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AN EVIDENT TOKEN OF SALVATION
MONDAY, APRIL 24
Philippians 1:28-30

1 Peter 4:12-13

 

“…not only to believe on him,

but also to suffer for his sake.”

 

AN EVIDENT TOKEN OF SALVATION
 
When a believer suffers for righteousness’ sake, it is described as “an evident token of…salvation” (Phil 1:28). What that means is that when we go through persecution, it is a visible proof that we are true believers, that we have been counted worthy to suffer for Jesus’ sake. It is a suffering that comes of God, given to believers as a gift of His grace.
 
Suffering is a gift? It may be an idea hard to stomach, but it is a teaching consistent throughout Scripture that all who live righteously and in a godly manner will suffer persecution (2 Tim 3:12; 1 Pet 4:12-13)! Why? Because Jesus Himself suffered for our sakes, can we as His disciples expect any less? It should be a comfort to know that when we or our church go through trials and tribulations, it is a sign to us that the devil is working against us, that we are engaged on the frontlines of the spiritual warfare, and that we are indeed useful for the Lord!
 
Paul himself was facing so much of it, and he comforted the believers with the assurance that when they too suffered these things, it was for their good, and not something to be terrified of or dreaded. The important thing was that no matter what, they must maintain their consistent testimony, and always stand firm on the side of the Lord.
 
The stage is being set all around us. The prevailing culture of our time is becoming increasingly hostile against Christianity and the conservative values that we hold. When we stand up for what is right, be sure that we will suffer the ire and scorn of the world around us.
 
Are we fearful for our children who are growing up in an atheistic environment? Do we allow such fear to cripple us and prevent us from witnessing for Him? Be comforted in the fact that the persecution that we face is proof to us that we are fighting on the side of the Lord. Let us continue to trust in the Lord and pray that He will grant us the courage to press on for Him amid any hostilities that we may face.
 
THOUGHT: Can I be a faithful Christian and yet not have to suffer persecution?
PRAYER: I thank Thee, Father, for the comfort and assurance I can have in Thy Word.

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