SURPASSING GREATNESS
Philippians 1:29-30: “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.”
Believers often wonder in confusion when reading the opening Scripture. Is Apostle Paul serious that suffering is granted to Believers in Christ? Granted, as though it’s something we want? Really?
Surely, something is hidden that Paul wants to teach. The Greek language uses different words to express different meanings. Charizomai is a Greek verb used in this passage that implies something is freely given for someone else’s benefit. Paul uses this verb frequently in his many books in the New Testament.
“When you were dead in your sins …, God made you alive in Christ. He forgave us all our sins.” (Colossians 2:13). Paul uses charizomai here expressing God freely makes us alive in Christ when we were dead in our sins.
Paul urges Believers to be kind, compassionate, and forgive each other, “just as in Christ, God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32). In 2 Corinthians 2:7, Paul writes to forgive others freely and expansively: “Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.”
Paul attaches blessings received to sufferings endured. Read about a shipwreck in Acts 27: beginning in verse 13. A stubborn centurion ignored Paul’s warning not to go to Rome. A storm surged, threatening lives. Panic followed.
An angel appeared to encourage and bless Paul in verse 23-24: “he said, ‘Do not be afraid Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given [granted] you the lives of all who sail with you.’”
Paul’s “I told you so speech” uses the verb charizomai in Acts 27:21-26. God “granted” that all those who sailed with Paul would arrive alive.
See the lesson linked below to see the stiff backbones, daring speech, and strength Paul and others in Christ attained following this shipwreck experience. Then identify the “surpassing greatness” blessing.
Take Home Nugget
If that ship would have lost Paul and all on board, including his good friend doctor Luke—the books of Luke and Acts (count the number of “we” pronouns in Acts) wouldn’t exist. Paul stood trial before Caesar before taking the Gospel to the most famous city in the Roman Empire.
It is likely that Paul wrote to the Philippians soon after his ship was smashed on the rocks in Acts 27:41. God granted Paul “Romans” and “Philippians” churches and these books in the Bible! That explains why suffering is granted—as a gift.
Sometimes, gifts granted from suffering are only seen in the rear-view mirror of life.
J.D. Griffith
Here’s another eBook by J.D. Griffith:
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