Confessing Christ In A Hostile World

It is not likely that any of us will end up in a courtroom having to defend our practice of Christianity. 

It is even less likely that we would be wrongly convicted of something and have our property confiscated, or be confined in prison, or put to death, at least in America. Yet, we do know it is a reality for many in history, many around the world today, and perhaps we have even known a few Christians personally who have suffered greatly.

Nonetheless, we do experience many types and levels of challenges to our Christian way of life. Our society can be quite subtle and sinister in its challenges at times. Sometimes it is veiled and sometimes it is not so veiled in its hostilities toward us who profess Christ.

This can become quite personal at times, too; and when it does, we can see the benefits of giving in to daily pressures in order to keep or enhance our finances, or keep or enhance our reputations.

Never Easy, Always Necessary

Confessing Christ in a hostile world has never been easy, but it is always necessary. Luke gives us confidence for this by supplying us with words that Jesus spoke to His disciples on this matter on one occasion.

Luke 12:11–12 ESV “And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.””

Since persecution is inevitable and very personal situations of testing will keep coming, we constantly need to be preparing ourselves. Yet, we need to prepare our heart and our mindset more than the words we might say.

Since the power of the Holy Spirit is so substantial and so palpable, we should be greatly encouraged to speak up for Christ. As disciples we take the promise of the Holy Spirit above as a source of great courage. Christians need not worry about the Day of Great Persecution, or even little days of persecution, for the all powerful Holy Spirit will witness through them!

Jesus told His disciples that when they would be charged in synagogue tribunals by the elders, and even by Gentile authorities, they had no need to be anxious about their words of defense or jurisprudence. This is because the Holy Spirit would give them the perfect words at that time. Besides, it is not really possible to prepare adequately for these types of trumped-up situations anyway.

We will be aided in our testimony by the Holy Spirit as our “defense attorney;” and He is very good. God Himself will supply with the words and the courage necessary when we need it.

Trials as Opportunities

Later on, Jesus will teach about such trials as opportunities.

Luke 21:13–15 ESV “This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.”

Luke would have us remember that Jesus would be our perfect example in this. Jesus was tried by the Jewish religious authorities (i.e., Annas and Caiaphas) and by the Roman political authorities (i.e., Herod and Pilate). And He gave answers displaying great wisdom and power. Luke goes on to show us the same pattern repeated by Peter, John and the Church in Acts 3-4, and then by Stephen in Acts 7, and then again by Paul in Acts 21-28.

These examples should fill us with courage to speak out regarding Christ Jesus. The Church in history past, and the Church today, reveals the power of the Holy Spirit in action. Some of the most eloquent, bold, and inspiring words of faith have come from ordinary Christians who have suffered, even been martyred.

Besides, has not God amazed you in your times under scrutiny for the Gospel with powerful and wise words that you know could not have come from yourself, but must have come from the Holy Spirit?!

Faithfulness when under interrogation or examination is extremely important; and when the time comes we will trust God and fear God, confessing Jesus Christ, assisted by the Holy Spirit.

Our Lord Jesus Christ comforts us in John 16:33 ESV “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”