The Church - Part 2

Philippians 1v27-30

Just a short column this week. I want to look at part of last week's passage that I didn't cover last time. You'll remember that we read:

Philippians 1v27-30
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved - and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

When we're persecuted for our faith, we need to "stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way". I think we know that.

But it's harder to see that "This is a sign to them that they [those who oppose you] will be destroyed, but that you will be saved - and that by God."

We're called to be witnesses to the love and power of Jesus Christ. When we endure persecution, or any other form of suffering, and we still met regularly to worship God, and still love our brothers and sisters in Christ, when we still do what's right, not what's easy, when we love those who hate us, then we're proving that the love and power of Jesus are real. Our testimony is at its most powerful when we are in the most danger and pain.

No-one likes suffering, but "it has been granted to you [us] on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him". And when we do so with love, faithfulness and perseverance, we demonstrate not only the love and power of God, but also our salvation, because it is only through the Holy Spirit that we can keep our hearts right in such circumstances.

And at the same time, we show those who hate us, and hate our Lord Jesus Christ, that their lives and hatred are futile, and they are doomed to destruction, unless they turn in repentance to Jesus, to receive forgiveness and a new start, just as we did.

Jesus loved the people who crucified Him, and prayed for their forgiveness. And we prove that Christ lives in us by His Holy Spirit when we love and pray for those who falsely accuse us and unjustly persecute us. We also hold up a mirror for them, so they can see the darkness in their own hearts, that they too might turn and be saved.

I'm not suggesting it's easy. And I know that I suffer less than many Christians, and so have only a dubious right to say these things, but they're true. To all who are truly suffering hardship for His Name, may I say that your witness is magnificent, shining brightly for Jesus. And may God bless you and keep you, may He strengthen you, and may He use your witness for His glory, and bring you to His eternal rest.