·
What is the “backdrop” for this passage? Paul uses three similar but different terms
for what he longs to see in the lives (the congregational spirit and soul) of the believers.
o
1:27a: “stand fast” is a military term, used in
Eph. 6:11,13,15 of the Christian soldier as he stands firm in battling the
enemy. He did not want anyone to sound
retreat.
o
1:27b: “striving together” is an athletic
term. They are to strive as a team. No further explanation should be needed for
people who love their football or other team sport.
o
1:30: “conflict” is a term used in the arena or
stadium. So it may be athletic or could
refer to the entertainment provided by Roman soldiers.
·
What is at stake in this battle, this context? The answer is: the faith of the gospel. “The
faith” can refer to the doctrines or truths associated with the gospel (perhaps
1 Tim. 6:3 or Heb. 6:1 have this in mind).
But “the faith” might also refer to the faith that the gospel calls
for. The gospel (the death and
resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ) is never preached properly without a
call to respond by faith, to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. However you understand this phrase what is at
stake is the hearts of people. We need
to stand fast in this battle so people have the opportunity to hear and to
respond to the good news of Christ.
·
Who is lined up against Paul? Paul had “many” who stood against him (1 Cor.
16:9). There were legalizers (Gal. 1:7), governmental
officials (Ac. 24:27; 2 Tim. 4:17), academics
and religionists (Col. 2:8,16,18), former brothers in Christ (2 Tim. 1:15),
evil men (2 Tim. 3:8) and community leaders (2 Tim. 4:14-15). The ultimate enemy is certainly Satan but he
has many available to use to carry out his schemes. Thus we should not be surprised when they
come against us. When in Ukraine we have
noted that the greatest opponents of the gospel are the Orthodox priests and
leaders. In Israel the Jews, especially
the strongest Jews, the Hassidic, who oppose the gospel. We have seen in many places these days the cults
(Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons) are abundant opponents to the gospel. Often the preaching of so-called evangelicals, those who wish to deny
hell or the wrath of God, opposes the good news. The point is that the enemy has many at his
disposal. All the more reason the local
church needs to stand fast in one spirit and soul. We cannot leave any individuals that are
preaching the gospel out in the battle by themselves. By prayer and other means of support we must
stand and strive together for the faith of the gospel!
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