May 01 2026

Friday May 01

Courage in the Face of Opposition

Philippians 1:28

“And not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.”

Welcome to Pastor’s Chat. Today we are going to be talking about courage in the face of opposition as we move to the next verse in Philippians 1:28. After the Apostle Paul told them in verse 27 to stand fast in one spirit and with one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel, he goes on to say in verse 28, “And not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.”

The word “terrified” means do not be frightened in any way. In the Greek, it was used of a horse that was startled in battle—or even startled by nothing—causing it to throw its rider. The Apostle Paul is saying to these believers in Philippi, who were facing persecution, do not be afraid. We find the same encouragement throughout the epistles: believers are told to be courageous even when they are being persecuted or mistreated.

This is similar to what Joshua was told at least three times in Joshua 1:1-9, when he took the place of Moses to lead the people into the Promised Land, facing giants and overwhelming opposition. In verse 9, God told him: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

The word “terrified” may make us think of something bringing fear into our lives. But Paul is saying: do not panic, do not run—stand firm. One commentator said it this way: “Do not be scared out of your determination to live out your heavenly citizenship by anything your enemies might try to do to you.”

Paul is teaching that their opposition is actually evidence. He says it is “to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.” Think about that. When the world opposes the gospel, it does at least two things: It reveals their rejection of God and it confirms your relationship with God. Remember what Jesus said in John 15:20: “If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.”

In 2 Thessalonians 1:4–8, the Apostle Paul wrote something similar to that church: “So that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, which is a manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God for which you also suffer. Since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty power in flaming fire, taking vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

God has the final word. In Psalm 2 we are told that when the kings of the earth mock and attempt to deny God and His authority and throw off His restraints that: “He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The LORD shall hold them in derision. Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, And distress them in His deep displeasure” (Psalm 2:4-5).

Second Timothy 3:12 reminds us, “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” Not might, not maybe—but will suffer persecution. Opposition is not a sign that you are failing. No, my friend—it is a sign that you are being faithful.

Here is something powerful: Your confidence in trials is a testimony. In Acts 5:41, it says the apostles “rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.” And remember Stephen in Acts 7. As he was being stoned to death, his face shone like the face of an angel. Even in that moment of martyrdom, there was a peace and courage that could not be explained. My friend, that kind of courage comes from God.

As we face opposition—even today, in America or anywhere else in the world—for being followers of Jesus Christ, we do not need to be afraid. We do not need to be terrified by anything. God is in control. Your salvation is secure. And the enemy does not win. Jesus said in John 16:33, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

God bless and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!