Philippians 1:28 - Courage in the Face of Opposition

Today we are going to be talking about courage in the face ofopposition as we move to the next verse in Philippians 1:28. After the ApostlePaul told them in verse 27 to stand fast in one spirit and with one mind,striving together for the faith of the gospel, he goes on to say in verse 28, “Andnot in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof ofperdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.” Theword “terrified” means do not be frightened in any way. In the Greek, it wasused of a horse that was startled in battle—or even startled by nothing—causingit to throw its rider. The Apostle Paul is saying to these believers inPhilippi, who were facing persecution, do not be afraid. We find the sameencouragement throughout the epistles: believers are told to be courageous evenwhen they are being persecuted or mistreated. Thisis similar to what Joshua was told at least three times in Joshua 1:1-9, whenhe took the place of Moses to lead the people into the Promised Land, facinggiants and overwhelming opposition. In verse 9, God told him: “Have I notcommanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor bedismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." But Paul is saying: do not panic, do not run—stand firm. One commentator saidit this way: “Do not be scared out of your determination to live out yourheavenly citizenship by anything your enemies might try to do to you.” Paulis teaching that their opposition is actually evidence. He says it is “to thema proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.” Think aboutthat. When the world opposes the gospel, it does at least two things: Itreveals their rejection of God and it confirms your relationship with God. Rememberwhat Jesus said in John 15:20: “If they persecuted Me, they will alsopersecute you.” In2 Thessalonians 1:4–8, the Apostle Paul wrote something similar to that church:“So that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for yourpatience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure,which is a manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may becounted worthy of the kingdom of God for which you also suffer. Since it is arighteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, andto give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed fromheaven with His mighty power in flaming fire, taking vengeance on those who donot know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Godhas the final word. In Psalm 2 we are told that when the kings of the earth mockand attempt to deny God and His authority and throw off His restraints that: “Hewho sits in the heavens shall laugh; The LORD shall hold them in derision. ThenHe shall speak to them in His wrath, And distress them in His deep displeasure”(Psalm 2:4-5). SecondTimothy 3:12 reminds us, “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus willsuffer persecution.” Not might, not maybe—but will suffer persecution. Oppositionis not a sign that you are failing. No, my friend—it is a sign that you arebeing faithful. Hereis something powerful: Your confidence in trials is a testimony. In Acts 5:41,it says the apostles “rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shamefor His name.” And remember Stephen in Acts 7. As he was being stoned todeath, his face shone like the face of an angel. Even in that moment ofmartyrdom, there was a peace and courage that could not be explained. Myfriend, that kind of courage comes from God. Aswe face opposition—even today, in America or anywhere else in the world—forbeing followers of Jesus Christ, we do not need to be afraid. We do not need tobe terrified by anything. God is in control. Your salvation is secure. And theenemy does not win. Jesus said in John 16:33, “In the world you will havetribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”