Run Day 5 Entrusted To Run: Digging Deeper
March 7, 2025
Discover the original intent of Scripture. Make good application to our everyday lives.
Become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!
Philippians 1:27-30
29 For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are engaged in the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I have.
The Original Intent
1) How do believers practically follow the directive to live “worthy of the gospel of Christ”? (verse 27)
“If you won’t do it for me, do it for….”. Perhaps someone has challenged you with these words, or maybe you’ve implored someone else to take action for another’s sake.
This is Paul’s motivation when he commissions the Philippian believers to live “worthy of the gospel”. As followers of Jesus, we no longer live for ourselves, rather, every aspect of our lives is meant to be an offering to God. We live in honor of Him, walking worthy of His sacrifice which brought about our salvation.
Paul urged the Philippian believers to walk together for Jesus in beautiful unity with one spirit and one accord for the sole purpose of sharing the gospel and honoring Jesus in their everyday lives.
Living in a Roman military colony where citizenship for Rome came at a price, the Philippian believers understood Paul’s language of citizenship and the responsibilities connected with that privilege. More than citizens of a Roman colony, Philippian Christ-followers were citizens of the Kingdom in Christ. (verse 27) Paul implored them to conduct themselves as members of that kingdom, worthy of the gospel that had bought their freedom and purchased their eternal citizenship.
Their true identity was citizenship under Christ’s rule, not Caesar’s. It’s as if Paul stated, “You are proudly Roman citizens; so am I! (Acts 22:27-28) BUT, constantly bear in mind, your true citizenship belongs to Christ, so exercise that citizenship in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ!”
Isaiah 61:1-2 foretold how the Messiah (Jesus) would be recognized through the Spirit’s work, and it’s this same Spirit of the Lord who indwells every believer. Living worthy of the gospel looks like living as Jesus did, relying on the Spirit of God at work in us.
The Everyday Application
1) How do believers practically follow the directive to live “worthy of the gospel of Christ”? (verse 27)
Like Jesus, as foretold in Isaiah 61:1-2, we are to bring the good news of the gospel to the afflicted (the lost without Jesus), help the broken, comfort those who mourn, and let every aspect of our lives be marked by Christ. (Colossians 3:17)
An impossible task? Yes! Unless we submit to the power of God through His Spirit, this is an impossible race. Our lives must be under the rule of the Spirit.
When we give our control to the Spirit, He grows the good fruit of Jesus in us. His fruit is genuine love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Paul, led by the Spirit to bring the gospel to the afflicted, was imprisoned for preaching as he wrote to the believers in Philippi. He wasn’t sure if he would see the Philippian believers before his execution, so he wrote his most encouraging letter preserved in Scripture to them. Paul exhorted them to conduct themselves as citizens of heaven by honoring the gospel, standing firm in the faith, and living fearless by the Spirit. Bold words coming from a man in prison for submitting his life to the rule of the Spirit!
The call to follow Jesus is counter cultural both then and now. Christ remains the same, and so does His Spirit, so our call remains the same. (Romans 11:29) All who fully trust Jesus and turn away from sin are entrusted to run the race of this life under the rule of the Spirit of God. As we run on earth, together with believers everywhere, we are to imitate Christ. (Ephesians 5:1-2)
Unified by His Spirit, believers are an advancing army against Satan, unwavering in our assault on the gates of hell, as we promote God’s Kingdom. (Matthew 6:10) We’ve been entrusted to run well!
The Original Intent
2) Is Paul’s instruction to not be frightened by opponents actually realistic? (verse 28)
Paul encourages Christians to live with great courage, rather than fear, in the face of great persecution and trials. His own example of sending encouragement while imprisoned was evidence that his urgings were not impossible, but plausible! A few verses prior, Paul declared that his chains actually helped spread the gospel! (Philippians 1:12-13)
The opponents Paul referenced are likely the false teachers and antagonists mentioned in Acts 16 whom Paul had encountered on his travels. (Acts 16:12, Acts 16:22-24) Paul knew the faces of specific antagonists in Philippi, but he knew many more would come regardless of the location. Where Christ was preached, opposition was certain. Paul’s testimony and constant threat of danger was proof of the truth of Jesus’ words, “You will have suffering in this world!” (John 16:33)
Jesus’ warning was immediately followed by the source of Paul’s courage and the reason he could honestly instruct the Philippians to not be frightened by their opponents. “Be courageous! I have conquered the world!” (John 16:33) Those opposed to the message of Christ didn’t get the final word on God’s People. Christ does! And He won!
God’s message of encouragement runs all the way back to the Old Testament, “Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For the Lord your God is the one who will go with you; He will not leave you or abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6, emphasis mine)
God’s steadfast promise of His presence as Victor is meant to comfort and help us amid our struggles. Remember, our eternal home and our real citizenship awaits when our journey is done here on earth. Because our victory is sure, we need have no fear! (Psalm 118:6-7)
The Everyday Application
2) Is Paul’s instruction to not be frightened by opponents actually realistic? (verse 28)
Christians throughout history have experienced intimidation and oppression from taunts and exclusion to death. Those who read Paul’s words in free countries today should praise the Lord for the relative ease we have in following Jesus. We should use our freedom all the more to make Christ known!
When believers live without fear in the face of threats, it serves as a form of evangelism. (Philippians 1:12-13) Our steadfastness in Christ emphasizes the confidence we have in Jesus, which warns those who reject Christ’s offer of total forgiveness. God’s rescue gives great courage to believers, even when faced with the potential of death.
The steady courage of believers reminds unbelievers of their own uncertain lives. (2 Corinthians 2:15-16) During times of anguish and loss, people naturally seek answers to their challenges and relief from their pain. Some, blessedly, turn to God.
Recently, a young mom friend of mine received a diagnosis of breast cancer. Without the hope of Christ, she felt devastated and emotionally numb, but when I asked if she would be interested in a Bible Study, she quickly replied YES!
Now she has the opportunity to hear and receive the gospel! Because I know what it is to suffer with the hope of Jesus, I can extend Christ’s hope to my friend and pray that she will decide to follow Jesus so she too can live fearless.
Yes, dear sister, we can stand fearless and courageous in the face of opposition. Whether it’s the intimidation of sharing our story or facing the loss of life, we can stand secure because Jesus has already rescued us for eternity!
If we suffer reproach and loss for Christ, believers can reckon this as a gift to be used to proclaim Christ! “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)
The Original Intent
3) What is implied with the word “granted”? Is it a “gift” to both believe and suffer? How is this possible? (verses 29-30)
Possessing, and using, faith to trust in Jesus for rescue from the eternal condemnation of death is a gift from God. (Ephesians 2:8) Have you considered that suffering for Christ is also a gift?!
Paul writes, “For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him.” (verse 29, emphasis mine)
The Greek word used for “granted” in our Bibles is “chaizomai”, which means to do someone a kind favor, to graciously and freely give something that isn’t deserved. (Studylight.org)
To suffer for Jesus, according to God’s own Word, is the equivalent of being granted an esteemed privilege; it is an undeserved jewel of a gift! Peter and other disciples were being beaten for sharing Christ, and as they limped away from their scourging, it was recorded, “Then they (the apostles) went out from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be treated shamefully on behalf of the Name.” (Acts 5:41)
Scripture is full of similar accounts of persecution followed by rejoicing, singing, and more people coming to know Christ. The suffering of the believer is under God’s sovereign control and will always be used to strengthen the Church and spread the gospel! (1 Peter 2:20)
Make no mistake, our suffering is no accident, neither is it God’s punishment, rather, suffering for Jesus is cause for joy for it is a gift. Suffering apart from following Jesus, holds no privilege, BUT suffering for Christ holds incalculable eternal value. (1 Peter 3:14, 17, Matthew 5:11-12)
Christ suffered for us, and His victory over death assigns value to our suffering for Him. What greater honor than suffering for the Savior who suffered for us?! (Romans 8:17, 1 Peter 4:12-16) His value for our suffering redefines how we view suffering!
The Everyday Application
3) What is implied with the word “granted”? Is it a “gift” to both believe and suffer? How is this possible? (verses 29-30)
This passage particularly speaks to the suffering that comes from following Jesus. Maybe you’re mocked for praying in public, attending church, or listening to worship music, or maybe the threats pose a risk to your life or of those you love. While God will use every suffering to bring us close to Him, it is a special privilege to endure suffering for Jesus.
Consider your heart response to encountering suffering for following Jesus. Do you see it as a gift from the Lord? Are we willing to accept the first gift of salvation, but reject the second gift of suffering?
As citizens of heaven, we are living out of a suitcase on earth, so we shouldn’t treat this as the ultimate goal of our lives, working to make it comfortable. As spiritual aliens, this world is not our home; we should EXPECT opposition for living in light of eternity.
When suffering comes, Christ calls us to stand firm, holding to confident faith that knows beyond all doubt that, whatever the outcome, God will be glorified, and others will see Him through our suffering.
“You are the light of the world […] Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in Heaven.” (Matthew 5:14, 16)
“I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
Let’s welcome the gift of suffering as we pick up our cross, die to ourselves, and let Jesus live in us! May our embrace of His gift showcase our Master’s great love for others!
Can We Pray With You?
Prayer is central to our ministry as believers in Jesus as we carry eachother’s burdens and intercede for one another. Our team is honored to share the work of praying alongside you!
This Week's Lock Screen
Authentically living out a life of worship to the God who rescued us from darkness requires accountability and intentionality. Join a GT POD and take the next step in your faith journey!
