How can we prepare for opposition when witnessing about Christ today? Opposition Will Come—Expect It “Up to this statement they listened to him. Then they raised their voices and said, ‘Rid the earth of him! He is not fit to live!’” (Acts 22:22) • Paul’s audience tolerated him until he named Jesus as Lord of the Gentiles. • Scripture repeatedly promises that faithful witness invites resistance: – “If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first.” (John 15:18) – “Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12) Settling this ahead of time keeps surprise from becoming discouragement. Secure Your Identity in Christ First • Before Paul faced mobs, he encountered the risen Lord (Acts 9:4–6). Intimacy with Christ fueled his courage. • Know whose you are: “You are not your own; you were bought at a price.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) • When acceptance flows from God, rejection from people loses power. Stay Filled with the Spirit • Acts portrays a Spirit-empowered Paul, not a merely stubborn man (Acts 22:17-21). • Jesus promised power for witness, not mere human eloquence (Acts 1:8). • Daily surrender invites the Spirit to produce boldness, clarity, and love—qualities human effort cannot manufacture. Clothe Yourself in Truth • Ephesians 6:10-17 links spiritual conflict with the armor of God: – Belt of truth—honesty in message and life. – Breastplate of righteousness—integrity shields from accusation. – Shoes of the gospel—readiness to move wherever God sends. – Shield of faith—confidence in God extinguishes fiery darts of doubt. – Helmet of salvation—assurance guards the mind. – Sword of the Spirit—the Word answers objections with divine authority. • Regular Scripture intake equips you to respond rather than react. Cultivate Christ-like Compassion • Paul stood before angry crowds yet longed for their salvation (Romans 9:2-3). • Stephen’s forgiving spirit (Acts 7:60) mirrored Jesus on the cross (Luke 23:34). • Genuine concern disarms hostility and keeps our motives pure: “Speak the truth in love.” (Ephesians 4:15) Lean on the Fellowship of Believers • After confrontations, Paul sought fellow disciples (Acts 14:21-22). • Shared prayer and encouragement renew courage: “Let us consider how to spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24). • Isolation magnifies fear; community multiplies faith. Pray for Boldness, Not Escape • Early believers, threatened by authorities, prayed, “Grant Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness.” (Acts 4:29) • God answered with fresh filling and open doors (Acts 4:31; Colossians 4:3). • Opposition signals a battlefield where prayer supplies heavenly reinforcements. Keep the Eternal Perspective • Jesus’ promise stands: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10). • Paul called present troubles “light and momentary” compared to eternal glory (2 Corinthians 4:17). • Viewing resistance through eternity’s lens transforms setbacks into opportunities for eternal fruit. Putting It All Together 1. Expect resistance as normal. 2. Root confidence in Christ, not approval. 3. Rely on the Spirit’s power daily. 4. Arm yourself with Scripture. 5. Respond with compassionate courage. 6. Stand together with other believers. 7. Pray for boldness in the face of threats. 8. Fix your eyes on eternal reward. Opposition may be loud, as in Acts 22:22, yet the gospel remains “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). Prepare well, speak faithfully, and trust God with the results. |
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