What does "granted on behalf of Christ" imply about our calling as believers? The Gift Wrapped in Grace Philippians 1:29: “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him.” • “Granted” translates charizomai—“to grace, to freely bestow.” • Both faith and suffering come to us as purposeful gifts, issued “on behalf of Christ.” • Our calling, then, is never random hardship; it is a divinely orchestrated participation in Christ’s own mission. Believing: A Supernatural Gift • Faith itself is not self-generated; it is God’s gracious bestowal (Ephesians 2:8-9). • This gift unites us to Christ (John 6:44) and sets the trajectory of our lives (Galatians 2:20). • Because it is granted, we rest securely—our salvation is anchored in God’s initiative, not our performance (John 10:28-29). Suffering: An Unexpected Privilege • The same grace that births faith also appoints suffering. • Jesus forewarned—and dignified—this reality (John 15:18-20; Matthew 5:10-12). • Suffering “for Him” identifies us with Christ’s own path (1 Peter 4:13), proving our union and refining our witness (James 1:2-4). • Far from contradiction, hardship is evidence that we belong to Him (2 Timothy 3:12). Living Out the Double Gift 1. Embrace the call – Receive trials as stewardship, not accident (2 Corinthians 4:17). 2. Rely on grace – The One who grants the burden supplies the strength (2 Corinthians 12:9). 3. Reflect Christ – Patient endurance proclaims the gospel louder than words (Philippians 1:12-14). 4. Encourage others – Shared sufferings build mutual courage (1 Thessalonians 3:2-3). 5. Anticipate reward – We are “heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him” (Romans 8:17). Encouragement from Fellow Sufferers • Acts 5:41—early believers “rejoiced that they had been considered worthy to suffer disgrace for the Name.” • Colossians 1:24—Paul sees afflictions as filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions—extending His presence through the church. • Revelation 2:10—“Be faithful even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Putting It All Together The phrase “granted on behalf of Christ” means every believer receives a twin gift: saving faith and Christ-honoring suffering. Both draw us into deeper fellowship with our Savior and advance His purposes on earth. To accept one and resist the other is to misunderstand grace; to welcome both is to walk faithfully in our high calling. |
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