Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that … I will hear of you that you are standing firm in on spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, in no way alarmed by your opponents, which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God.
Paul was writing from prison to the church at Philippi, where the church was also experiencing some persecution. Paul’s charge and rallying cry was that they draw together, with no alarm (Greek “terror”) at the forces that oppose them, but resting secure… and in that confidence establishing another sign that they are bound for their Savior’s victory.
In my circle of friends, there are several who are facing heavy attacks (severe health concerns, disheartening, sustained temptations, weariness). None of these have a human enemy in the fight, but I believe these verses speak to their struggle nonetheless.
After all, Paul assures us in Ephesians 6 that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
Jesus triumphed over those ultimate enemies on the cross, and in the attacks that come—whether health, temptation, or otherwise—we may wield the word of Philippians 1:28 like a sword…
I will not be overcome. The Lord has secured my soul. The opponent will be destroyed one day, and I will stand firm. There are brothers in the fight. I do not stand alone. The enemy has no weapon that can overthrow the One who sealed my pardon.
May we press on, in no way alarmed.
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