Chapter 1, Verse 28“…and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.”
Who are their opponents? There are several we can choose from or perhaps Paul is making reference to all of the foes Satan has rallied. Heading the list from Paul’s point of view would probably be the Roman Empire. He was living that opposition daily. There was also the pagan Philippians who resented the Christians for forsaking their ‘proper’ gods. And, as ever, there were the false teachers who followed Paul everywhere he went. Any and all of these could and probably were making life miserable for the Philippian church.
Paul reminds the church that there is no need to fear these opponents. When your entire belief system rests on everlasting life, then there is no need to fear what men can do to you. As the psalmist said, “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 118:6) And again in 56:11, “…in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?” We are all familiar with Jesus’ words in Matt. 10:28, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Final thought, the result of this confrontation was in God’s hands and the vindication (salvation) of the Philippians was secure. Their salvation was a sure sign of their opponents’ destruction.
Task for Today: Cheryl Pierce wrote on Facebook, “‘Fear not!’ is the most repeated phrase in the Bible. In fact, it’s been said that there are 365 ‘Fear nots’ in the Bible—one ‘Fear not’ for every day of the year.” This thought should embolden you in your witness for Christ. To quote from Romans 8:31, “… If God is for us, who can be against us?” Live today with the knowledge that your victory is secure.
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