Think of some of the blessings and benefits that we have as Christians. There are many things we could name: "all spiritual blessings in the heavenly places" (Eph 1:3), a home in heaven (John 14:1-3), forgiveness of sin (1 John 2:12), the indwelling Holy Spirit (Rom 8:15-16), and the list could go on and on. However, Philippians 1:27-30 mentions one benefit of salvation that God has given to us that we usually (conveniently) forget: we have the opportunity to suffer persecution for Jesus Christ.In verse 27, Paul commands the Philippians to live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. This is a life that is characterized by obedience to Jesus Christ, one that demonstrates externally the internal change that has taken place. This kind of life would not bring reproach to the name of Jesus Christ nor sully the testimony of the gospel. It would not create a barrier to the advance of the gospel.
The result of a church that lives in a manner worthy of the gospel is twofold: first, they will be unified in the gospel. As verse 27 says, that church will be "standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel." They will be unified in their goal of advancing the gospel. Second, they will be not terrified by those who oppose the gospel. Verse 28 says the result is that they are "not frightened in anything by your opponents." Instead of a terror or concern about those who oppose the gospel, the church that lives worthy of the gospel of Christ is concerned only with the advance of the gospel.
Who are these people who oppose the gospel? Well, in the most basic sense, every unbeliever is in opposition and rebellion to the gospel. However, some are more bold and overt in their opposition. They may taunt, mock, or ridicule those who live a life worthy of the gospel. More likely in Paul's day, they threatened imprisonment, bodily harm, or death to the followers of the Christ (remember, Paul wrote this book from prison). This could cause some fear or consternation on the part of believers.
This opposition serves only to prove two things: first, it makes clear the enemies of God and his gospel. Those who oppose the gospel are God's enemies, and they will suffer eternal punishment for their rebellion (v. 28). Their opposition is a "clear sign" that they are headed for eternal destruction.
On the other hand, the opposition also makes clear the allies of God and his gospel. While it is a clear sign of the opposition's impending doom, it also demonstrates the ultimate salvation of those who have submitted themselves to God's gospel. One's reaction to the gospel is a clear evidence of that person's eternal destiny: those who oppose it are headed for destruction, while those who are persecuted for it demonstrate their salvation.
Paul's conclusion in verse 29 is stunning: "For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake." Not only is suffering persecution an evidence of salvation, it is also a gift from God to his own. God has granted to us as Christians the opportunity to suffer for him. This is why the apostles rejoiced for the opportunity to suffer for Christ (Acts 5:41).
The picture the New Testament paints is that suffering persecution necessarily follows from believing in Jesus Christ. As twenty-first American Christians, we think of persecution as the tragic exception rather than the rule. I worry about our churches as I meditate on the words of 2 Timothy 3:12. "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." We should pray that God would give us the privilege to suffer for him, that we would not be terrified in any way of those who oppose our Lord, and that persecution would be a clear evidence of our salvation!
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