Philippians 1:29 KJV
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
So here is the question that came to my mind today; "Who is suffering for His sake now?"
This passage must not be meant to apply only to pastors because Paul plainly addressed this letter to
Philippians 1:1 KJV
... all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
So if we were to read this passage in strict context it wold mean that it is given to the saints first, and then the bishops (pastors) and deacons not only to believe but to suffer.
I wonder if many pastors and deacons suffer these days for Christ's sake. At least here in America the last thing we think of when we think of a successful pastor is of a suffering man.
Today's successful pastor
Lives in a nice house
Drives a new car
Leads a large congregation and
Has followers (in some cases) world-wideWhat has he sacrificed for Jesus Christ? Woe to the pastor of our day who has mingled the ministry with the rewards of worldliness!
And then there are the deacons. In our world the deacons tend to be more like the successful business men of the congregation whose job it is not only to counsel but to supervise the pastor in the performance of his duties. Little is known today of deacons like Stephen and Philip.
But the question must be put first and foremost, not to the pulpit but to the pew. It is to them Paul's address is primarily given. Who among the saints of God is suffering today? I do not mean suffering from ill health or suffering because of the poor economy. I mean suffering for Christ's sake.
Who is it that is giving of their treasures more than the budget can afford because the need of lost souls is so great?
Who is enduring hardships rather than enjoying their comforts so that the name of Jesus is proclaimed?
Who is turning down promotions that would require more time at work and less time in the Lord's vineyards?
There are some. I do not mean to imply otherwise. But Paul says this is God's will for all the saints.
Who will hear his words and step up to this plate for Christ?
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
So here is the question that came to my mind today; "Who is suffering for His sake now?"
This passage must not be meant to apply only to pastors because Paul plainly addressed this letter to
Philippians 1:1 KJV
... all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
So if we were to read this passage in strict context it wold mean that it is given to the saints first, and then the bishops (pastors) and deacons not only to believe but to suffer.
I wonder if many pastors and deacons suffer these days for Christ's sake. At least here in America the last thing we think of when we think of a successful pastor is of a suffering man.
Today's successful pastor
Lives in a nice house
Drives a new car
Leads a large congregation and
Has followers (in some cases) world-wideWhat has he sacrificed for Jesus Christ? Woe to the pastor of our day who has mingled the ministry with the rewards of worldliness!
And then there are the deacons. In our world the deacons tend to be more like the successful business men of the congregation whose job it is not only to counsel but to supervise the pastor in the performance of his duties. Little is known today of deacons like Stephen and Philip.
But the question must be put first and foremost, not to the pulpit but to the pew. It is to them Paul's address is primarily given. Who among the saints of God is suffering today? I do not mean suffering from ill health or suffering because of the poor economy. I mean suffering for Christ's sake.
Who is it that is giving of their treasures more than the budget can afford because the need of lost souls is so great?
Who is enduring hardships rather than enjoying their comforts so that the name of Jesus is proclaimed?
Who is turning down promotions that would require more time at work and less time in the Lord's vineyards?
There are some. I do not mean to imply otherwise. But Paul says this is God's will for all the saints.
Who will hear his words and step up to this plate for Christ?
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