Daily Bible Blog

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents.  This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.  For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

Philippians 1:27-30

Bible Reading Comments:

I’m always sent into thoughtful mode when I read these words from Paul.  So many challenging and non-western-christianity phrases included in a short passage.  The most striking for me being Paul’s bold statement that

“. . .it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also SUFFER FOR HIS SAKE . . .”

Am I ready and willing and looking forward to suffering for His sake?  Will we be able to stand firm in one spirit when trials come ON HIS BEHALF?  Every Christian ought to take account of our lives and ask the question, “Am I truly living out this life for Christ, or for myself?”  It is a tough question to ask mostly because it is almost completely hypothetical for believers in the U.S.  It is, however still a question worth reflecting on today.

Prayer:

Father, whether we will ever face persecution for Your sake or not, would you search our hearts and confirm within us a deep and lasting faith that is willing to go anywhere, tell any truth, and do anything for YOUR sake and for YOUR glory, no matter the cost.  I ask for a deepening of our faith in Jesus’ name, Amen.