217 Philippians: Same Struggle

Paul had told his friends, the Philippians, how he had suffered for the sake of Christ. Now, he tells them that they will face the same struggle.

Rome, at this time, was the mightiest power on earth. It had utterly crushed its opponents. To be a Roman citizen was to be at the top of the pecking order. Because of their loyalty during a time of war, Philippi had been given the honor of citizenship and became an outpost for the Roman army.

In addition, when Paul wrote his letter, Nero was the emperor. To elevate himself in the eyes of the populous, the people were to refer to Nero as “our Lord and Savior.”

Can you see a potential problem for followers of Jesus?

Paul had already bucked the system and was in prison, facing an uncertain future. Now he writes to the church in Philippi that they, too, will suffer for the sake of Christ.

He tells them not to be afraid of those who oppose them (vs. 28). The Greek word is: “pturo” = alarmed.  It refers to being intimidated by something that shouldn’t really scare you. Even though Christians were dying for refusing to deny Jesus as Lord and Savior, Paul is reminding them that in the end, there’s nothing to be afraid of. They may kill your body, but they can’t kill your soul… and the future that awaits the believer is worth it all.

Paul continues that their suffering would “be a sign” - “endeixis” = proof, evidence. That you are willing to stand your ground and remain loyal to Christ sends a message that there is a higher God than Caesar, and one day, the whole world will bow before Him.

The word for “suffer” here is “pascho” = to be afflicted. It’s the same word from which we get “paschal lamb” – the term used for Jesus, the One who was sacrificed to the redemption of mankind. Paul is calling this kind of suffering redemptive, something that will ultimately bring life.

Will suffering like this be easy? No. The word for “struggle” in vs. 30 is “agon,” from which we get “agony.” 

If you are pursuing a life of allegiance to Jesus, you will face the challenge to bow before “Caesar”: the Caesar of status, success, financial security, or comfort. Then you, too, must decide: will you stand tall no matter the cost? 

Text: Philippians 1:27-29

Originally recorded on August 3, 2008, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN