Joy in suffering

Introduction/Scripture

Philippians 1:12–30 NIV

Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me. Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

Pray.

Story of Wesley to the colonies….

The winds roared round about us…The ship not only rocked to and fro with the utmost violence, but shook and jarred with so unequal, grating a motion, that one could not but with great difficulty keep one’s hold of anything, nor stand a moment without it. Every ten minutes came a shock against the stern or side of the ship, which one would think would dash the planks in pieces.

Seven hours into the storm, Wesley went to visit a group of German Moravians who were also passengers on the Simmonds. He had already noticed their mature faith, but their peaceful posture during that storm stood out to him as an indicator of a robust Christianity. As the wind howled and the sea tossed, Wesley found the Moravians singing psalms. He described it this way,

In the midst of the psalm wherewith their service began, the sea broke over, split the main-sail in pieces, covered the ship, and poured in between the decks, as if the great deep had already swallowed us up. A terrible screaming began among the English. The Germans calmly sang on. I asked one of them afterwards, “Was you not afraid?” He answered, “I thank God, no.” I asked, “But were not your women and children afraid?” He replied, mildly, “No our women and children are not afraid to die.”

Wesley goes to see a Moravian pastor:

Spangenberg continued, “Do you know Jesus Christ?” This time, after a pause, Wesley managed an answer, “I know he is the Saviour of the world.” But the Moravian pastor was not deterred by Wesley’s attempt to dodge the question. He responded, “True…but do you know he has saved you?” Wesley answered saying, “I hope he has died to save me.” Undeterred, Spangenberg asked again, “Do you know yourself?” This time Wesley managed to answer, “I do.” But his journal entry that day closed with this confession, “I fear they were vain words.”

Juxtapose this with what we are getting from Paul. Last week is important because it was just introducing today. Last week I shared that I believe the whole of Philippians is built around what we will preach next week but that is chapter 2….having the mindset of Christ.

Paul is now going to showcase having the mindset of Christ, even in chains, especially in chains. Having the mindset of Christ gives him the ability to have joy in suffering….

Two focuses here. First the what and then the how.

What does joy look like in the midst of suffering…

How can we have that?

1. The Gospel Advances Through Our Suffering (Philippians 1:12-14)

Paul begins by assuring the Philippians that his imprisonment has actually served to advance the gospel. Instead of hindering his ministry, his chains have become a platform for the gospel. The Roman guards have heard about Christ, and believers have been emboldened in their faith.

Joy in suffering comes when we recognize that God can use our hardships for His purposes.

Our trials can serve as testimonies that inspire others.

What if we viewed our difficulties not as obstacles but as opportunities for the gospel?

2. Christ is Preached, and That’s What Matters (Philippians 1:15-18)

Paul acknowledges that some preach Christ out of selfish ambition, hoping to stir up trouble for him. Yet he doesn’t focus on their motives—he rejoices that Christ is being proclaimed.

Joy in suffering comes when we focus on the mission rather than personal grievances.

God’s work is bigger than our circumstances.

Are we willing to rejoice even when others try to harm us, as long as Christ is glorified?

3. Living for Christ and Dying as Gain (Philippians 1:19-26)

complete freedom…

Paul is torn between two desires: to live and continue fruitful ministry or to depart and be with Christ. Either way, he wins. His confidence in Christ allows him to face suffering with hope.

Joy in suffering comes from knowing that our lives belong to Christ.

When our ultimate hope is in eternity, we can endure anything in the present.

Paul’s statement—"to live is Christ, and to die is gain"—challenges us to reframe our perspective.

Now we turn to the how….

The Assurance of Faith

Paul had the assurance of faith.

Doctrine of the assurance of faith

John Wesley story ending with testimony from Aldersgate

The turning point for Wesley came later that year on May 24. His Aldersgate experience is well-known and has been the topic of extensive research and reflection.21 Wesley described what happened to him this way:

In the evening I went very unwillingly to a society in Aldersgate Street, where one was reading Luther’s preface to the Epistle to the Romans. About a quarter before nine, while he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust Christ, Christ alone for salvation: and an assurance was given me, that he had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.

Direct witness of the holy spirit

Romans 8:16 NIV

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.

The testimony of the Spirit is an inward impression on the soul, whereby the Spirit of God directly witnesses to my spirit, that I am a child of God; that Jesus Christ hath loved me, and given himself for me; and that all my sins are blotted out, and I, even I, am reconciled to God.

Indirect witness of the holy spirit.

confirmed by the witness of the fruit of the spirit

if there is fruit and no internal witness then you are depending on human effort.

If there is internal witness and no fruit then you are depending on human emotion.

I was sharing with one of the clergy team and experience of a woman that had an encounter with God. A vision of God’s love and protection. the pastor rightfully asked me how do i know if the person really saw God in this way…I said because there is fruit!