Philippians 3:1-11
We are living in the time when the world waits of the consummation of Jesus’ glorious kingdom when sin and death and their repercussions will be finally obliterated.
In this time, we are called to join with Jesus by entering His kingdom and participating in the reclaiming of this world by believing in Him, taking up our crosses and following Him.
As we live lives dedicated to Him, and witness for Him, we will face persecution and resistance just like Jesus did. We may very well find ourselves suffering for our faith. That is what Paul is talking about. When he speaks of the fellowship of His suffering, he’s not talking about just bearing up under some inconvenience in life. When you come to know Him and walk with Him and are living a life that is a mission for Him, you will be attacked by the enemy, Satan, and worldly and misled people. As you experience those things, and stay steadfast in your faith, you will know Him and His presence in ways you never could, otherwise.
