Thinking Like a Christian

A series of Scripture meditations on what the Bible teaches about the Christian life.

by Pastor Pete Beck III

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Open Door, Many Adversaries

 

There is a wide-open door for a great work here, although many oppose me. 1 Corinthians 16:9 (NLT)   

 

Many believe that when God is "in" an endeavor that everything should go smoothly. After all, if God is for us, who can be against us. Paul encountered quite a different reality. The more God is "in" something, the greater is the opposition.

 

Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. 1 Peter 4:12-13 (NLT)

 

The church is engaged in the battle of the ages, acting as God's agent to liberate captives in hostile territory. The gospel is the greatest weapon in our arsenal because it is the power of God to set the prisoner free.

 

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16 (NET1)

 

Whenever we actively engage in proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, we should expect all hell to break loose against us, literally. Think about the times Paul encountered incredible warfare and hostility as he proclaimed the gospel message. The reality of the intensity of the warfare is why so many shy away from true evangelism, especially after having a run in with the spiritual powers of wickedness which are intent on trying to block the advancement of God's kingdom in an area. But...

 

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 8 So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News. 9 For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:7-9 (NLT)

 

God does not want us to flee from the battle as a coward, which is the basic meaning of the Greek word that is translated as "fear" in the passage above. Instead, we are to be like Shammah, one of King David's mighty men, who took his stand in a field of lentils, when everyone else was running for cover, and won a great victory over Israel's enemies. (2 Samuel 23:11)

 

Yesterday it was related to me that a large church in a neighboring city recently withdrew its financial support from a ministry that targets and effectively reaches people in that city's poorest and most troubled area. The reason given was that they decided to take a break from outreach for a year. Imagine that! Now, it is not my place to judge another church; but, in principle, I believe I can make the following points.

 

The church, which exists to fulfill the Great Commission, cannot legitimately opt out of the battle.

Just as no one has power over the wind to restrain it, so no one has power over the day of his death. Just as no one can be discharged during the battle, so wickedness cannot rescue the wicked. Ecclesiastes 8:8 (NET1)

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 Can you imagine that God actually told that church to take a vacation from outreach? I cannot.

 

Most likely that decision was made because of a financial crunch, but doesn't it seem reasonable that a church should first cut out ministry to itself before cutting out ministry to the lost?

 

So Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Which one of you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, would not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go look for the one that is lost until he finds it? 5 Then when he has found it, he places it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 Returning home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, telling them, ‘Rejoice with me, because I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7 I tell you, in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need to repent. Luke 15:3-7 (NET1)

 

If we are true the Great Commission, we must be "going" and making disciples, not staying merely to minister to ourselves. Participating in searching for the lost is a key to victorious joy. Surely if we seek first His kingdom and righteousness, our financial needs will be met. Didn't Jesus say something like that?

 

But if they church takes this bold and radical step to actually make the Great Commission the main thing, won't the immature, who look at the church as an organization that exists mainly to meet their needs, pack up their bags and leave in search of a more accommodating group? Most likely, but Jesus is intent on his disciples really understanding their task. People may leave when asked to commit to a level beyond their comfort zone. Nevertheless, I believe every church should have great expectations for its people when it comes to fulfilling the Great Commission. If we fail to pursue our main objective, we fail the Master. If we succeed, it will be because we overcame many adversaries.

 

Hang in there, embattled church, for God will surely give us the victory! The harder the battle, the greater will be our joy in overcoming!

 

 

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