Philippians 1:28
and not being frightened in anything by those opposing you, which is a demonstration of destruction to them, but of salvation to you–and this from God.
The opposition to Christ is interesting. Look at the hostility to Him in His life on earth. He threatened the powerful establishment. They put Him to death, because of it. Why is it that He is threatening? People want to live the way they want to. Jesus is God and represents His ways. His words make people feel guilty. If He leaves them alone, the guilt lifts. This isn’t very detailed, but is a good, general reason.
Acts 7:52 has Stephen preaching. This drives home the point. “Which one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They killed those who had previously announced the coming of the Righteous One, and you have now become betrayers and murderers of Him”. He is saying that they had a long history of getting rid of those that pronounced God’s ways. Stephen was killed for saying this.
Today’s passage says we will have opposition. People will give us a hard time and they might not even know why they are doing it. I believe the reason is the same. We represent something that they aren’t doing, but should.
I Peter 4:4 goes in a different direction. They do have guilt, but they love their lifestyle. Peter says, “They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.” They don’t get it. They think, “Why aren’t you joining us. You are missing out.” They don’t understand the joy in Christ. They think they are having all the fun. They tease us.
Peter goes on in 3:15 says, “But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord, always ready for a defense to everyone asking you an account concerning the hope in you; yet with gentleness and fear”. We always hold out the hand of friendship. On occasion there will be an opening to share Christ.
We do need to discern, as Jesus warned us in Matthew 7:6, “Do not give that which is holy to the dogs, nor cast your pearls before the pigs, lest they shall trample upon them with their feet, and having turned, tear you to pieces.” Many of these that harass us aren’t ready to hear. Sharing often gives a further opportunity to mock. We aren’t trying to hide from persecution but protecting the gospel.
This opposition is to confirm to us that we are God’s and going God’s way. I Peter 2:21 says, “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps”. We aren’t to choose suffering, but to not be surprised at it’s coming. It’s part of being a Christian.
One of the beatitudes says, “Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you”, (Matthew 5:1). Romans 5:3 says, “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance”. This doesn’t come naturally. I would say that I get anxious and frustrated when I undergo persecution. Today’s verse says that opposition is a sign that we are saved.
Matthew 7:13 says, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.” Jesus said, “I am the Way”. Many don’t go His way. The majority go the way of destruction. The majority always has a stronger voice. They don’t like that we aren’t going their way. Jesus says their way is wrong. They know that and resent it. The fact that we are going His way annoys them. So, they will bother us.
Lord, thank You for making it clear about opposition. We aren’t to be surprised, but encouraged by it.
1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord, always ready for a defense to everyone asking you an account concerning the hope in you; yet with gentleness and fear,