Paul: Don’t be intimidated
God’s People on Mission
Paul: Don’t be intimidated
Last Sunday we had the privilege of hearing from a brother and a sister in Christ who live in a country that is hostile to the Christian faith. They shared with us some of what they had suffered in order to proclaim, and live out the Good News. I’ve heard people share similar stories before, and I’ve certainly read of many such accounts. But to stand alongside someone, to shake the hand of a brother who has been subjected to years of imprisonment in such terrible conditions, not once but four times, is so different to reading about it. But more than that, to see the joy on their face, and their willingness to return home to continue the ministry, despite what they might face, is truly humbling.
I’ve had a couple of days to reflect on their time with us. A message like that is such a treasure, but we can so quickly allow ourselves to fall back into our routine and our comfort. So because I wanted to hold onto what we received over the weekend I was drawn to Paul’s encouragement to the Philippians. There he writes:
Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it. (Philippians 1:27 – 30)
For now, any suffering we may face may pail by comparison with Paul’s, or even those our church got to hear from this past week. But their message and encouragement to us is not wasted if we allow it to inspire us to live as Paul encouraged the Philippians. He highlighted two great challenges, which I’ll frame as questions, that I want to remind us to consider:
The first question is to ask: Is our conduct worthy of the Gospel that we profess, hold to and share? On Sunday, we heard how people sought our faithful friends out because of who they are and how they lived. Their character stood out in comparison to others, and so naturally it drew people to them. But it also drew opposition from those who are under the power of the enemy. The question to you and I is; is that true of us? Do we stand out, in our character, integrity, the words we use, how we speak words of truth and love.
We may not face the same opposition when we share the Gospel, at least not in terms of consequences. But we should be aware that the culture we live in is just as evil and dark, if only for different reasons. Therefore our character should draw people to us that are looking for hope, and it should also draw opposition from those who love the darkness of this age.
The second question that comes out of Paul’s charge to the Philippians is: Are we intimidated ‘in any way’ by our enemies, that is, those who are under the power of the enemy and holding onto the temporary joys of this world. We are intimidated if we allow ourselves to ‘keep our heads down’ or fall for the temptation to ‘just blend in.’ And we are intimidated if we allow our fear to keep us at home, rather than trusting in God and boldly living in the world that needs to hear the Gospel, and see it on display in our lives.
As I seek to hang on to the powerful testimony and message from Sunday – two things stand out to me. My character! I’m challenged to live and to speak in such a way that will draw a response from those around me?
And my visibility! I should continue to seek to be humbly bold and ‘out there’ and not hiding away. Because God clearly and repeatedly shared his plan and mission for all of us who have chosen to follow the way of Christ:
No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. (Matthew 5:15 – 16)
