Harmless & Wise
Notes
Transcript
How do disciples behave when society becomes hostile to Christianity?
First, we take a deep breath and realize reality is not the same as sensational headlines.
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
Second, we recognize that society has usually been hostile to Christianity.
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
Third, we learn to be wise and innocence at the same time.
Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues,
and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles.
Wisdom knows that there are forces at work to oppose Christianity.
When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour.
For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Innocence trusts that God’s response to conflict is better than our schemes.
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.
Wisdom knows that opposition will come from unexpected places.
When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
Innocence trusts that God will sort things out so we don’t have to.
“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.
It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.
Discipleship means responding to our challenges like Jesus did - with wisdom and innocence.