4/30/23 - Sheep Wolves Snakes Doves - Matthew 10:1-22 - Pastor Jason Fritz

Jesus is so good. He always gives us what we need to accomplish what he has called us to do. Sometimes the provision includes a warning. That’s exactly what we get in Matthew chapter 10. Jesus has called us to make disciples and according to him the road will not be easy. Consider these words...

"Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” -Matthew 10:21-22

This hatred stems from division brought by truth delivered in grace and it’s not easy; especially when division comes into your home. Be faithful, knowing that the one who is warning you is also committed to you. Read the last half of verse 22 again…"But the one who endures to the end will be saved." 

In Acts chapter 14 we see Paul and Barnabus in the city of Iconium. The city has rallied against them and how do they respond? Do they say, “Oh no, opposition, we better quiet down!” No, instead this happened, “So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly.” -Acts 14:13

The Apostle Paul understood the warning and affirmation. Imprisoned and soon to die, he writes a letter to his own disciple. The young man is Timothy. In this writing Paul says there was a man named Alexander who was adamantly opposed to him and caused a great deal of harm. He says this about the conflict…“But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.  So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”  -2 Timothy 4:17-18. Notice the presence of God in the face of danger. Paul says the Lord stood near and strengthened him so that others might hear the message.

If you always back off whenever you face opposition, you will never accomplish anything for God because Satan will always oppose any step you take in faith. Some have never faced any opposition because they don’t believe it’s necessary to share the message. Remember Christian, if you really believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive people of their sins and thereby usher in eternity with God - then there’s no other option! Remember, if God is for us, who is against us?