It
has been granted to you on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer on his behalf.
Philippians 1:29
Philippians 1 [27.] Only let your way of life be worthy of the Good News of Christ, that, whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your state, that you stand firm in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the Good News; and in nothing frightened by the adversaries, which is for them a proof of destruction, but to you of salvation, and that from God. Because it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer on his behalf, having the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear is in me.
Philippians 2 [1.] If there is therefore any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassion, make my joy full, by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind; doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself; each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.
Meaning:
This verse, written by the Apostle Paul, is part of his letter to the Philippian church. Philippians 1:29 presents a profound perspective on the Christian life, emphasizing that both belief in Christ and suffering for Him are gifts or privileges granted to believers. This perspective challenges common notions about suffering and offers deep insights into the nature of discipleship, faith, and the Christian experience.
- The Gift of Faith
“It has been granted to you on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him”: The first part of this verse highlights that belief in Christ is not something we achieve on our own; it is a gift from God. This aligns with the broader teaching of the New Testament, which emphasizes that faith itself is a work of grace.
Faith as a Gift: The idea that faith is granted by God underscores the grace-filled nature of our salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 echoes this truth: "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast." Our ability to believe in Christ, to trust in His saving work, is not something we muster up by our own efforts but is a response to God’s initiative and grace in our lives. This gift of faith is something we should treasure and nurture, recognizing that it is a precious expression of God’s love and mercy toward us.
Belief in Christ: Believing in Christ is central to the Christian life. It is through faith in Jesus that we enter into a relationship with God, receive forgiveness for our sins, and experience the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. John 6:29 highlights the importance of this faith: "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent." Faith is not just intellectual assent; it is a deep, trusting relationship with Jesus, leading to a life of obedience and love.
- The Gift of Suffering
“But also to suffer on his behalf”: The second part of this verse presents a challenging truth—that suffering for Christ is also a gift. This perspective on suffering is countercultural and counterintuitive, yet it is deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles.
Suffering as a Privilege: The idea that suffering is "granted" to us as a privilege can be difficult to accept. However, in the context of the New Testament, suffering for Christ is seen as a mark of true discipleship and a way to participate in His sufferings. Jesus Himself taught that following Him would involve taking up our cross, which implies enduring hardship, persecution, and sacrifice (Matthew 16:24). Paul, who wrote this letter from prison, understood this firsthand. He viewed his own sufferings as a way to glorify Christ and advance the gospel, as he mentioned earlier in Philippians 1:12, "Now I want you to know, brothers, that the things which happened to me have turned out rather to the progress of the Good News."
Fellowship in Christ’s Sufferings: Suffering for Christ creates a profound connection between the believer and the Savior. Philippians 3:10 expresses Paul’s desire "that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed to his death." When we suffer for the sake of Christ, we share in His sufferings, drawing closer to Him and being shaped more into His likeness. This suffering is not purposeless; it is a way God refines our faith, strengthens our character, and displays His power and grace through our weakness.
- The Christian Perspective on Suffering
Philippians 1:29 challenges us to reconsider how we view suffering in the Christian life. Instead of seeing it as something to be avoided at all costs, Paul encourages us to see it as an integral part of our calling as followers of Christ.
Suffering and Joy: The Christian perspective on suffering is not one of despair but of joy. James 1:2-3 encourages believers to "count it all joy when you fall into various temptations, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance." This joy is not a superficial happiness but a deep, abiding sense of purpose and hope that comes from knowing that our suffering is not in vain. It is through suffering that we are refined, our faith is strengthened, and we are drawn closer to God.
Suffering as Witness: Suffering for Christ also serves as a powerful witness to the world. When we endure suffering with faith and perseverance, we testify to the reality and power of Christ in our lives. The early Christians understood this well, often viewing martyrdom as the ultimate witness to their faith. In today’s context, while not all believers are called to martyrdom, our willingness to endure hardship for the sake of Christ can be a compelling testimony to others.
Living Out Philippians 1:29
How, then, should we live in light of Philippians 1:29? Here are some practical implications:
Embrace the Gift of Faith: We should cherish and cultivate our faith in Christ, recognizing it as a precious gift from God. This involves spending time in God’s Word, engaging in prayer, and participating in the life of the church. It also means sharing our faith with others, inviting them to experience the same gift of salvation.
Prepare for Suffering: We should not be surprised when we face suffering for the sake of Christ. Instead, we should prepare our hearts and minds, knowing that it is part of our calling as His followers. This preparation includes deepening our relationship with Christ, so that when trials come, we are anchored in Him.
Rejoice in Suffering: While suffering is difficult, we are called to rejoice in it, knowing that it is a privilege to suffer for Christ. This joy comes from understanding the eternal perspective—that our suffering is temporary and is producing in us "an eternal weight of glory" (2 Corinthians 4:17). We can rejoice because our suffering is not meaningless; it is part of God’s redemptive work in us and through us.
Conclusion: Philippians 1:29 offers a profound and challenging perspective on the Christian life. It reminds us that both faith and suffering are gifts granted by God, integral to our walk with Christ. As we embrace the gift of faith and prepare ourselves to suffer for His sake, we can find joy and purpose, knowing that our lives are in His hands and that He is working all things for our good and His glory. This verse calls us to a deeper commitment to Christ, a willingness to endure hardship for His sake, and a joyful confidence in the hope we have in Him.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible