“And not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.” Philippians 1:28
October 4, 2022
A major turn has occurred in our culture. Those who dominate government, academia, business, medicine, science, and of course the media, have no time for God. The church of Jesus Christ is surrounded by a hostile worldview. If you haven’t noticed, disciples of Jesus who have the audacity to display courage in standing for their convictions are targets of ridicule and misrepresentation. The bullies of the cancel culture have a variety of tactics to silence, in the words of Francis Schaeffer, true truth. The church in the city of Philippi in 61 A.D. was under attack of self-righteous, religious adversaries and idol-worshiping pagans. The apostle’s language is very strong here, “in not being scared in nothing.” They were not to be intimidated. Their suffering for Christ was proof of the inevitable judgment that was to come on the godless. The fact of endurance in the face of opposition is itself the evidence that God has done a supernatural work in those who are His (“salvation for you”). Fellow believer, we are to stand shoulder to shoulder with well sharpened discernment and bravery under fire in our love for Christ. Are we living proof that God is carrying out His kingdom plan? H
A time for prayer: “Almighty God, steel me for bravery in action as I take the blows intended for Jesus Christ.”