2 Corinthians 11:26; In Perils of …
2 Corinthians 11:26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
In highlighting the dangers that the disciples will face from the enemies of the gospel, Jesus provided this advice – be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. (Matthew 10:16). The disciples need an applied knowledge of God’s Word, the wisdom of God’s Word. In the Bible, the picture given of the snake or serpent is that it is repulsive, stay clear of it, but here our Lord using the particular shrewdness of the serpent to as Christians to emulate serpents. Those who would do good has need to pray for wisdom, good sense and a sound mind. Indeed, who is sufficient for these things? We need to cry to the only wise God for wisdom. The systematic study of God’s Word, the Book of Proverbs is a good book of wisdom.
The Apostle Paul also says Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without… We are to be wise is our interaction with the unbelieving world, not rendering ourselves vulnerable. That’s the sense of it. Jesus’ servants need shrewdness not to give needless occasion for others to take advantage of them. They require a clear head in dealing with opposition. The word “wise” means prudent. The “dove” is a picture of “innocence” and “purity” with good motive, without malice, not vindictive. The shrewdness of the Christian needs qualification with a “harmless” approach. The word “dove” carries the ideas of unmixed or pure. People who minister cannot do so with deception.
Matthew 5:43-44 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Philippians 2:15 “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.”
The word “harmless” means unmixed or pure, free from guile, innocent and simple, “heartfelt goodness toward all men.”
James 3:17-18 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
This is the sanctified Christian, made holy through the study of God’s Word and allowing God’s character to come upon us. It brings forth the character of God’s love.
Ephesians 6:11-13 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
He is to trust in the Lord to take care – Jesus says in Matthew 10:19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. 20Forit is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.
He will provide you with the words to say. This was the Apostle Paul’s experience of God’s provision.
Acts 16:23-26 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: 24Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. 25And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. 26And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.
Christ’s disciples are to press On with the Faith despite all setback Matthew 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
Depart from harm’s way, God will provide another open door for witness – Matthew 10:23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
Jesus spelt clearly the dangers and He taught us the appropriate responses. May we take need to these pertinent lessons so that we may serve with gladness in the day of persecution, enduring hardness as a good soldier of the cross. Amen.