Philippians 1:
[28] And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
[29] For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
[30] Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
The Church of Philippi was apparently under persecution for trying to share their faith in Jesus with others.
Paul writes to them from the prison in Rome and tells them not to worry about anything their adversaries may do to them. He says they have been especially picked by God, knowing they have the strength to stand up to the persecution.
Paul tells the Philippians that the people who are terrifying them cannot do anything that could outweigh the rewards that will be given to them by God and that those people have already set their eternal, damnation punishment. However the Philippians standing in Christ are saved and their reward will be an eternal destination with God.
Paul asks them to remember how he had been persecuted while he was with them. He reminds them that even now in Rome, he is an innocent victim, and yet has been put in prison for his faith in Christ.
Paul continues to say that those in true faith can stand the persecution that are given to them. They shouldn’t despair when they are suffering but should count it as a blessing and rejoice that God will give them the strength to endure whatever happens to them, as God has done for him.
In verse 30 the Philippians are prompted by Paul to recall the way he had been tortured (see Acts 16:19-40) while he was with them and to keep in mind the situation, in Rome, that he is presently in.
Paul encourages them, reminding that to be persecuted in the name of Jesus is truly an honour. An honour that he has been privileged to endure many times during his time on earth and is encouraging them to do the same.
Father God,
What a blessing Paul was to the Philippians. He was able to stand in faith and show them the way to endure whatever they came up against.
The encouragement didn’t stop when he moved on to other places. Paul continued to preach about Christ wherever he went.
Even while in prison in Rome (preparing to be tried for his life before the Roman emperor) Paul is still able to write and encourage the Philippians to stand strong in faith.
Lord, the 2nd coming of Jesus is drawing closer every day and people need to hear the Gospel now, more than ever before. May I (and other Christians) take a stand and preach your Word without worry.
If I am to spread the Gospel then I ask for the type of courage that you gave to Paul. I am not usually someone who can face confrontation head on, in fact I really dislike it, but I do know – that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Lord, with you by my side, I will tell others of you because I love you so much and I know it’s your desire that no one is lost from Heaven.
You have set me on this earth to spread your Good News and I pray Father that I can accept your assignment and complete it, remaining in faith, no matter what challenges I meet along the way.
I know God that you have equipped me with the armour of God and the faith and strength that I will need to do your work and for that I am grateful.
In the blessed name of my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, I pray,
Amen