Gospel Suffering

Philippians 1:29

This Sunday started our new sermon series “The Joy of the Gospel”, a study of the Book of Philippians. Paul writes from a point of suffering, being imprisoned and progressing toward being put to death, to the church of Philippi who are under their own persecution, but have joined with Paul to “press on” with the Gospel. Paul has remained joyful in the midst of his difficulties due to the glory of the Gospel in his life. He writes to thank them for their encouragement to him and in return to encourage them to remain joyful in their trials. We often attribute joy as a result of our circumstances, but Paul writes that it is the result of the Gospel being active in us.

The Gospel being active in us means that we no longer look for the easy way, but God’s way. What if, we are supposed to seek suffering versus avoiding it? Have you ever prayed for suffering to come or sought out ways to suffer? We will be unfolding an often ignored truth of Scripture in the intro to our study of Philippians. You will not see this text emblazoned on a t-shirt or a plaque hanging on the wall. The Gospel is often misrepresented and watered down to the point of being a fun filled vacation and the means for experiencing great personal pleasure. What if the Gospel demands suffering?