Not Afraid of Enemies. Philippians 1:28. “And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.” We should not be terror-stricken or panicked by anything people who oppose the Gospel say. Those who persecuted the church were afraid themselves. They feared losing what they thought they had or needed what they did not want. Opposition demonstrates the reality of the salvation we possess. When someone belongs to God, the devil and his followers know they are condemned in God's sight because of their sins. The change that conversion brings—the new life of a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ—intensifies the contrast between moral light and darkness.
Opposition to the Lord's work, especially the Gospel, often appears in unexpected ways we never foresee. It comes from various sources that are unaccountable and unannounced. Sometimes it shows up during moments of joy or sadness, but I have no reason to fear when it does. I may never understand why because our goal is truly to bless people with the message of salvation from sin. I might not grasp the cause of this current hardship or the full extent of our opposition, but with God’s help, I will refuse to let myself become discouraged—even when opposition and adversaries challenge us.
It may help clarify why darkened minds by sin cannot understand simple truth. The god of this world blinds those who refuse to believe the Gospel. Perhaps God allows this to refine me temporarily so I don't take for granted that what I say is what needs to be said. I must “rightly divide the word of true.” Often, it may be misunderstood, but it is my responsibility to speak in ways and with words that bring light and understanding to those who listen. I understand that opposition might come to clarify reality, and I need to consider my attitude in proclaiming the Gospel, the words I choose, and how I present the message God gives me.
Satan opposes because he wants to prevent God’s plan of saving souls from hell and bringing them into His kingdom. Unbelievers oppose because the Gospel message conflicts with their desired lifestyle, and they try to make the Gospel retreat so their consciences are not troubled by their sins. The fear of impending punishment for sin is inherent in human nature. We understand what is right and wrong through God's design. An innate sense of fairness causes fear of punishment for wrongdoing. Those who do not know God recognize that justice demands punishment for sin, but they refuse to accept that eternal punishment is justified. Persistent opposition to the Gospel and its message of free salvation is a clear sign of their destined eternal separation.
Some believers oppose not knowing what they are doing simply because it takes time and effort to reach lost souls, and they have other things they want to do. Putting these all together proves that God is working here. I do not need to fear when opposition comes. Some may come from near my home, and I am sure opposition will demonstrate the reality of the Gospel message to some people. So, without fear, I’ll move forward with good news to share with lost souls; “Christ receives sinful men, even me with all my sin!”
There will always be opposition from outside sources. Our duty is to "stand fast" and keep our unity. That means we should not retreat from the commitment to God's truth we hold. Calmness and confidence under pressure affirm what is right. They also serve as a warning of impending destruction for those who oppose God. The truth of salvation preached by those who labor in the Gospel protects the unity of those who gather in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ alone. There is no place for compromise or accommodation because we speak on behalf of Christ.