Sacred Joy: Philippians 1.12-18

As we continue in Paul's letter to the church at Philippi we see he speaks of suffering.  Paul experienced various trials throughout his ministry.  For Paul and the writers of Scripture suffering was not a strange thing, but normal.  According to Paul suffering is a gift from God for the advancement of the gospel of Christ.  Often trials impede our progress in our walk with Christ.  Paul saw trials as those which brought even greater progress to the advancement of the gospel.  So how do you respond to suffering?  For Paul, he rejoices because through such Christ is proclaimed.