◄ What Does Philippians 1:28 Mean? ►

There are many opponents and adversaries that can assail the believer in their walk of faith. Satan is a roaring lion who prowls around seeking whom he may devour, while the tempting treats of this fallen world system are vicious traps with razor-edged barbs, designed to entrap the carnal Christian who is not walking in spirit and truth. However, we should never be alarmed by these tricky stratagems, knowing that Christ has won the victory.

The cunning lies of false teachers and the deceptive doctrines of destructive demons, are stumbling-blocks which can easily trip up lukewarm believers. Such adversaries can entice the careless Christian away from the glorious gospel of God, into a myriad of falsehoods, fabrications, and deceptive fibs, while the violence and atrocities, which are committed against the people of God, are satanically inspired to whip up fear in the heart of the strongest saints - but we should not fear, for in Christ we are more than conquerors.

Despite numerous opponents, adversaries, perils, and pitfalls, Paul reminds us that we are not to be alarmed by any of the opponents that seek to entrap and shipwreck us. Their animosity towards the children of God and their wily ways, are simply signs of the destruction that awaits them on the day of judgement. Their opposition to God's purpose, plan, and people, is an indication that they remain under the condemnation of the Lord, and a sign that perdition is their just reward.

However, the people of God, have received the salvation of the Lord because they have been counted worthy and declared righteous, by faith in Christ's sacrifice for their sin - and although in this world, they are ridiculed, threatened, persecuted, and abused, they will inherit the kingdom of heaven.

May we, who have been saved by grace through faith in Christ, conduct ourselves in a manner that is worthy of the gospel of Christ. May we, who have been counted worthy by faith in Christ, stand firm in one spirit, with one mind, as we strive together in the unity of the faith, for the hope that is ours in the gospel of Christ. May we, who have been persecuted, for righteousness sake, by those that oppose the glorious gospel of grace, in no way be alarmed by those that oppose us, knowing that their rejection of the gospel of God is evidence of their condemnation, and a sign of their everlasting destruction.

Praise God that we have been granted salvation from God, because of our faith in Christ. May we be ready and willing, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His name's sake - so that whether we live or die, we do all to the glory of God.

Heavenly Father, it is a sobering thought to know that those who reject the glorious gospel of Christ, bring judgement down on their own heads, and those that wilfully oppose Your purpose and plan, are under Your eternal condemnation because they have not trusted in the One Person, Who alone has power over death, and in Whom are the words of eternal life. Use me as a witness that points others to Christ, and I pray that I may decrease so that He may increase, until it is not I that live, but Christ that lives in me. This I ask in His precious name, AMEN.