then these high officials and satraps came by agreement to the king and said to him, “o king darius, live forever! [daniel 6:6]
the world will plot and plan. the world will seek after power using flattery and the tickling of ears. the world will use cunning and manipulation in attempt to destroy the kingdom of God and his children.
this was true of daniel and the other exiles during their time of exile, and it is true of the bride of Christ today. here in the west it is not yet with a threat of death. here in the west it is the threat of discomfort. the threat of loss of privileges. the threat of being cast out, looked down upon, and shunned by society, mocked, and reviled. so what are we to do?
we will not be surprised – beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. [1 peter 4:12]
behold, i am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. [matthew 10:16]
we will not be crushed – but we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; [2 corinthians 4:7-9]
we will rejoice – but rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. if you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. [1 peter 4:13-14, 16]
we will not partake in sin – since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. for the time that is past suffices for doing what the gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. with respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. [1 peter 4:1-4, 15]
we will build up the bride of Christ – the end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. show hospitality to one another without grumbling. as each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. [1 peter 4:7-11]
we will proclaim Christ to the world – but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. for this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does. [1 peter 5:6]
by the grace of God, we can withstand the fiery darts of the enemy. we have the word of truth, we have the light of Christ, we have community in his body. the Lord promises to keep those whom he saves, for no one can snatch us from his mighty hand. praise the Lord!
“in the world you will have tribulation. but take heart; i have overcome the world.” ~Jesus
~ arwen eastman