Philippians 1:27-28, “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that are standing firm in one Spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of salvation, and that from God.”
I have heard the word “opposition” being used in many social media posts throughout these past few months. It seems to be the hot topic in many conversations, and in our thoughts that just isn’t going to go away. It has become very emotional. Paul experienced the most adversaries throughout his life and ministry than any other. It is recorded in Acts 16:22-24 that when he and Silas were in Philippi, many people attacked them. Then a group of judges had them stripped of their clothing and had Paul and Silas severely beaten with wooden rods. It was a massive miscarriage of justice because there was no fair hearing of attaining the facts, and Paul and Silas were not allowed to speak in their defense and were then incarcerated. While put in prison, Paul and Silas had a two-person songfest at midnight, which the prisoners all heard. Next, God caused an earthquake to happen, and the Philippian jailer then believed in Christ, and even his entire household did the same. Impressive, wasn’t it? Rash and extreme behavior is always the result of a state of despair and was shown by the enemy. Satan considered Paul and Silas a threat to death and darkness. But the potent power of God overall always wins, as was shown that night.
Paul had close friends and people in the church that sometimes opposed him. Then there were government officials, beatings, three times suffered shipwrecks, stoning’s, unjust criticisms, false teachers, all opposed his ministry at times, in his preaching and teaching the gospel (2 Cor. 11:23-27). Yet Paul counseled the Philippians not to be fearful of anything the opposition might do or attempt to do. I can hear Paul saying, “So what? It takes strategy. Buckle up! Here we go!” Paul stated they were to stand firm and stand united in Christ, and not be alarmed by critics, no matter what happened. He reminded them that it takes practicing Christian teamwork, as we are citizens of heaven and need to act like it, having joy, even as we battle the enemy.
We all have the same Commander In Chief – the Lord Jesus Christ. We all possess the same armor (Ephe. 6), and our reputation needs to remain steadfast in our unity and love in living out our spiritual integrity, as Paul declared in Romans 12:9, “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” We will have conflict in various forms and areas of our lives and relationships from beginning to end as Paul also experienced.
“If you are being attacked, it’s proof that the Enemy sees you as a worthy target, proof that you’re making an impact.” Jon Courson. Application Commentary. New Testament. I am reminded, that I must be sure I am representing Christ, and given the green light, in the authority of the Holy Spirit before stepping out in the power of the Spirit, when having any of those personal “critical conversations,” during any trying and troublesome circumstance. As the Message version so eloquently states Philippians 1:27-28 this way: “Meanwhile, live in such a way that you are a credit to the Message of Christ. Let nothing in your conduct hang on whether I come or not. Your conduct must be the same whether I show up to see things for myself or hear of it from a distance. Stand united, singular in vision, contending for people’s trust in the Message, the good news, not flinching or dodging in the slightest before the opposition. Your courage and unity will show them what they’re up against: defeat for them, victory for you – and both because of God.”
Listen to Casting Crowns – Make Me A River (Official Lyric Video) 10/4/2016.