Philippians 1:28 “And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. 29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; 30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.”
We should never be surprised that the “adversaries” of Christianity are so sly and vicious, for that is their nature. Therefore, as faithful Children of God, it is our duty, “in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake”. The phrase, “in the behalf of Christ” refers to our committed allegiance not only to his immediate person, but also to His Church (His Bride) and His Holy Word (The Gospel). In this context, “to believe on him” is to not simply “believe” that He is the Son of God and that He Gave His most precious life and rose again from the dead to pay our sin debt, and then ascended to His Heavenly Throne; but, we are to also act upon our belief with obedience to him! Ultimately, we should show our love for our Lord by willingly standing against and withstanding the “fiery darts of the wicked” (Ephesians 6:16); being willing “to suffer for” our Lord’s “sake”! Paul suffered much physical abuse, and he was in prison! The Philippian Brethren and others in that part of the world were often severely persecuted by the unbelieving Jews and paganist in government, in business, in society, in education, and even among some so-called Christians; yet, their love for the Lord compelled them to endure and remain faithful. The “adversaries” are still with us denying the truths of God, rejecting Biblical morality and integrity, salaciously enticing society into ungodly behaviors, and trying to force their immoralities upon everyone! — Oh Lord, our Great and Merciful God, we humbly pray, open thy great store house of grace and mercy and bless us with resolve and strength to stand against the adversaries’ temptations and snares and that we may remain faithful unto You and Thy Church and Thy Word!