Thursday, March 27, 2014

There Is A Conflict Experienced By A Christian

…in no way alarmed by your opponents--which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God.  For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,  experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.  Philippians 1:28-30

Paul had a heart for the Philippians.  He had a desire in his heart to see them grow spiritually, to progress in their faith and confidence in the Lord.  In Philippians 1:27-30 he gave them some principles on how a Christian should be a Christian.  The first and second principles are:
           There Is A Conduct Expected Of A Christian
           There Is A Co-Operation Exhibited As A Christian

The third principle Paul gave the Philippians is:
·      There Is A Conflict Experienced By A Christian - For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,  experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me. 

Paul’s words are very interesting for he declares that there is a certain Christian behavior to be seen in the conflicts of life.  It is one thing to behave as a Christian a certain way when things are going well.  It is another thing to behave as a Christian when things are going bad.  Some will shout on the mountain but pout in the valley.

Paul said that we should not be "alarmed" by our adversaries. The word means "to be intimidated." The word was used of a high-strung horse that shies at every strange movement and sound.  He is describing a specific kind of behavior that ought to be manifested on our part when we face adversity in life.  He tells us there is a reason for Christian behavior in such times.

There Is A Public Revealing Of Our Faith.  Paul says that how we behave when under fire is a "sign."  The words mean "proof." If a Christian behaves as a Christian when things are tough it is proof of 3 things:

1.    First is proof that our faith is real.  Paul said it was an "evident token of perdition." (KJV)  The word "perdition" speaks of those that are lost.  Our behavior reveals to the lost that our faith is more than a form of life, it is a force in life.  It says that Christianity is real! Lastly, it shows that our God is real. Paul added, "and that too, from God." The secret to Christian behavior in the fire and under fire is a God that equips and enables. It says that God is a God of power and provision.

2.    Secondly, it is proof that we are real. Paul said "but of salvation for you."  It shows that we have the real thing.  The indication is that if one does not have the real thing, they will not behave in the fire and under fire as a Christian.  It shows that we have more than a profession. We have a possession.
3.    Lastly, it shows that our God is real.  Paul added, "and that too, from God."  The secret to Christian behavior in the fire and under fire is a God that equips and enables.  It says that God is a God of power and provision.

This world will never believe what we say until they see what we believe.  Nothing catches the world's attention any faster than to see someone in the hour of adversity behave in a valiant and virtuous manner. It tells them that it is real!

There Is A Personal Rewarding Of Our Faith -  Notice verse 1:29, " For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake;"

Paul tells us that adversity is "granted" to us on the behalf of Christ.  It is a gift of God.  It puts us in unique company…the Lord Jesus.  In the fire we not only have the privilege of believing on Christ, but suffering with Christ.  If we looked at all our adversity in this light, it would change the way we behave in it.  We would no longer view it as a problem over which to grumble, but a privilege in which to glory.

We can apply these principles to our lives – to strive to be Christian in our conduct - co-operation -conflict.  We will still stumble and sometimes even fall down.  Living a Christian lifestyle will not make things easier or guarantee us no pain and hardships.  In fact, sometimes it will be much harder but the reward is great.  First, to be an example to all watching you, and second, to know that you have done your very best to live a life that glorifies God and says to the world I am a Christian!

Scripture to Claim:
…but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked. 1 John 2:5-6

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