Minority Tactics

For years while I was growing up, America was described as a Christian Nation. We are responsible for most missionary work all over the world. American missionaries have built hospitals, orphanages, schools and more all over the world.

In the years after WW II, soldiers came back from war with a compassion for the people in Europe and the Pacific theater and with thousands giving their lives to Christ in the Billy Graham crusades, they began to go back to the countries where they once served as soldiers only this time, they were sharing the Gospel.

This brings me to this question.

Is America still a Christian Nation?

There may be a church on every corner but that doesn’t mean we are a Christian nation. I think it’s hard to find true Christianity in todays’ culture. There are a lot fo churches, but Christians have become a minority in our culture… or at least it feels like it.

This reality is reflected every day in our culture.

Belief in God is mocked and laughed at.

Christian morality is seen as outdated

Education and knowledge is seen as the answer to our problems

Money, power and social popularity are the success symbols people want

Scientific theories are taught like they are fact

It can be difficult to live a Christian life in such a hostile culture

Because of this, it’s easy to become discouraged, depressed and even doubtful.

Let me ask this… instead of being overcome by this anti God culture (both obvious and subtle),

How can you survive as a Christian?

You come to church and worship and hear the Word and then go to work where

your friends are not talking about God is a positive sense

where people are hostile to you because you take a stand on a moral issue.

where even your family may not like you being a “Christian.”

What can you do to survive? (Get answers from the crowd)

QT, Read Bible, Pray a lot, hang out only with Christians, stay away from your old friends, only watch Christian shows and only read Christian stuff and by all means, ONLY listen to Christian music. Come to church...

Wait. Are we making a mistake?

When we think about survival, we are making the same mistake we have made for years.

We are thinking about survival and not changing our world.

God wants us to Change the World.

Instead of wrapping a security blanket around us, we need to be saying,

How can we as Christians make a difference?

IOW, how can we as Christians bring Jesus Christ, Jesus Immanuel, to our hostile culture in a way that will make a difference?

We have to go on offense!

The First Century church was not the good old days. They faced unbelievable opposition. If you lived then as a Christian, they would hunt you down and put in prison or killed. Thousands of early believers were captured and put to death for their faith in Christ.

They were a distinct minority, but they were on the offense.

Philippians 1:12–30 NLT

12 And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. 13 For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. 14 And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear. 15 It’s true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives. 16 They preach because they love me, for they know I have been appointed to defend the Good News. 17 Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me. 18 But that doesn’t matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice. 19 For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance. 20 For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. 21 For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. 22 But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. 23 I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. 24 But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. 25 Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith. 26 And when I come to you again, you will have even more reason to take pride in Christ Jesus because of what he is doing through me. 27 Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. 28 Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. 29 For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. 30 We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it.

Where did Paul write this from?

When Paul first visited Philippi (Acts 16) he was arrested and put in jail. He escaped because God provided a miracle… an earthquake.

Now Paul is in Rome and in jail again. I don’t know about you, but this would affect my outlook and attitude. But it didn’t seem to slow Paul down.

Philippians 1:12 NLT

12 And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News.

Paul is convinced that his being in prison helped the spread of the Gospel.

Philippians 1:13 NLT

13 For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ.

Paul is telling everyone about Jesus

Philippians 1:14 NLT

14 And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear.

Paul believes that his imprisonment was an encouragement for others.

Philippians 1:20 NLT

20 For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die.

Paul was always ready to speak boldly for the Lord

Philippians 1:27 NLT

27 Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.

Paul lived a life in a manner worthy of the Gospel. His purpose was to share the Gospel.

Paul is giving a lesson in Minority Tactics. He exhorts us to be fearless in telling others about Jesus regardless of our culture and the consequences of sharing.

Instead of a survival kit, Paul gives us a Battle Plan.

Philippians 2:1–18 NLT

1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. 9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 12 Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. 13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. 14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. 16 Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. 17 But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. 18 Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.

Let’s List off Pauls instructions

Love each other as Christians (2)

Work together as Christians (2)

Don’t be selfish (3)

Be Humble, not trying to make a name for yourself (3)

Be genuinely interested in others and wha they are doing (4)

Be like Jesus. (5-11)

Obey God with reverence (12)

Realize that God is working in you (13)

Don’t complain or argue (14)

live clean, moral lives (16)

Live by the Word of God. (16)

We have to change our thinking!

We need to have a dramatic change in our thinking. Just think of the impact we can have at (work, school, playgrounds, in families) if we take these instructions Paul line out here seriously for facing a hostile environment.

Instead of people seeing a bunch of irrelevant and fearful and bickering individuals, the world would see a cohesive team of Christ followers, confident, loving, unselfish, and with one purpose… to tell others about Jesus.

People need to see a unified team dedicated to telling the world about Jesus.

What you have inside you cannot be defeated. It is what everyone needs and event many don’t know it they want what you have. It might seem bad out there, but if you have read the last chapters of the Bible - we win.

How do we measure up?

Take the list we just went over and circle the ones you need the most right now.

Altar time…

Come to the Altar and ask God to give you the strength to make a difference and to ask his forgivness for not making a difference.

Take these Scriptures I am listing out and read them this week and write out how they apply in your life.

Opposition isn’t new.

1 Peter 4:4 NLT

4 Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you.

1 Peter 4:5 NLT

5 But remember that they will have to face God, who stands ready to judge everyone, both the living and the dead.

1 Peter 4:12–14 NLT

12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. 14 If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you.

Know God’s message and avoid foolish discussions.

2 Timothy 2:15–16 NLT

15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. 16 Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior.

Don’t argue.

Acts 17:22–34 NLT

22 So Paul, standing before the council, addressed them as follows: “Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way, 23 for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines. And one of your altars had this inscription on it: ‘To an Unknown God.’ This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I’m telling you about. 24 “He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn’t live in man-made temples, 25 and human hands can’t serve his needs—for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need. 26 From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries. 27 “His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us. 28 For in him we live and move and exist. As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ 29 And since this is true, we shouldn’t think of God as an idol designed by craftsmen from gold or silver or stone. 30 “God overlooked people’s ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him. 31 For he has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man he has appointed, and he proved to everyone who this is by raising him from the dead.” 32 When they heard Paul speak about the resurrection of the dead, some laughed in contempt, but others said, “We want to hear more about this later.” 33 That ended Paul’s discussion with them, 34 but some joined him and became believers. Among them were Dionysius, a member of the council, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

Many will not understand the Gospel.

1 Corinthians 1:18–20 NLT

18 The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. 19 As the Scriptures say, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.” 20 So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish.

Jesus is the message.

1 Corinthians 2:1–5 NLT

1 When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. 2 For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. 4 And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. 5 I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.

You will not fit into the Worlds value system.

John 15:18–20 NLT

18 “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. 19 The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. 20 Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you.

Be Confident, you have God’s power in you!

Ephesians 1:18–19 NLT

18 I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. 19 I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power

Live like Christians… love is the key.

Ephesians 5:1–2 NLT

1 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

Ephesians 5:8 NLT

8 For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!

Ephesians 5:15–17 NLT

15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.

Be equipped for Battle.

Ephesians 6:10–18 NLT

10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Avoid arguments.

Philippians 2:14 NLT

14 Do everything without complaining and arguing,

Don’t Worry, seek God first.

Matthew 6:33–34 NLT

33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. 34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Focus on your goal.

Philippians 3:14 NLT

14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Ask God to help you not to worry.

Philippians 4:6 NLT

6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

Don’t judge non Christians let God do that.

1 Corinthians 5:9–13 NLT

9 When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. 10 But I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. 11 I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people. 12 It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. 13 God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say, “You must remove the evil person from among you.”

Dont’ be fooled by all kinds of philosophies.

Colossians 2:4–5 NLT

4 I am telling you this so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments. 5 For though I am far away from you, my heart is with you. And I rejoice that you are living as you should and that your faith in Christ is strong.

Be prepared to share your faith.

1 Peter 3:15 NLT

15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.

Colossians 4:5–6 NLT

5 Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

Love and pray for those who try to push you down.

Matthew 5:43–45 NLT

43 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.

Money is not #1.

Matthew 6:19–21 NLT

19 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

Love is the key to everything.

1 Corinthians 13:2 NLT

2 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing.

When possible, overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:21 NLT

21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.