Word@Work Luke311 - Luke 21:14-15
Published: Fri, 03/11/11
Word@Work from BeaconLight
WORRY, WORDS AND WISDOM
Luke 21:14-15 But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. (NIV)
Jesus knew how difficult it could be, for the apostles and the church, when accused by religious or civil lawyers, just because they believed that He was God in a human body, the Saviour of the world, the King of kings and the Lord of lords. How could they deal with the anxiety and prepare themselves to face the trial? His instruction was simple: decide before the crisis not to worry, and believe that the necessary wisdom would be given just at the right time; and that God-given words would come to mind when needed.
First they were to accept the inevitability of persecution (2 Timothy 3:12), and determine not to be afraid (Philippians 4:6). They needed to understand that they did not need to defend their faith in Christ and the gospel, any more than a lion needs defending ... it just needs to be released and it will defend itself! They were to rely on God giving them empowered words of gospel truth to defend them personally and attack the gates of hell (Matthew 16:18). That was what happened to the Apostles Peter and John (Acts 4:1-22). In prayer they said, "Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness." (Acts 4:29). So threats made them even bolder in the Lord!
Inspired words still come packaged with Divine wisdom, to believers who have made up their minds not to be intimidated by the threat of harm. That is a supernatural response to a supernatural promise. Like soldiers in training, who know they will be fired upon and yet must not be afraid, the follower of Christ must understand that opposition will come to all who respond to the call to be a disciple. But first, fear must be dealt with in principle (Joshua 1:9), by deciding not to accept the temptation to worry, and by believing that the Lord will give the necessary wisdom to be a good witness.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You for being with us as we contend with people who do not love Jesus. Forgive me for getting frightened at the thought of a personal threat or criticism of my faith. Please help me to understand the daily necessity of spiritual preparation, accepting the risk of opposition but without allowing myself to be intimidated; because I believe Your promise that You will sustain me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Subscribe | View Archive | Donate | W@W Facebook Group
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Jesus knew how difficult it could be, for the apostles and the church, when accused by religious or civil lawyers, just because they believed that He was God in a human body, the Saviour of the world, the King of kings and the Lord of lords. How could they deal with the anxiety and prepare themselves to face the trial? His instruction was simple: decide before the crisis not to worry, and believe that the necessary wisdom would be given just at the right time; and that God-given words would come to mind when needed.
First they were to accept the inevitability of persecution (2 Timothy 3:12), and determine not to be afraid (Philippians 4:6). They needed to understand that they did not need to defend their faith in Christ and the gospel, any more than a lion needs defending ... it just needs to be released and it will defend itself! They were to rely on God giving them empowered words of gospel truth to defend them personally and attack the gates of hell (Matthew 16:18). That was what happened to the Apostles Peter and John (Acts 4:1-22). In prayer they said, "Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness." (Acts 4:29). So threats made them even bolder in the Lord!
Inspired words still come packaged with Divine wisdom, to believers who have made up their minds not to be intimidated by the threat of harm. That is a supernatural response to a supernatural promise. Like soldiers in training, who know they will be fired upon and yet must not be afraid, the follower of Christ must understand that opposition will come to all who respond to the call to be a disciple. But first, fear must be dealt with in principle (Joshua 1:9), by deciding not to accept the temptation to worry, and by believing that the Lord will give the necessary wisdom to be a good witness.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You for being with us as we contend with people who do not love Jesus. Forgive me for getting frightened at the thought of a personal threat or criticism of my faith. Please help me to understand the daily necessity of spiritual preparation, accepting the risk of opposition but without allowing myself to be intimidated; because I believe Your promise that You will sustain me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Your next Word@Work will be sent on
W@WLuke311 | Word@Work © Dr Paul Adams 2011 | Provided by BeaconLight | Contact us at wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk
Subscribe | View Archive | Donate | W@W Facebook Group