God Works Great Things Through Our Suffering

Commentary

Through Paul’s faithfulness during suffering, God was able to use Paul’s situation to advance the Gospel to people who may not have heard it any other way, and bring encouragement to others in the Body of Christ. This not only undoubtedly encouraged the church in Philippi, but as we’ll see later, greatly encouraged believers who were around Paul.

An important thing to note is that those in the prison and working the prison came to know that Paul was imprisoned because he was a follower of Christ. We want to make sure that when we suffer at the hands of others, it’s because of our tremendous love for Jesus and not because we fell into sin, which led to breaking the law.

This situation is an example of God truly taking what was meant for evil and using it for His glory and the good of His children.

Commentary

Paul wasn’t the only one who God encouraged. Aside from the church in Philippi, those physically near Paul became emboldened for Christ. The Lord took those who were weak in confidence and fearful, and showed them how it’s done through Paul.

There is nothing like your own persecution or witnessing a brother or sister’s persecution to bring fire to a believer who is fearful or unfocused.

Maybe you’ve experienced this, but if not, imagine the halls of your company, school, church, home set ablaze with God’s Spirit. Where He is using you, in your faithfulness, to share the Gospel bringing others to faith, while believers around you are reignited to the passion they once had for Jesus — that first love. That is the power of God on display when you and I are faithful to Him in all things.

Commentary

Paul made a distinction between those whom he witnessed become more fearless in their faith and those who were preaching Jesus out of impure motives. It sounds like they wanted to make life harder for Paul so that they could get the attention on themselves. There is no room for ego when working for the Lord.

Sadly, there is no shortage of those who place themselves in high regard, while serving as preachers, teachers, church leaders, worship leaders, etc. Today, we often see churches whose focus is on having the largest attendance numbers, the most popular music, or the most trendy pastor. All of that is usually achieved by watering down the Gospel message and attracting people with worldly things, which glorify man and not God.

God doesn’t share His glory, and He makes it clear that He will always exalt the humble and humble those who are proud. As you do what God has tasked you with, make sure your motives are pure, and it’s Jesus you are boosting up and not yourself.

Commentary

This is the right attitude to have. You don’t support anyone’s impure motives, and you don’t let it ruin your day either. When people are preaching Jesus, we can rejoice in the fact that His name is being made front and center. That people are forced to confront the very fact of Jesus.

We each run our race for Christ, and He will judge our performances, not by what others do, but by what we do ourselves. And when your motives are pure, you will be vindicated like Paul. Not alone to face evil, but surrounded by brothers and sisters, praying for you, and empowered by Almighty God.

Always remember that when you’re doing right by God, there will be troublemakers near and far who wish to make you stumble or attempt to take over the platform or sphere of influence that God has blessed you with. Don’t let them hinder you. Keep marching on, eyes on Jesus.

Commentary

This is what the Lord working in you looks like. You come to a place of sheer obedience to Him and full reliance upon Him, in all things. When you’ve reached this point, it’s all about Him and no longer about you.

In your faithfulness, Jesus will be honored in the things you say and do, and there is no limit to how He can use you, whether in your life or death.

As the writer of Hebrews states, though Abel is dead, his faith still speaks. When your faith is on fire, people notice, and God uses that to tug on the hearts of unbelievers and to ignite fellow believers, especially when your faithfulness comes in extreme persecution — even to the point of death.

Each and every day, strive to humbly glorify God in all things and watch just how much He encourages you, blesses you, and those around you, while using your faithfulness to plant, water, and harvest souls for His Kingdom.