Daily Lesson for September 7, 2021

 Today's Daily Lesson comes from Philippians chapter 1 verses 27 through 30:

27 Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, 28and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing. 29For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well— 30since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

Earlier in his missionary journeys Paul had visited the city of Philippi, established a church there, and been wrongfully imprisoned and beaten without reason. It was a traumatic event, yet Paul survived, and the authorities in the city were made to publicly admit their wrongdoings.

Now, sometime later -- we aren't quite sure how long -- Paul is in chains again. And he's writing the church back in Philippi, to give them strength and courage to press on in the struggle. He's still fighting the good fight, and he writes to his friends to tell them to continue to do the same.

Yes, they are suffering. But suffering for the sake of the Gospel is a "privilege" Paul says. It is a part of what is necessary amidst the birth pangs of the beloved community.

"[I] know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel and are in no way intimidated by your opponents," Paul says. "This is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation."

We press on. We strive side by side. With one mind and one heart we continue to walk arm in arm for the sake of God's Gospel. The opposition is strong, and Paul is in chains, but we will not be given over to evil. But we shall overcome evil with good.

And we shall overcome.

Rev. Ryon Price is Senior Pastor of Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas.