The Privilege to Believe and Suffer for Christ

“It has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him.” (Philippians 1:29, NIV)

The believer’s life is not designed to be leisurely nor relaxing. It is also not to be “forsaken” for the sake of focusing solely on eternal reward(s). Rather, while we are here — living, breathing, and experiencing all that God has given us — He has charged us all with a mission: To Do His Will And His Work In This World. 

Philippians 1:29 (AMP) says, “For you have been granted [the privilege] for Christ’s sake, not only to believe and confidently trust in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,” Yes, our brother Paul experienced pure joy as he shared the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. And yet he endured not only painful rejection but physical torment as well! Following the Lord Jesus is a call to obedience… a discipleship or duty. Again, be reminded that God gave us the privilege not only to believe and have faith but also to suffer for Christ as we follow Him.

As we read Philippians 3:1-11, could it not be more true of what Paul says in verses 8-9a – “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in Him… ”

Therefore brethren, let us endure the hardships and enjoy the rewards of being a faithful follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.

– Contributed by Bro James Agtuca