June 28, 2026
Boldness in Opposition
Anyone who embraces and practices genuine New Testament Christianity knows that opposition is real. They know by experience that there is a constant challenge to the doctrine, practice, and worldviews taught in the Scripture. And anyone who holds to such Biblically inspired persuasion advanced by the Holy Scriptures will encounter resistance. However, resistance to Christianity isn’t a new discovery. Since its beginning, Christianity has faced severe persecution, and as our Lord promised and his apostles taught, those who follow Christ will come into contact with hostility (John 15:18; 2 Tim. 3:12).
Although the Word of God warns of the difficult reality one will face in service to Christ, many, sadly, abandon their faith when things become difficult. Instead of pressing forward for the crown of Glory, they forfeit all for the sake of comfort. In his letter to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul, in the midst of his exhortation on the manner of life they should live, writes to them, “and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God” (Philippians 1:28 ESV).
The word Paul uses here in Greek, translated as “frightened,” appears only once in the New Testament, and that is here. It speaks of a startled shock, jumping in fright, or being anxiously alarmed. It is the type of fear one may see when a dog hears thunder or when a horse sees a mouse, etc. But this type of fear doesn’t merely cause shock in one’s system; it is a fear that will cause one to run.
On this note, Paul offers words of encouragement. He urges Christians not to be shocked or alarmed by their antagonists and, at the very least, not to flee from the opposition. Rather than exhibiting fright and disabling shock, they should express boldness. Since Paul tells them not to be frightened, we can assume he desires the opposite, which is courage.
What is very interesting in this text is that such courage is given to us by God and serves as a token of the enemies’ destruction and a sign of our salvation. Brother David Lipscomb makes this comment on this text: “The undaunted bearing of the Philippian Christians in the face of opposition and persecution was a token of destruction to their adversaries. It showed that their persecutors were powerless to thwart God’s work; that their resistance was working their own spiritual ruin; that they were fighting against God, which could mean only their destruction.”
Opposition to the Christians, the Church, and the Gospel is always intended to overturn God's ruling and plan. If Satan and his forces can scare a Christian away from the faith, he has worked against what God desires, which is the salvation of man. But if the Christian, in the face of severe opposition, holds to God and His truth, demonstrating courage in their religious walk will thwart Satan's plan and allow them to taste the full fruit of Salvation.
God stands firmly against those who work against His will, and there will be a day of destruction for them. But those who stand and submit to God will experience the full salvation He offers. My Friends, let us not be moved by the hardships and forces of darkness we may face. Let us stand strong, let us boldly proclaim the word, and unashamedly live it out in our lives.
- Christian Joyner
Past Articles
Walking in a Worthy Manner 6/21/2026
Rejoicing in the Preaching of the Gospel 6/7/2026
Encouraging Boldness 5/31/2026
The Gospel In Unfavorable Circumstances 5/24/2026
Goodness From Knowledge 5/17/2026
God's Finished Work 5/10/2026
Our Identity 4/26/2026