Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. (Phil. 1:27b-28 NIV).

Do you remember those old western television shows that showed a small western town being terrorized by an evil gunslinger? The story always changed when the townspeople finally realized that, if they just stuck together, the gunslinger wouldn’t hold any more power over them.

That’s true for us as Christians also. The Apostle Paul says that when we stand together without fear against cultural evils or societal pressures, Christ will triumph through us. But what will create such fearlessness?

Christian courage in the face of evil is the fruit of resolute faith that our God will prevail. Battles are real and may be fierce, but confidence in God’s triumph in God’s time is the source of our strength. Even if we lose earthly life or gain (that earth will claim one day anyway), redeemed bodies and souls are secure forever with the One who will overcome all evil.

Remember the testimony of missionary Jim Elliot, who gave his life for the eternal reward of others’ salvation with this confidence:

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.

The promise of our eternal security grants the assurance that all spiritual foes will ultimately be destroyed. So, we can now stand firm and stand together knowing that God’s purposes and people will triumph. We may not be ahead in every inning, but we are on the winning team!

Prayer:
Lord, fill me and my fellow believers with confidence in your salvation so that we will stand together and unafraid when confronted by enemies of the gospel.