LIVING FOR CHRIST IN A HOSTILE CULTURE
By W. G. Guy
The apostle Paul, and his team, addressed such circumstances in the Church of Thessalonica for who they prayed, and whom they praised for their endurance in tribulation.
2 Thessalonians 1:4-5 – We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; so that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:
Throughout history, true believers have been targeted by those that defy God and His Word. This hostility can come from secular sources in education and government, business and financial entities, and other religious systems. Why? Because those who have not seen the true light of Christ, and received it, are walking in darkness. Darkness is a metaphor for sin, evil and wickedness. The darkness hates the light; and darkness and light don’t mix because they are complete opposites. The world hates the “light” which is the life of Christ that is evident in a true believer.
Matthew 5:14 – Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
This conflict is now fully evident in America today, (as well as in Canada, Europe and the UK), where at one time Christianity thrived and was appreciated. Reports have been received that Christians are being arrested and jailed for praying silently outside of abortion clinics; and pastors jailed for speaking the Word of God on the streets where the gospel message is now considered as “hate speech”.
What happened to cause such hostility to the Word of God and the message of Jesus Christ? The prophetic words of Jesus are being fulfilled as we approach the end of the age and the return of the LORD.
Matthew 24:9-10 – Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
The contrast between those walking in the light and those who still abide in spiritual darkness was also spoken by the apostle Paul.
2 Timothy 3:12-13 – Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
Yes, we as true believers face opposition, and that opposition is steadily increasing, getting worse and worse, as we draw closer to His return. Though we are warned about this, too few take heed to what Jesus told us that conditions would be like as we near the end. On top of this, too few pastors are addressing this hostile situation in their churches, and fail to prepare their congregations on how to stand against it; (especially in view of what still is ahead prior to the return of Christ).
The problem appears to be that many of those who have received the light are also embracing the darkness, thinking their tolerance and acceptance of the dark norm will advance their ministry. Thus their light is going out; (just like the five foolish virgins Jesus spoke of in Matthew 25). This means that many churches are no longer what they are supposed to be – the beacon of light to be seen by all.
Matthew 5:13-15 – Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
How has this occurred and been allowed to happen? Too many believers are hiding their light fearing exposure to those around them who relish the darkness. They have lost their “saltiness” that is a preservative from moral decay and spoilage. It has also occurred through compromise with the world, and infiltration of false prophets/preachers due to lack of discernment and the lack of the knowledge of God, and His Word, where those in responsible positions can no longer discern what is of God and what is not; or they just don’t care.
Matthew 24:11-14 – And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Scriptures tell us that we will face persecution, trials and tribulations; and be hated by the world and its corrupt systems, because they are rooted in darkness (evil).
John 15:20-21 – Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.
The light is not in them, but they will see it in you as a true believer in Christ.
Matthew 10:16-18 – Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; and ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.
As you stand faithful to Christ, His Spirit is the force that strengthens you to overcome this world and its darkness.
1 John 5:4-5 – For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
John 16:33 – These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
There is a sure hope for those of us who hold fast in faith to Christ and His Word; and consider ourselves to be dead to this world and its lusts.
Luke 9:23 – And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
Galatians 5:24-25 – And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Letting that light SHINE!
2 Timothy 2:11-12 – It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: if we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
We should all want to make Jesus, and our Heavenly Father, proud of what He accomplished for us; even if it costs us to suffer some things in our personal lives.
2 Timothy 1:12 – For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.
So how is it that we are to continue to be the light in this vile world and show that Jesus is our LORD?
Romans 12:9-14 – Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
Note: you cannot be more than a conqueror unless you have had something to conquer. You can’t be an overcomer unless you have had something to overcome. Yes we are in a fight for life, the eternal and spiritual life that we receive through Jesus Christ. This life is lived by faith, which also includes being faithful to Him that redeemed us while in this vile world.
1 Timothy 6:11-12 – But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
As we live faithful to Christ, we receive God’s great loving care to carry us through.
Romans 8:37-38 – Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Therefore, you can live for Christ in a hostile culture. Are you doing so?
