The Joy of Suffering
by Rev. Kirby Williams
Paul uses Old Testament imagery to explain how he can rejoice in the midst of suffering.
Text: Phil. 2:17-18
Date: 06/02/2024, the Evening service.
Series: "Evenfall; Sunday Evening Worship" Part 16
Description:
Paul draws a conversation he began back in the first chapter to a close with a dramatic image from the sacrificial liturgy of the Old Testament. He has been encouraging the church at Philippi to remain true to the Gospel and their calling-- even if their circumstances cause them to suffer. But Paul expresses how he finds joy in suffering. Not because he enjoys pain or thinks it makes him more righteous, but because it makes him more alike, and therefore closer to Christ. We will study in great detail the image he creates-- that of a drink offering being poured out upon another offering. And thereby realize the great value Paul attributes to the faith and fruit of the Philippian church. Ultimately, we will ask ourselves: if we really want to be like Christ-- do we, like Paul, experience the joy of suffering?
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I. Introduction
II. Exposition of the text, Phil. 2:17-18.
A. Context, Phil. 1:27,29.
B. Paul's joy in suffering.
1. Understanding the drink offering, vs. 17a.
a. An enigmatic statement.
b. Looking at the words.
i. The hypothetical argument.
ii. The drink offering.
1) Current or future?
2) Hebrew or pagan?
iii. A liturgical sacrifice.
1) The sacrifice, Num. 15:3,4.
2) The service.
iv. The object of the offering, James 2:17-18.
c. An Old Testament image.
i. The burnt offering, Lev. 1:3-9; Ex. 29:39.
ii. The drink offering, Gen. 35:14; Num. 28:7.
d. Interpretation
i. Forming an image of the offering, Phil. 1:5; Luke 9:23.
ii. Considering the nature of the offering, Phil. 1:25,2:24,1:21,3:8.
2. Rejoicing in suffering, vs. 17b-18; Phil. 1:5,29,30,3:10.
III. Conclusion, Acts. 5:40-41; Matt. 5:10-12; 2Tim. 2:11-12.
