Philippians 1:29 NKJV
For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
Philippians 1:29 NKJV
Paul, in this letter, highlighted the things that matter most and how to hold on to that which is far more important in life: our faith in what Christ has done.
There are two main things that Paul shares in these verses. One is that we have been granted to believe, and the other is the proof of going in the right direction.
We have been granted all things through Christ. To believe is the privilege to live in His fullness.
This is pure favor and grace God has given to all mankind. Those who choose to believe will be able to enjoy what Christ had prepared before the foundation of the world.
Our life did not start here when we were born, but our life started in God before the foundation of the world. Our provision for life and future has been prepared.
To believe in it and to walk according to God's word will open the gift that has been wrapped up in His word.
The suffering for His sake: religious people don't like to know that it is entirely the grace of God and not the works of man. Anyone who stands in the grace of God and in what Christ has accomplished will be persecuted by religious leaders.
Why? Because it nullifies the work of man, it leaves them no room to be boastful of their piety. All their sacrifices become of no effect.
When we start to believe that Christ has done everything for us and all we need to do is to execute what has been given in our lives, we will be persecuted.
Persecution for following Jesus is not a bad thing, according to Paul. He says it is proof that we are true followers of Christ.
It gives no room to boast about self, about our prayer, our fasting, and our sacrifices, but totally living and working out the grace of God.
To believe and to suffer for Christ Jesus is a blessing that causes us to stand in the unshakable kingdom of God.
Let us stand strong in Christ no matter what may come our way.
Live in the blessings,
Ps Ambrose