Two Privileges – Trusting and Suffering

“Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for Him.” — Philippians 1:28–29 (NLT)

 

When we are actively engaged in the work of the Lord—whether in preaching, leading, planting churches, discipling others, or standing for truth—we will face opposition. Paul doesn't say if enemies come, but rather urges believers not to be intimidated by them when they do.

 

What’s surprising is that many of these enemies may come not from outside the Church, but from within. Jesus Himself experienced this. His fiercest critics were not pagans or Romans, but the religious elite—the scribes, Pharisees, and temple leaders. Those who claimed to serve God were the very ones plotting against His Son.

In my own experience, I have found that those who resist or undermine God’s work most often come from within the Christian world. It’s painful. It feels like betrayal. Strangely this seems to be the experience of many great leaders in the Christians faith. But if our Master was betrayed, falsely accused, misunderstood, and opposed, then why should we expect anything different? 

“A servant is not greater than his master.” (John 15:20)

 

Stand Firm, Do Not Be Intimidated

 

Paul's instruction is clear: “Do not be intimidated in any way by your enemies.”

Intimidation is a tactic of the enemy to paralyze your calling. But Paul says don’t back down. Your courage is a sign—a divine message that your enemies will not have the final word. God will.

 

“This will be a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.” God sees. God knows. God Himself will vindicate and rescue. Just like He did for:

• Joseph, betrayed by his brothers, falsely accused, and imprisoned—but God raised him to power in Egypt to save a nation.

• Daniel, slandered by jealous colleagues, thrown into a lion’s den—but God shut the lions' mouths and elevated him in Babylon.

When you walk faithfully and are wrongfully opposed, remember: you’re in good company. You're walking a path familiar to saints—and to Christ Himself.

 

The Twin Privileges: Trusting and Suffering

 

Paul ends with a bold, countercultural statement:

 

“You have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for Him.”

We all rejoice in the first privilege—trusting Jesus, receiving His salvation, His grace, His promises. But Paul says there’s a second privilege that comes with discipleship: suffering for His name.

 

In today’s world, suffering is seen as something to avoid. But in the Kingdom of God, suffering for Christ is an honour, not a curse. To share in His mission is to share in His pain—and one day, in His glory.

 

If we suffer with Him, we will also reign with Him.” (2 Timothy 2:12)

 

James echoes this when he says: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” (James 1:2-3)

 

Why joy? Because suffering produces something eternal—faith, perseverance, and maturity. What the enemy intends for harm, God uses to shape Christ’s likeness in us and to advance His Kingdom.

 

Reflection Questions

 

1. Have you faced opposition, especially from within the church world? How have you responded?

 

2. Are you tempted to shrink back out of fear or intimidation? What would it look like to stand firm?

 

3. Do you view suffering for Christ as a burden or as a privilege? Why?

 

Prayer

 

Father, I thank You for the privilege of trusting in Jesus—and for the grace to suffer for Him. Strengthen me not to be intimidated by opposition, whether from outside or within the church. Remind me that You see, You vindicate, and You reward. Help me walk faithfully, with boldness and joy, even in the face of hardship. Like Joseph, like Daniel, like Jesus—may I stand firm, trusting You to complete what You have begun in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.