How can we "risk our lives" for the work of Christ today? The Example of Epaphroditus Philippians 2:30: “For he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for your deficit in service to me.” Paul commends Epaphroditus because he: - Put obedience to Christ above personal safety. - Bridged the gap between the Philippian church and Paul’s needs, whatever that required. - Considered death an acceptable cost if the gospel advanced. That same spirit shapes every discussion of “risking our lives” today. What “Risk Our Lives” Looks Like in Our Generation - Physical danger: traveling to volatile regions to plant churches or bring medical relief in Jesus’ name. - Legal or social loss: openly sharing the gospel where it is restricted or despised. - Relational strain: lovingly confronting sin or error, even when friendships hang in the balance. - Career sacrifice: refusing unethical directives and losing promotions—or entire jobs—because Christ’s honor matters more. - Financial exposure: giving with such generosity that comfort and security noticeably diminish. Biblical Models of Godly Risk - Esther: “If I perish, I perish!” (Esther 4:16). - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: “Our God is able… but even if He does not…” (Daniel 3:17-18). - Paul: “I consider my life of no value to me…” (Acts 20:24). - Early believers: “They did not love their lives so as to shy away from death” (Revelation 12:11). - The Heroes of Faith: “Others were tortured… faced jeers… chains and imprisonment” (Hebrews 11:35-38). Five Contemporary Arenas for Holy Risk 1. Unreached peoples: entering places where Christ is unnamed and persecution likely. 2. Marginalized communities nearby: street evangelism, addiction recovery, refugee aid. 3. Public square: defending biblical truth on life, marriage, justice, and salvation despite backlash. 4. Hospitality: opening homes to foster children, the homeless, or persecuted believers. 5. Church planting and revitalization: leaving comfort to build gospel outposts in hard soil. Practical Steps Toward Faith-Filled Risk - Saturate decisions in Scripture and prayer—let the Word, not adrenaline, compel action. - Seek wise counsel from mature believers who can confirm calling and timing (Proverbs 11:14). - Start where you are: consistent local faithfulness trains the heart for greater hazards later (Luke 16:10). - Remember the body of Christ: just as Epaphroditus filled a gap, identify real needs and step into them. - Accept that obedience may cost health, reputation, or life—and regard those losses as temporary (2 Corinthians 4:17). Motivations That Sustain Risk - Love for Christ who first gave His life (1 John 4:19). - Compassion for the lost whose eternity is at stake (Romans 10:14-15). - Confidence in resurrection power (Philippians 3:10-11). - Desire to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23). Promises That Anchor Courage - “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) - “The LORD is my shepherd… I will fear no evil.” (Psalm 23:1,4) - “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31-39) Distinguishing Faith from Folly - Actions spring from love, not ego. - Motive centers on gospel advance, not personal glory. - Steps align with clear biblical commands or principles. - Risk is embraced after sober counting of the cost (Luke 14:28-33). - Accountability and transparency mark the process. Living the Verse Philippians 2:30 calls believers to value Christ’s work above self-preservation. Whether crossing oceans or crossing the street, the call is the same: hold nothing back—including life itself—so that Jesus is known, honored, and obeyed. |
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