Kingdom dynamics

The Concept of Heavenly Citizenship VI

Abreham G.

1:27-30 Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel 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. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. (emphasis mine)

In part IV and V of this series I have discussed that discord among God's people is one of the factors that threatens the forward movement of the gospel. The other threatening factor is persecution. Persecution can be understood as a systematic marginalization, harassment, and or destruction of individuals or groups that are considered as the other. Persecution could be political, racial or religious in nature. In the early days of Christianity Christ's disciples (people who follow Christ) were seen as the other and were treated likewise. Yet despite persecution the church of God lived and thrived to this day.

A sketchy reading of New Testament scriptures reveals that suffering for the sake of Christ/ the Gospel is assumed. Paul reminded the Philippians that they were suffering in the manner he was suffering. They were going through hardships because of their allegiance to Christ. And as partners in the gospel, they needed to know that they also shared in Paul's suffering. Of course they were sharing in Christ's suffering.

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. (1 Pet 4:12-13)

The persecution the believers at Philippi faced was not unique. Other Christian communities were also being persecuted (1 Pet 4:12, 5:9). What they needed was inspiration. Where do they get it from? Ultimately, they would get it from their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who endured the cross for the joy set before him (Heb 12:2). They have Paul at the moment whom they were advised to imitate (Phil 3:17). He was their inspiration. That was why he wrote them about his situation. He remained faithful to the gospel he preached even in such hard times. Whether in death (in the hands of the Romans) or in life (rescued through prayer and God's provision of the Spirit), he was determined to honor Christ in his body (Phil 1:20). This persistence has been for some a source of courage to preach the gospel boldly (Phil 1:14). So too will it be an inspiration for believers at Philippi.

Going back to the times when the gospel was introduced to the Philippians for the first time, Paul and Silas were severely beaten and thrown to prison without trial. Both were Roman citizens (Acts 16:37-38). They had the right to a fair trial. Yet they let the authorities mistreat them. I do not know why. But it surely reminds me of Christ, who willingly gave up his rights and privileges as God, to partner with lost humanity and suffer on our behalf. Indeed his pains brought for us peace.

Surely he took up our pain
and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
stricken by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed. (Isa 53:4-5)

Suffering is not desirable. But what if that is our fate? What if our faithfulness to Christ and his gospel meant persecution? Will we abandon our commitment to Christ and the gospel? What if Jesus compromised in the face of death? We would not be talking about the gospel or salvation.

Paul's word of advise for Christians facing persecution is to accept it and remain faithful to the gospel. He encouraged the Philippian believers to continue holding tight to the word of life among the unbelieving community of Philippi. That was what Paul was doing in Rome, and that is what he encouraged the Philippians to do in their own city. And that is what God expects us to do in our communities so that the gospel may continue to move forward until the glorious appearance of Christ.

So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. (2 Tim 1:8)

Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. (2 Tim 2:3)

May your love abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Amen