The Beauty of Suffering

Are there beauty in suffering?

Philippians 1:12–18 ESV

12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,

Perceived in the Heart

It builds our godly character

Paul did not look into the outward suffering of his physical body in his imprisonment because of the gospel.

Verse 12. - In this verse Paul was speaking to the Philippian believer .

*Take note how many times the word “rejoice” has been repeated in his letter to Phillipians. The “Joy” and “rejoice” has been mentioned 16 times all throughout the book of Philippians.

Matthew 5:10–11 ESV

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.

Purposed-driven

it drives us to persevere

Verse 12. - served to advance the gospel

Philippians 1:12 ESV

12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel,

After looking into the beauty of Suffering as we perceived it in our heart, secondly, we must be reminded that the beauty of suffering is purposed-driven. God has ultimate purpose in your suffering. He is not letting you down, but instead He is giving you that burden for you to trust Him more, and for you to become mature and blameless for the day of Christ.

What has been in Paul’s mind even in his imprisonment? The welfare and maturity of the believers in Philippians.

Paul did not lost his appetite in reaching people and preaching the gospel. Paul understand the purpose of his suffering, and that is to advance the gospel.

Pointed to Christ

it reminds us that our final destination is to be with Christ.

verse 21

Philippians 1:21 ESV

21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Our suffering is incomparable to the beauty of our eternal fellowship with the LORD

Isaiah 53:5 ESV

5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.

Conclusion

To the GLORY and PRAISE of GOD

Philippians 1:9–11 ESV

9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.