spend time thanking God for brothers/sisters in the faith.  

Action for the Hands (Do)

• Get specific and practical.  Write the names of a couple of believers below who are suffering because of living for Christ.  Write some ways you can encourage them.  Act upon what you write today as a first step of struggling with others for the gospel.