Christian living in a hostile world
Text: Matthew 10:16-23 Time: 15/07/07 Place: Childs Hill Baptist
We began last week to look at this very interesting chapter in Matthew's Gospel, Chapter 10, about the sending out of the Twelve as Apostles. We looked then at the first 15 verses and we said a number of things
1. Recognise that Christ has his different ministers though not all prove true. We talked about how God prepares men for the task and who he calls and gives authority to. We spoke of their work and of the great variety among them including the fact some are well know and some not. Finally we spoke of Judas and how he, like others who have followed, proved false.
2. Their work - understand that Christ sends out his ministers to do good.
They aim at reaching certain people. They preach the nearness of God's kingdom and they live by the support of God's people.
3. Our response - realise the major difference between acceptance and rejection.
We spoke of the peace of acceptance and the hell of rejection.
Now this week I want us to look at verses 16-23 where Jesus goes on to instruct his disciples about how they should conduct themselves. You will find similar instructions elsewhere in the Gospels in other contexts because although Jesus has in mind firstly this particular mission he is also giving general principles applicable to the rest of the New Testament period and beyond that to our own day. One can think of a collapsible telescope – the first application is there and then, further ones are revealed with the coming of Pentecost and still more principles for today can be found in this text. Each Scripture has only one meaning but the applications are many. So I want to say two main things to you today
1. Recognise that believers are sheep among wolves so they must be like snakes and like doves
We began last week to look at this very interesting chapter in Matthew's Gospel, Chapter 10, about the sending out of the Twelve as Apostles. We looked then at the first 15 verses and we said a number of things
1. Recognise that Christ has his different ministers though not all prove true. We talked about how God prepares men for the task and who he calls and gives authority to. We spoke of their work and of the great variety among them including the fact some are well know and some not. Finally we spoke of Judas and how he, like others who have followed, proved false.
2. Their work - understand that Christ sends out his ministers to do good.
They aim at reaching certain people. They preach the nearness of God's kingdom and they live by the support of God's people.
3. Our response - realise the major difference between acceptance and rejection.
We spoke of the peace of acceptance and the hell of rejection.
Now this week I want us to look at verses 16-23 where Jesus goes on to instruct his disciples about how they should conduct themselves. You will find similar instructions elsewhere in the Gospels in other contexts because although Jesus has in mind firstly this particular mission he is also giving general principles applicable to the rest of the New Testament period and beyond that to our own day. One can think of a collapsible telescope – the first application is there and then, further ones are revealed with the coming of Pentecost and still more principles for today can be found in this text. Each Scripture has only one meaning but the applications are many. So I want to say two main things to you today
1. Recognise that believers are sheep among wolves so they must be like snakes and like doves
In 16 Jesus mentions four different creatures in quick succession – sheep, wolves, snakes and doves. We are not as familiar with such creatures as Jesus and his disciples were but we have at least some idea of the animals he mentions and can picture them in our minds. So we say
1. Recognise that those sent out in Jesus' name are like sheep
Already Jesus has said that he is sending the disciples to lost sheep and we have mentioned how we are all like straying sheep. It is important to remember that then – we are trying to reach lost sheep but, as Jesus underlines here, even believers are still sheep – vulnerable sheep. 'Look' he says literally or 'note this' I am sending you out like sheep. We do not go out as great strong wolves or lions or bears but as sheep, weak and prone to wander by nature.
1. Recognise that those sent out in Jesus' name are like sheep
Already Jesus has said that he is sending the disciples to lost sheep and we have mentioned how we are all like straying sheep. It is important to remember that then – we are trying to reach lost sheep but, as Jesus underlines here, even believers are still sheep – vulnerable sheep. 'Look' he says literally or 'note this' I am sending you out like sheep. We do not go out as great strong wolves or lions or bears but as sheep, weak and prone to wander by nature.
We don't know much about sheep here in London but you have seen them close up at some time no doubt. One writer calls them 'perhaps the most dependent, helpless, and stupid of all domesticated animals'. They are liable to all sorts of dangers and diseases and yet have very little in the way of defence. Similarly, those who go out in Jesus' name go out like sheep among wolves. We are like unarmed men surrounded by an angry mob armed to the teeth.
We must soberly reckon with that fact and not run away with romantic ideas of what we might do for the Lord as missionaries or ministers or witnesses for him.
2. Recognise that they find themselves, however, among wolves
Although the people they go to are in some respects like them they are also, or at least many of them are, like wolves. As Jesus put it on another occasion – they are like wolves in sheep's clothing. Now wolves are very different to sheep – they are bloodthirsty creatures who like nothing better than to get in among the sheep to maul and maim and devour. And yet that is how it is. Jesus, Good Shepherd though he is, sends his sheep among the wolves – he sends believers out into the midst of people who rebel against God and who persecute believers in many instances. What hatred there is for God and for true Christians in this world. They are often like a pack of baying wolves surrounding the sheep.
So again sober assessment is necessary. When we think of telling others about Jesus we really are talking about stepping into danger, facing what can often be a hostile reception. Jesus has just spoken about rejection and all too often that is what we meet with when we tell people about Jesus. Usually today it is quite polite and dismissive rejection. Sometimes it can be something worse than that. And for that we need to be prepared. Remember those words in 2 Tim 3:12 Anyone who wants to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted
3. Recognise the need, therefore to be as shrewd as snakes
Well, it all sounds rather daunting. Here are these poor sheep surrounded by baying wolves .What hope is there? How can believers survive in a hostile world like this one?
We must soberly reckon with that fact and not run away with romantic ideas of what we might do for the Lord as missionaries or ministers or witnesses for him.
2. Recognise that they find themselves, however, among wolves
Although the people they go to are in some respects like them they are also, or at least many of them are, like wolves. As Jesus put it on another occasion – they are like wolves in sheep's clothing. Now wolves are very different to sheep – they are bloodthirsty creatures who like nothing better than to get in among the sheep to maul and maim and devour. And yet that is how it is. Jesus, Good Shepherd though he is, sends his sheep among the wolves – he sends believers out into the midst of people who rebel against God and who persecute believers in many instances. What hatred there is for God and for true Christians in this world. They are often like a pack of baying wolves surrounding the sheep.
So again sober assessment is necessary. When we think of telling others about Jesus we really are talking about stepping into danger, facing what can often be a hostile reception. Jesus has just spoken about rejection and all too often that is what we meet with when we tell people about Jesus. Usually today it is quite polite and dismissive rejection. Sometimes it can be something worse than that. And for that we need to be prepared. Remember those words in 2 Tim 3:12 Anyone who wants to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted
3. Recognise the need, therefore to be as shrewd as snakes
Well, it all sounds rather daunting. Here are these poor sheep surrounded by baying wolves .What hope is there? How can believers survive in a hostile world like this one?
You go to school or college – they oppose Christ there.
You go to work – there are unbelievers everywhere there. Even at home, some have to share with unbelievers.
You buy a newspaper or watch TV – again it's full of anti-Christian sentiment.
The civil government often opposes the truth and even supposed friends like bishops and others can be our worst enemies. What are we to do?
Well, basically Jesus says forget about being sheep for a moment and start acting like snakes. Now you hear about confused animals from time time – cats that think they're dogs and dogs that think they're cats, etc. Now, Jesus says that although we need to remember our vulnerability and weakness nevertheless there is a sense in which we need to act like snakes. Snakes are known for their shrewdness, their subtlety or craftiness. We too must employ some wisdom of that sort if we are going to survive and make any progress at all. We must not do foolish things. I heard of a journalist parking a car covered with England flags in Glasgow, near Celtic's ground. It didn't remain untouched for long. If you were going to reach Muslims in Saudi Arabia you wouldn't begin with an open air or some tracting. Some years ago someone paid to have all the mail franked with a Christian message. It made little impact and was probably a waste of money. We need to think about what we are doing and consider the best ways to win people to Christ. Paul says it very plainly in Col 4:5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. We need to think things through and consider what is going to be the best way to win people to Christ. How can we best persuade them.
Well, basically Jesus says forget about being sheep for a moment and start acting like snakes. Now you hear about confused animals from time time – cats that think they're dogs and dogs that think they're cats, etc. Now, Jesus says that although we need to remember our vulnerability and weakness nevertheless there is a sense in which we need to act like snakes. Snakes are known for their shrewdness, their subtlety or craftiness. We too must employ some wisdom of that sort if we are going to survive and make any progress at all. We must not do foolish things. I heard of a journalist parking a car covered with England flags in Glasgow, near Celtic's ground. It didn't remain untouched for long. If you were going to reach Muslims in Saudi Arabia you wouldn't begin with an open air or some tracting. Some years ago someone paid to have all the mail franked with a Christian message. It made little impact and was probably a waste of money. We need to think about what we are doing and consider the best ways to win people to Christ. Paul says it very plainly in Col 4:5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. We need to think things through and consider what is going to be the best way to win people to Christ. How can we best persuade them.
Are we thinking like that? Are we acting wisely?
4. Recognise too, however, the need to to be as gentle as doves
At the same time, however, we must be as innocent as doves. Our shrewdness must never lead us into anything dishonest or unfair or that is less than pure. We must be simple, (literally) 'unmixed', straightforward. There has to be an integrity to our approach. The BBC is in trouble again at the moment for publishing a trailer that gave the false impression that the Queen walked out in a huff during a photo session. This is just one example of the way the media constantly twists things around and pays fast and loose. Another example would be the picture of the polar bear apparently stranded on an ice flow used to promote the idea of global warming. We cannot for a moment engage in anything of that sort. We must be upfront, open and full of love even for our enemies.
4. Recognise too, however, the need to to be as gentle as doves
At the same time, however, we must be as innocent as doves. Our shrewdness must never lead us into anything dishonest or unfair or that is less than pure. We must be simple, (literally) 'unmixed', straightforward. There has to be an integrity to our approach. The BBC is in trouble again at the moment for publishing a trailer that gave the false impression that the Queen walked out in a huff during a photo session. This is just one example of the way the media constantly twists things around and pays fast and loose. Another example would be the picture of the polar bear apparently stranded on an ice flow used to promote the idea of global warming. We cannot for a moment engage in anything of that sort. We must be upfront, open and full of love even for our enemies.
Again, this is the challenge – to be wise yet innocent, cunning but gentle, shrewd but straightforward.
2. Realise that believers should expect persecution and learn how to face it
In 17-23 Jesus goes on to say something more about these wolves and what they will do and how we are to face this.
1. Recognise the likelihood of persecution
17 Be on your guard against men. These wolves are actually people, of course, and so we need to be on guard regarding them. Jesus gives examples of the sort of thing they will do. He speaks first of persecution from religious people then from secular government. Until this point the disciples had not experienced direct persecution. Jesus had suffered it but now it would now come on them.
By religious people They will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. We should not forget that it was religious people who had Jesus put to death and down the years some of the fiercest opposition believers have known has been from such people. Some are pretended Christians, some follow other religions. I have been reading a book by an Anglican minister, a good man, and it is clear that he has suffered a great deal of opposition from within the Church of England. Of the worst 10 countries for persecuting Christians six are motivated by religion – five are Muslim (Saudi Arabia, Iran, Somalia, etc) and 1 Buddhist (Bhutan).
2. Realise that believers should expect persecution and learn how to face it
In 17-23 Jesus goes on to say something more about these wolves and what they will do and how we are to face this.
1. Recognise the likelihood of persecution
17 Be on your guard against men. These wolves are actually people, of course, and so we need to be on guard regarding them. Jesus gives examples of the sort of thing they will do. He speaks first of persecution from religious people then from secular government. Until this point the disciples had not experienced direct persecution. Jesus had suffered it but now it would now come on them.
By religious people They will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. We should not forget that it was religious people who had Jesus put to death and down the years some of the fiercest opposition believers have known has been from such people. Some are pretended Christians, some follow other religions. I have been reading a book by an Anglican minister, a good man, and it is clear that he has suffered a great deal of opposition from within the Church of England. Of the worst 10 countries for persecuting Christians six are motivated by religion – five are Muslim (Saudi Arabia, Iran, Somalia, etc) and 1 Buddhist (Bhutan).
When religious people oppose us we should not be surprised.
By secular government 18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. Of course, the others involved in putting Jesus to death were the secular Roman powers. The other top 10 persecuting countries are Communist regimes like N Korea (the worst) and China. In these places governments claiming nor religion at all oppose Christians, as so often they have down the years. Such things have happened, do happen and will happen, as Jesus puts it, on my account. You remember how, when Jesus confronted Paul on the road to Damascus he spoke of him persecuting me. That is the heart of persecution – opposition to Jesus.
By secular government 18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. Of course, the others involved in putting Jesus to death were the secular Roman powers. The other top 10 persecuting countries are Communist regimes like N Korea (the worst) and China. In these places governments claiming nor religion at all oppose Christians, as so often they have down the years. Such things have happened, do happen and will happen, as Jesus puts it, on my account. You remember how, when Jesus confronted Paul on the road to Damascus he spoke of him persecuting me. That is the heart of persecution – opposition to Jesus.
Opposition from government is for us in this country today at a low level, although it does happen and could worsen. We need to be aware of that.
2. Hear this word of comfort for times of distress
Now we know very little about the worst sort of persecution but we know that many Christians do suffer greatly today and we do not know when we might be called upon to face similar things. Here in 19, 20 we have words of comfort and encouragement for those facing such situations. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
2. Hear this word of comfort for times of distress
Now we know very little about the worst sort of persecution but we know that many Christians do suffer greatly today and we do not know when we might be called upon to face similar things. Here in 19, 20 we have words of comfort and encouragement for those facing such situations. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
The very thought of such persecution is disturbing and one could easily get very worried about it but the disciples are reassured that when arrested they will be given just the words to say at the time. In their case, they received words directly inspired by the Holy Spirit. We can read them in Acts. For believers in post-apostolic times the promise is of the Spirit's help in such situations. We have great examples from the Marian martyrs. Eg Latimer "So be of good comfort master Ridley and play the man. We shall this day light such a candle, by God's grace, that will never be put out."
Be assured of this – when any one of us has to face persecution for Jesus' sake, we can be certain that God will draw near at such a time and give us all the help we need.
3. Understand that persecution may come from any direction
We have spoken about religious persecution and government-led persecution but persecution may come from any direction, even from members of one's own family. In 21 Jesus speaks of how Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. He sums up in 22 All men will hate you because of me. Now when you see the word all in the Bible you know it has to be qualified. The all here clearly means all sorts – religious people, secular people, strangers and apparent friends and even members of your own family. Because of Jesus an their opposition to him, they will also oppose you if you are devoted to Jesus. It varies, of course, some know a lot of opposition, some only a little. But it will be there if we are living for Christ.
3. Understand that persecution may come from any direction
We have spoken about religious persecution and government-led persecution but persecution may come from any direction, even from members of one's own family. In 21 Jesus speaks of how Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. He sums up in 22 All men will hate you because of me. Now when you see the word all in the Bible you know it has to be qualified. The all here clearly means all sorts – religious people, secular people, strangers and apparent friends and even members of your own family. Because of Jesus an their opposition to him, they will also oppose you if you are devoted to Jesus. It varies, of course, some know a lot of opposition, some only a little. But it will be there if we are living for Christ.
Be in no doubt about this. It has been granted to you on behalf of Christ (as Paul puts it in Phil 1:29) not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him and that suffering will often include persecution of one sort or another.
4. Be resolved to stand firm
Here is another great promise, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. This is what we must be resolved to do – to stand firm and to go on standing firm. Persecution often sorts the wheat from the chaff, the genuine from the false. One way God has of purging his army is to allow them to be persecuted. If we persevere it shows that we are still trusting in the Lord. Keep on to the end, therefore, despite what opposition there may be.
5. Be willing to do what you can legitimately do to avoid persecution
23 is important When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. We must not deny the Lord but then we must not go looking for persecution either. Avoid it if you can. No sheep should let a wolf near him if he can. Slip off like a snake in the grass to live another day. You see the pattern in Paul's ministry. So there is nothing perverse about being a Christian. Believers do not seek trouble. Rather we should seek to avoid it if we can with integrity.
6. Keep on preaching the truth
I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes. The disciples might have been tempted to think that if they kept going from city to city they would run out of places. No, says Jesus, you won't finish the work before I come – that is, I myself come, I come in judgement on Jerusalem in 70 AD or I come at the very end. Whichever, the point is that there will always be plenty of work to do. Okay, we can't work in this country or in this city but we can work elsewhere – and there is a great need there too. A housewife's work is never done – nor ours. If one person refuses to listen to you – then speak to someone who will. There is always someone willing to listen. The important thing is to keep preaching the truth. Don't give up because of laziness or opposition. Keep at it. Don't give in.
4. Be resolved to stand firm
Here is another great promise, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. This is what we must be resolved to do – to stand firm and to go on standing firm. Persecution often sorts the wheat from the chaff, the genuine from the false. One way God has of purging his army is to allow them to be persecuted. If we persevere it shows that we are still trusting in the Lord. Keep on to the end, therefore, despite what opposition there may be.
5. Be willing to do what you can legitimately do to avoid persecution
23 is important When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. We must not deny the Lord but then we must not go looking for persecution either. Avoid it if you can. No sheep should let a wolf near him if he can. Slip off like a snake in the grass to live another day. You see the pattern in Paul's ministry. So there is nothing perverse about being a Christian. Believers do not seek trouble. Rather we should seek to avoid it if we can with integrity.
6. Keep on preaching the truth
I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes. The disciples might have been tempted to think that if they kept going from city to city they would run out of places. No, says Jesus, you won't finish the work before I come – that is, I myself come, I come in judgement on Jerusalem in 70 AD or I come at the very end. Whichever, the point is that there will always be plenty of work to do. Okay, we can't work in this country or in this city but we can work elsewhere – and there is a great need there too. A housewife's work is never done – nor ours. If one person refuses to listen to you – then speak to someone who will. There is always someone willing to listen. The important thing is to keep preaching the truth. Don't give up because of laziness or opposition. Keep at it. Don't give in.
