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TERRIFYING ADVERSARIES!
LORD’S DAY, APRIL 23
Philippians 1:27-30

2 Timothy 1:7-8

 

“…in nothing terrified

by your adversaries…”

 

TERRIFYING ADVERSARIES!
 
Peter warned us in 1 Peter 5:8: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” Like a lion stalking its prey on the savannah, Satan is constantly on the prowl, seeking out faithful Christians who are witnessing for the Lord. Admittedly, that does sound frightening. Yet that is the spiritual reality that we are facing. There is a constant battle being waged in the spiritual realm. Satan and his demons will never rest as long as faithful Christians are serving the Lord and bringing others to Christ.
 
Persecution was a problem that the early church (and much of Christianity through the ages) faced. Oppression and hostility arose because of the enemies of Christ. There were adversaries who were troubling them, making life difficult for faithful believers. As a result, they suffered great adversity, and it caused much fear and concern in every community of Christians.
 
Paul exhorted the Philippians not to be terrified by these adversaries. It was a very real problem for them, just as Paul himself had experienced when he first entered Philippi in Acts 16. He explained that the trouble that these adversaries were causing was but evidence of their perdition (ruin or loss). When the persecutors went about causing him hurt and harm, Paul explained that it was an “evident token” (Phil 1:28), a sign or proof of their own sin and coming judgment. They would suffer their fate. When they did these things, they were just revealing their sin, and showing to the world that they were destined for destruction one day.
 
Therefore, there is no need to fear the enemies of the cross, for God’s judgment upon them is sure. While we may not know when, we can be assured that God knows exactly what is going on, and what is the fair and just retribution that they deserve. Instead of fear, our response towards them should be one of compassion. We should endeavour to share the Gospel even to those who would persecute us for our faith.
 
THOUGHT: What sort of persecution do I face?
PRAYER: Father, may Thou grant me the boldness and courage to share the Gospel even with those who persecute me.

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