… without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.
Summary: Paul’s words in this passage touch on a nerve that everyone has experience with: fear.
To get the context for this passage, let’s step back and take a look at Paul’s entire thought:
“… I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.”
As I read these words, many questions come to mind. Some we have already discussed in prior meditations, but taking them as a whole provides a new perspective. Let’s take a stroll through the background of Paul’s thought.
The first question is, “What are we standing firm for?”
Jesus answered this question by proclaiming the good news (Gospel) of the kingdom of God (Luke 8:1). After Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, the disciples were freed from fear by the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:13) and proclaimed the good news (Gospel) that “Jesus is the Messiah” (Acts 5:42).
The difference between one who believes the Gospel and one who doesn’t is faith. Jesus taught that “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent” (John 6:29). The Bible tells us that “faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). So, faith does require work.
The amazing thing about the Gospel is that it transforms us (Romans 12:2). We are born again spiritually (John 3:3). We become a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 6:15). Because believers are different than those who are slaves to the flesh, those who only see life through the lens of their own self-interest are offended by believers because we reject their lifestyle.
Anyone who affirms their faith in Jesus Christ will eventually come under some kind of attack (John 15:18-19). Paul, because he was so vocal about his love for the Lord, was constantly besieged (2 Corinthians 11: 24-27). Yet here he says do not be “frightened in any way by those who oppose you.”
Which brings us to the second question: “Why?”
Why shouldn’t we be frightened?
This is where the work of believing in Jesus begins. If we believe, then we have hope that he will raise us from the dead (Acts 23:6). If we believe in Jesus, then the body we live in is just a “tent,” as Peter once said (2 Peter 1:13). If we believe in Jesus, then we understand that the flesh perishes, but the spirit is raised in a spiritual body (1 Corinthians 15:42-44).
Which brings us to our final question: If we truly are born again spiritually, and if we believe that we will be raised in a spiritual body, what does it matter if our “tent” of flesh is torn down? Is there really anything to fear (Luke 12:4-5)?
Application: Keep your eyes on Jesus.
Food for Thought: What is the cure for fear?
What is the cure for fear?
Recognizing that God is greater than all things, including whatever else we could possibly fear. Trusting that God’s will for all His creation is for good. If God is greater and God’s will is good, and we put our trust in Him, and He abides in us, then there is nothing to fear, because we fear (revere) the Lord.
Psalm 56:3
When I am afraid,
I put my trust in you.
Isaiah 41:10
fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
I would add that it is God’s perfect love that casts out fear, and is the cure for fear. Through Christ, we are able to cast our fears upon Him, and He gives us the power to overcome fear. Also, He gives us the self-control to not fall into a pit of fear (of our own perception).
Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
2 Timothy 1:7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Thank you, Chris!
Well said! Trusting God is at the heart of the matter, as you point out.
Thank You CH!
What is the cure for fear?
Life in Jesus Christ is life in the absence of all fear.
Psalm 34:4 – I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
2 Timothy 1:7 – For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Luke 12:4, I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do.
As believers, we have each received eternal life the very moment we received Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Life with no end, Life in the presence of our creator God, has been secured for every believer. We remain on this earth as servants of our Lord, and it is in His power we are called to reveal the truth, reality of God to others.
Thank you, Ron!
I like the Psalm 34:4 passage you referenced.
It really is amazing how knowing God’s love for us makes all the threats that cause fear seem smaller and smaller.