How could Paul be full of joy while suffering constantly for the sake of the gospel?
Paul’s joy was an inner joy grounded in faith, not dependent on outward comfort. He rejoiced that his labor for the gospel was not in vain and that believers shared one love and mind. Even while under constant persecution, he could rejoice with them in their faith.
Les teaches that Paul and his companions were under constant persecution, yet they had joy because of their faith; it was an inner thing, not an outward circumstance. Paul’s joy was tied to the Philippians’ spiritual walk: he asked them to fulfill his joy by being like-minded, having the same love, and being of one accord and one mind. In Philippians 2:16 he desired to rejoice in the day of Christ that he had not run in vain or labored in vain. In the following words, if he were offered upon the sacrifice and service of their faith, he could joy and rejoice with them all. Les points out that Paul himself was under constant pressure and suffered for the sake of the gospel, under trials and tribulation constantly, yet he was full of joy and able to rejoice. Les also notes how spoiled we are and asks what we would do if someone arrested us for being a Christian.