Philippians 1:30

"engaged in teh same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have."

What is this same conflict? Paul is getting to the application verse after laying foundations and principles regarding suffering. So what is common conflict that Paul faced when he first started the church in Philippi and now faces? I think this same conflict is the advancement of the Gospel. It is the suffering that comes about as you take the Gospel to unbelievers.

To conclude all of this suffering talk, we must take it in context. Suffering in and of itself is stupid because it most likely is being done for our own glory, which is not smart. BUT, if suffering is done for Jesus Christ, then the suffering is a means to glorify Jesus and in effect brings joy (maybe not in this lifetime, but in eternal life). When done for Jesus' glory it proves that our faith is real (as Brian alluded to in the previous verse). So suffering should exist when it is being done to advance the Gospel and/or make much of Jesus. It is a good attitude and mindset to have so that we always are cautious about who is getting the glory.... us or Jesus?