Let us instead follow Paul‘s example of earnestly desiring tobe with the Lord while choosing to live each day for Him by workingto build up His body. - P74
27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a mannerworthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I comeand see you or only hear about you in my absence, Iwill know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, strivingtogether as one for the faith of the gospel27 Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a mannerworthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again oronly hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit andone purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. - P73
29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ notonly to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,
29 For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also theprivilege of suffering for him. - P73
Paul wants to leave the world and be with Christ, but he knows that the Philip-pian believers need him to remain. Therefore, he will continue with them fortheir progress and joy in the faith. - P73
Paul exhorts the saints to live a life worthyof the gospel. God has given them faith so that they may not only believe inChrist but also suffer for Him. - P73
As we remain in this world until the Lord decides to call us home, wemust be prepared for the long and often difficult grind of life that is setout for us. - P74
This is not something to be merely endured however; it isan opportunity to live out our faith as we pursue holiness and contendfor the gospel in the face of opponents who try to bring us down anddisrupt the unity of the church. - P74
Jesus warned us that suffering is partand parcel of the Christian life. - P74
It is the road that He walked Himself,
and all His disciples who come after Him are called to follow the samepath as a demonstration of the power of the gospel. - P74
"Often, we endure trials seeking God‘s deliverance from them. Suffering ispainful for us to endure or to see those we love endure. While our instinct is toflee trials, remember that even in the midst of suffering, God‘s will is being done-Paul Chappell - P74
Father God, by Your grace, I have decided to follow Jesus in life and in death.
- P75
Empower me by Your Spirit to take up the charge to live for His glory even inthe face of life‘s struggles and suffering. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P75
I imagine the Philippians were just as overjoyed with the apostle Paul‘sdeclaration that, given the choice between going to his heavenly reward or staying to minister
to the church, he would pick the latter. - P75
Itis even more astounding when we consider the perils that Paul wouldbe risking to stay in the game. He made this decision knowing hemight have to endure another thrashing from an angry mob, anothershipwreck, and more days of hunger and poverty. - P75
How is he ableto persevere? Unlike the contestants of a quiz show, Paul‘s decisionwas not a gamble. His reward was guaranteed and so is ours! - P75
Maythis truth embolden us to endure trials and do all we can to help ourbrothers and sisters grow in their enjoyment of Christ. - P75
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