Today’s devotion is based on Philippians 1:12-30: Joy in the Journey: Week 2 (WATCH HERE)
Philippians 1:27-30 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 one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel 28 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. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
The Christian life has suffering, but stand firm!
To be sure, the Christian life is not a life of ease. The apostle Paul didn’t sugarcoat the reality of suffering. From prison, he wrote to the Philippians not only to encourage them, but to remind them that following Jesus often involves struggle. Yet through that struggle, God shapes faith, builds endurance, and glorifies Christ.
Paul gives us a challenge: “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” The word “conduct” refers to being a good citizen, living as someone who represents a greater kingdom. For the Christian, that kingdom is not Rome or America; it is the Kingdom of Heaven. Every choice, conversation, and response becomes an opportunity to reflect the gospel’s truth, value and impact in our lives.
Paul then urges us to “stand firm in one spirit” and to “strive together.” The image here is of soldiers holding the line in battle or athletes working as one unit. The Christian life is not meant to be lived alone nor should the Christian suffer alone. God desires and places us in community with others to support each other, especially when going through pain and suffering. Unity in Christ and with other Christians gives us strength to endure together what would be crushing alone.
But why the need to stand firm? Because suffering is part of the life of the Christian. In verse 29, Paul says, “It has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.” That word “granted” is rooted in grace. It’s not a punishment—suffering for Christ is actually a privilege. It identifies us with Jesus, who suffered for us. But as with every call the Lord gives us, he does not leave us unequipped. He gives us the armor of God (Ephesians 6:13) Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
This is not easy. Suffering, especially unjust suffering, feels unfair. A single mother may wonder why she’s been abandoned. A teenager might face mockery for standing up for their faith. A retired couple might endure loneliness and loss. But Paul reminds us that our struggles are not random—they are part of our discipleship. And they are not without purpose.
When believers suffer for Christ, we become a sign. Verse 28 tells us that our courage is “a sign to them [our opponents] that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.” In other words, our willingness to suffer without fear or retreat becomes a witness to the world that the gospel is real, and that our hope is not in this life but in the life to come.
How, then, do we stand firm?
First, remember what Christ has done for you. Second, surround yourself with other believers. And third, keep your eyes on eternity. Trust that your struggles, when surrendered to God, are never wasted.
So don’t give up. Don’t give in. Stand firm. Strive together. And suffer, if you must, as one who belongs to Jesus. Remember he has purpose for you in every pain!
Apply: What helps you to stand firm when sufferings and challenges come? How might you rely on the Lord and community of believers to walk with you during the heaviness of your challenge?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, when suffering comes, help me to stand firm in faith and live a life worthy of Your gospel. Give me courage to endure and the strength to walk in unity with others for Your glory. AMEN.