…and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 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, (Philippians 1:28,29 ESV)
Fear Not… Then Suffer
Grading papers is not usually a pleasant activity. Depending on the subject matter, I often find it either boring, stressful, or difficult. But I am very willing to suffer for the sake of the students. Modernity spouts the myth that it is our right to avoid suffering. But suffering, in some sense, is often the price for progress, community, and love.
And sometimes actual suffering is even more than that.
For Paul, writing to the Philippians, suffering is not something to be avoided, but something we ‘get’ to do. Suffering is closely tied to our belief in Christ.
His suffering puts our suffering in context. His sacrifice puts our suffering in context. His humiliation puts our suffering in context.
Encounters with our opponents seem to justify fear. But when we are aware that through Christ we have nothing to fear, then those difficult encounters are opportunities for Kingdom work. We can willingly suffer through them, because of our workmate, Christ. According to Paul, the difficulties are therefore gifts from God.
We will suffer in this life. (II Corinthians 1:5, I Peter 2:21 et al) But after our fear is gone, suffering is something we get to do. It is not fun. But it is glorious. (Romans 8:18)
Fear not, then suffer.