Philippians 1:12–14
12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
When we accept Christ as our Savior and Lord, we become a new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” We become a new person in Christ. This does not promise us a life without problems or heartaches. There is a growth that takes place in our lives.
During this time of growth there will be times of spiritual growth and suffering. We are introduced to the hope of the glory of God. We will also glory in our sufferings for Christ’s sake. We know that Christ uses suffering in our life to produce perseverance, character, and hope. A lot of my life’s suffering has been of my own making. Many in the world have suffered for Christ refusing to not listen to the evil rulers and follow Christ.
God is creating us to be new people to be conformed to His image. Colossians 3:10 says, “and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.”
Perfection awaits us but not in this lifetime. 1 John 3:2–3 “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.”