Lesson 6

QUALITIES OF A CHURCH

Rev. Stanley L. Derickson Ph.D.

COPYRIGHT 2004

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ENACTED
(Phil. 1:27–2:2)

27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

2.1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
2 Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

27. Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

Our conversation has a real limit here - it should be becoming to the Gospel. That is the standard - anything less is not what we ought to be doing for our Lord. The reason in the text is so that Paul will hear a good report of them whether he is there or not. Be what you ought to be whether someone is watching or not might be the application of this.

Not only is their conversation to be correct they are to be of one spirit and one mind for the advancement of the Gospel.

The term translated "conversation" is a lot more than our word conversation. It relates to citizenship, it relates to being a citizen, it relates to behaving as a citizen, it relates to obeying the laws of citizenship and it relates to conducting one's self as a citizen.

In this context we are being admonished to be a citizen or part of God's family, to live like it, to obey the precepts laid down for such citizens and to live like the Christ that has brought us into this family for His honor and glory.

Does that give a little more meaning to this passage? It certainly should.

Now, how many churches do you know that are of one spirit and one mind about what they are going to do? Our purpose as a church is the Gospel outreach, not all the bickering that tends to go on in our churches and certainly not all the bickering about music and programs that so many churches are tied up in.

If we were concentrating on the edification of the saints and the evangelization of the lost there would be little time to do the rest of what we do.

Paul wants them to live properly whether he is present or absent. Parents would enjoy knowing their children and teenagers understood this principle. For that matter many husbands and wives would enjoy knowing their spouse understood the principle.

Live like you are a citizen of heaven whether anyone is watching or not. Do it at work, at play as well as at church where your conscience is -- not that your conscience resides at church but often that is the way we live our lives.

This would have had more import to the Philippian believers in that they were citizens of Rome, a government a long way from where they were. They would have had that concept of being a good citizen of a wide ranging empire, yet even though they were a part of that empire they were to consider the greater empire of God and their citizenship in heaven.

28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.

1. We are not to allow the enemy to terrify us. Isn't fear about the first result of opposition - what are they going to do to us? Our fear comes because we are worried about ourselves, and not looking to God for His protection.

Indeed, the Gospel will take care of itself and it is what man fears, not us personally. They fear the condemnation of the Gospel, and they fear the commitment they must make to the Gospel. Some lost people know up front that they will have to give up if they accept Christ.

I spent an hour or so with a man that rode a Harley. He was ruff, he was crude, and he was a lot intimidating. As we talked I found him to be seeking peace in his life and the Gospel seemed to be just what he needed. He didn't argue, he didn't protest, he just listened. When I was leaving the truck we were riding in his question was, if I do this will I have to give up my bike? He knew there was a need of commitment. I told him I did not know that there was no reason for me to think so but that it was between him and the Lord.

His final comment was that he had to find out if what I had said was true. In my mind he already knew, he just hadn't admitted it yet.

2. Terror is a token of the enemy’s future. Not only is there the fear of facing the Gospel, but there is a fear of facing God for not dealing with the Gospel.

I suspect that this fear of facing God is utmost in man's mind followed by the fear of the unknown conditions of hell.

I personally think that as part of the Gospel we need to let them know what they are facing as they choose hell for a final destination.

This isn't just a shallow fear but relates to the fear stirred up in a horse or animal that is startled. When out on my bike I often come up on cats. The bike is very quiet and they seldom hear me coming until I am within a foot swing of their heads - they normally are frightened greatly - they will make scratching noises on the pavement as their claws dig in for traction to get away from this huge machine and man that has come out of nowhere.

3. Terror is a token to us of salvation. Just how is this to be understood?

It seems that your not being terrified is the token spoken of - thus you not being frightened will be a sign of their destruction as well as a sign of your being saved or being one that trusts in Almighty God for keeping.

29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;

Even though you may suffer, there should be no fear. This is an integrated part of salvation - suffering for him.

The Greek word translated given is derived from the same word as grace. It is something given for the good of the recipient. Now, put that in your memory banks and chew on it awhile. We are to suffer because it is good for us, because God sees benefit in it for us.

I have a brief study from another book that relates well here so will insert it for your possible interest.

Let us call this study "Sufferology" just to get us thinking in the right direction.

Suffering seems to be an integrated part of the normal Christian life. We in America seem to be blessed with not having to suffer for Christ, though our brothers in other countries where Christians are persecuted feel the church in America would be strengthened with a little suffering.

James 5.10 mentions that the suffering of the prophets is an example for us as we go through suffering. "Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience."

II Cor. 1.5-7 is a key text in understanding what Paul suggests in Col. 1.24.

II Cor. 1.5-7 "For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. 6 And whether we be afflicted, [it is] for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, [it is] for your consolation and salvation. 7 And our hope of you [is] stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so [shall ye be] also of the consolation."

Notice that the sufferings of Christ abound in us. In some way we are linked to the suffering that Christ went through. It may only be that we benefit from the suffering, though the passage indicates to me that we participate in some way.

The next verse links suffering of verse five with his own suffering to get the Gospel to others.

And finally in verse seven Paul indicates that those affected by the Gospel will also suffer - it is assumed in the same manner that Paul did.

Christ suffered to provide salvation to all mankind, Paul suffers with Christ to get the Gospel to others, and those Paul reaches will suffer to get the Gospel to others.

Romans 8.17-18 adds to this thought somewhat. "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time [are] not worthy [to be compared] with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

Again, we see that Paul suffered with Christ is some manner. Since we know it was not on the cross the normal thought would be that all of Paul's suffering in his life was with Christ in the same work of redemption - Christ suffered to provide redemptions possibility and Paul as well as those that follow would also suffer in the sharing of that redemption to others (Similar to the Hebrews 11.26 passage).

Some other texts seem to back this up.

Phil. 3.10 mentions the fellowship of His suffering. "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;"

I Pet. 4.13 mentions that the suffering under persecution of Peter's readers was suffering with Christ. "But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy."

That believers will suffer is made clear in Phil. 1.29 "For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;"

One final verse relates the same thought. II Tim. 3.12 "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."

Is this some mystical suffering that we must go through, no, most certainly not, it is merely saying that as Christ suffered, so we will suffer for the Gospel's sake.

His suffering thankfully provided salvation to all of mankind, but our suffering only provides those we meet the opportunity to receive that salvation.

It seems, based on sufferology he is just picturing what he is doing - suffering to take the Gospel to those that need it. He is doing all he is doing for them. Fill up what is lacking - Christ could not do this part of the work so Paul suffers to fill in what Christ could not do - evangelize.

All is done for the church - and he REJOICES to suffer.

Wow, to suffer with Christ in His work - what an honor! Suffering should be more palatable if we understand these truths.

Back to our Philippians text.

30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear [to be] in me.

It would seem that they had seen something in the actions of the apostle and now he was verbalizing it - maybe they sensed that he was under pressure of persecution and someone had questioned him or some of his fellow workers had asked concerning their observations and he was now explaining himself.

It is not uncommon to show outwardly when one is under intense pressure. Almost all people, even the most reserved will show outward signs of pressure if it is large enough. Well, except possibly airline pilots - they never show pressure it seems according to the movies anyway.

Actually in the context is seems better to say that his conflict is related to that conflict of the Christian living in the world, knowing he a citizen of the next. This is the context, and he is calling them to live as he has lived - as a citizen of the next world.

Philippians 2.1 If [there be] therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, [being] of one accord, of one mind.

What a call to body unity. He seems to want the folks to be of one mind and of one accord - all going the same direction as an overall goal in their corporate mind.

This does not require them to agree on every point of belief, nor on every point of running the church - only the ultimate aim, purpose, or goal of the body - all working toward the same end.

Note that this would be a great joy to Paul. It might even be a joy to a pastor to see this sort of unity in his flock.

How can this sort of unity be built? There is only one way in my mind - ALL people being involved in the process of setting the ultimate goal of the body. Then and only then can you have complete unity of purpose.

All new members should be in agreement with this purpose if you are going to continue in the same unified manner. All new staff should most certainly be at peace with this same purpose.

This purpose is not a substitute for witnessing, worship or training - it is just the overall purpose of the body - how are they going to go about the witness, worship and training.

“Consolation” in verse one is a similar word to that of the word used of the Holy Spirit - one called along side.

It would seem that Paul is saying - if you have any relation with Christ. If we are believers we certainly do have this relationship to Him - He is one called along side to deal with our sin problem, and following salvation He is the one called along side for assistance in our life.

“Comfort of love” – is in short the thought that if the love comforts you.

“Fellowship of the Spirit” relates directly to the relation we have to Christ - both are there for our assistance - we have a close relation with them.

“Bowels of mercy” relates to heart felt mercy or the idea of sincere thought of mercy.

All five of these are related to the close relationship of the people in a church.

If these things are true then like mindedness should be the result. The back side of that is also true. If these close relationships aren't true in all believers in a body then there cannot be the like mindedness that Paul would count as joy.

Thus if you find a church where the people are at odds with one another look to these five relationships or lack thereof.

“Consolation in Christ” indicates ministry in Christ - ministry to others.

“Comfort of love” would be indicated by concern about other's lives as a result of love for them.

“Fellowship of the Spirit” is true fellowship - koinonia with the Spirit - that true fellowship between believers not the news weather and sports of our day.

“Bowels” relates to inward affection toward an object.

“Mercies” relates to compassion or pity.

If these items are present and a body has a set plan or purpose then there will be a church that is moving forward for their Lord.

Now we see the hard part of this. Paul says "if" before all these points that are prerequisites of unity. Paul isn't suggesting if as in I don't know if this is true or not, you determine. This is what is called the third class condition -- "IF" and assumed so, or these things, I am assuming are true, so unity should be present in your body.

APPLICATION

1. This is the first indication of a problem with the church family at Philippi. Later in the book it is clear that unity wasn't one of their hallmarks. Phil. 4.2 "I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel...."

We are not told what the two were fighting about but it must have been rancorous to have drawn the attention of the apostle.

Can you imagine two women that are at total odds sitting in church listening to this book being read. A book from their beloved Paul, and he calls you down by name - how embarrassing does it get?

Stedman states that some have suggested these ladies names were really "Odious" and "Soon-touchy" but at any rate at that point of hearing their name in a letter from Paul I would hope that both wanted their names to be EMBARRASSED!

2. It is wrong to allow division to happen in a local church. There is no reason for it other than severe doctrinal difference or some major division between faith and practice.

When I was a child I had to go to Sunday school and church with my mother. It was not a church that preached the gospel so this account is a little more understandable, however even in a poor doctrine type church when division comes, Christ is the ultimate victim in the lost world's eyes.

The church was running smoothly until they called a new pastor. After a time there were some in the church that wanted to let him move on. Others thought he was doing well and wanted to keep him. As time went on the division grew. Ultimately those wanting to force the pastor out called another pastor. The two pastors tried to minister side by side, but the division came to a head when one Sunday the church leaders called for a prayer session during the worship service. The prayer session was going strong at 1:30 when my mother told me to go home, then she arrived about an hour later.

The two groups could not resolve their differences and soon split. The group with the oldest pastor went out and built a new building. To the two groups I am sure it was over doctrinal differences.

The town was abuzz about the trouble for weeks and it was an insult to the God that the two groups supposedly served.

3. We spoke earlier about unity and that we should not split over minors, but only over majors. Take some time and consider what the Bible tells us to split over. What are some of the majors that ought to bring believers to split over?

a. Improper view of Christ's humanity and deity. (I Jo. 4.2 "Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that [spirit] of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.")

b. The Bible mentions divisive people. (Rom. 16.17 "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.")

c. The Lost. There is no reason to try to worship God with people that do not know Him.

Go ahead and think on this and there will be other reasons to separate from a doctrinally incorrect person.

Having said all of the above, might we consider what churches are splitting over today. Music. The pastor comes in and forces contemporary music on a group that feels it is wrong and feels that the pastor's tactics are unethical as well. Is this pastor not being divisive? Is a split not the best result so that the situation can be settled?

Beware your tactics, beware your situation, and beware your effect on a group.

Today we have people being shunned for not doing things our way. A couple decided to visit another church and that week received a very strong letter of rebuke from their church leadership for not being in their own church. The leaders thought that the couple had dishonored the church and that rebuke was needed. Huuuuuuhhhhhhhh. Chapter and verse please for missing once!

4. Stedman suggests that the only fear that would come to the believer would be from deciding to compromise. If a person commits to serving Christ completely, there would be no fear, since the person is relying on Christ for all, even strength to face death. However, step away from that commitment to Christ and fear will be upon you.

Fear can be faced if you look at the worst that can happen. Face that and all other situations are dealt with. The worst that can happen to you if you commit to Christ is death. Since we are moving on to a better place when we die, death should not be a fearful thing.

So, if you are trying to compromise in your dealings with Christ - don't. Ray Stedman gave an illustration of compromise. I think it pictures believers in compromise quite well.

"My little daughter, Laurie, is only one year and a half, but she is already trying to compromise. Yesterday I wanted to take her with me for a car ride. She was chewing on a greasy chicken bone she was holding and I tried to dispose of it before it was spread all over the upholstery in my new car. I said, "Laurie, throw the bone away." She looked at me rather puzzled. I repeated it and she knew what I meant. She went to the lawn and made gestures as though she was throwing it away, but held on to the bone. I reached down to take it from her and she snatched her hand away. I got the message; I realized that what she was saying was "Look, dad, I'm willing to go along with you and go as far as I can, You want me to throw the bone away and I'll act like I am, but I'm not going to let go of this bone. I want it, and if it will please you for me to look as though I'm throwing it away, I'll do that. I'll go as far as I can, but I'm not going to let go of the bone."

5. It has been mentioned that we are to live as good citizens of heaven. The back side of this truth is the truth that to be able to live properly as a good citizen of heaven, we need to know how to do so. We cannot live a life we know nothing about. This is why we need to be in the Word and listening to sermons, listening to lessons and reading books. To learn of the life in which we are to live, requires educating ourselves about that life.

Without this education we will be slothing along in a mediocre life that is not pleasing to the Lord. This cannot be good when we meet Him face to face.

He expects more of us, and should be able to count on us to give Him our best in this area of our spiritual life.

When you are in a Sunday school class, try to find new things that relate to your life. Do the same when in the worship service and Bible studies. As you read the Word ask the Lord to show you new things to relate to how you live before Him and before man.

As you walk through life, challenge yourself on different things you do in life. Are they really right for a Christian? Is this practice Biblical? Am I really doing this in the correct way?

6. Verse 29 mentions two items of interest. "For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;"

First of all it is a given, a law, a set item of action for us to believe on Christ, but ALSO to SUFFER FOR HIS SAKE.

Ray Stedman uses the term "PRIVILEGE" in relation to our suffering for Christ. We should not shirk suffering, we should not feel that we are being put upon if we do suffer for Him. It is our lot as it was Paul's lot.

When suffering comes, accept it as something that you can do in a proper fashion for the honor and glory of God.

Not a concept that American Christians have really wrapped themselves around. Many believers in the world are suffering right now. They are walking through these hard times for their Lord, and we should not be surprised if we are not called upon to do the same one day.

The American scene is slowly but steadily turning from Christian to secular and the secular is flexing its muscles quite often today. We as believers are having more trouble in schools, in government and in jobs. Some municipalities are making laws that hinder Christian rights while favoring the secular person's rights.

Suffering will come unless things change, and we should walk through it for Him.

Barnes observes: "It is a privilege thus to suffer in the cause of Christ, because (1.) we then resemble the Lord Jesus, and are united with him in trials; (2.) because we have evidence that we are his, if trials come upon us in his cause; (3.) because we are engaged in a good cause, and the privilege of maintaining such a cause is worth much of suffering; and (4.) because it will be connected with a brighter crown and more exalted honour in heaven."

7. As in the previous point we are given the privilage of believing in Christ. How is this a privilage?

a. Escape from Hell.
b. Entrance into heaven.
c. Free access to the throne of God in prayer.
d. Free access to the throne of God in person when we are with Him.
e. Freedom from our old nature.
f. Freedom from besetting sin.
g. Free of all that old stuff and all the free gifts of salvation.
h. Frees our minds of the questions that bother the lost mind.
g. Frees us from all worry of our future.

8. It is clear that the believers were either in or coming quickly to a time of great adversity. They seem ready for it as Paul was, there seemed little doubt in Paul's mind that all were prepared properly for what was coming.

Two questions:

a. How do we know we are ready for adversity?
b. Is the church as a whole in America ready for adversity?

a. How do we know we are ready for adversity?

1.) Have you ever faced harsh adversity?
2.) Do you know what harsh adversity is? It is not being late when the mall opens on Black Friday. It is not as many presume not having a new Lexus. It is not as others believe not having a huge home. It is nothing related to something that you do not have or cannot do.

It relates to things beyond your control that cause you harm either materially or physically. Have you ever lost your health? Have you been put in a place by your body and disease where you don't know if you will wake up in the morning?

It relates to the persecution of believers for their faith. It is being told you may go to prison for witnessing, it is being told you may go to prison for going to church and it may be for just telling someone that you are a Christian.

Today in several Muslim countries if anyone finds that you are a Christian you will be subject to death by anyone that knows of your spiritual condition. Oh, I know the Muslim religion is peaceful - it is peaceful as long as they are getting their own way and everyone else is going their way - if not look out for some real non-peaceful actions. Of course holy war is part of their peaceful nature so that isn’t wrong either.

If you have faced these sorts of things, then you are probably ready, but if not you may not be properly prepared.

3.) What is your mindset? Are you focused on the next life? Are you laying up stores there? Are you focused on God's perfect will for your life? Or are you centered on your belongings, status and way of life?

If this world is your focus you are probably not ready for adversity.

b. Is the church as a whole in America ready for adversity?

In a word, in my opinion, the answer is NO. Most believers I know are totally focused on what their next purchase or acquisition is going to be. They are in church on Sunday to make themselves feel good rather than to meet with God on any meaningful level.

When a little adversity strikes we often bolt for the closet so that we can go incognito and continue on in what we are doing in the world.

We have churches that are tied up with keeping their own people above water mentally and physically, there is no time to prepare for adversity.

Pastors and teachers ought to be teaching the truths of Scripture so that people are ready to face what is surely to come in our secularized world. Christians are becoming the minority very quickly and with the majority bent on destruction, we are in for a battle royal just to exist.

Yes, God is in control, but he allows His people to face adversity to learn the principles of living that they ought to be living by now.

9. In verse twenty-seven it says "stand fast in one spirit." Stand fast has the thought of standing firmly in place. Not giving way to pressure from the front or the back or any side. It relates to the soldier that stands in place giving no ground no matter the pressure.

This might relate to the church body in a number of ways. One today is IRS and their constant threatening against the church. Since when does the church determine its stand on the basis of financial hard ship - well since the last few years churches have been bowing to the powers that be. Few have tested their rights in court, most just succumb to the powers because they don't want to pay taxes.

Let us stand against wrong and take the consequences. If we can't pay a few taxes while we do battle why bother keeping the doors open.

Part of the problem is in the context. In today's church we have no unity, we are splintered. There is no focus on God, thus we focus on our own needs and desires. This leads to a church splintered. If there was unity there would be a way that the church could stand, but splintered none are ready to stand because they know they will be very lonely in their stand.

Paul wants them striving together for the faith of the Gospel - striving TOGETHER. If church bodies were united they could stand against the wiles of the Devil instead of cowering in the shadows till he passes by.

10. Also in verse twenty-seven Paul uses the term "striving together" to describe the unity of action. The action is done together. The striving is an athletic term used of working together. We have all probably seen teamwork in action. The team that just clicks and can do no wrong because they are a team, a unit, not a bunch of individuals.

When I was in high school our football team clicked in this manner. They functioned as a unit and there was nothing any other team could do to stop them. They were un-scored upon till the last game when the opposition was able to squeak in one touchdown. Many were the excuses, one was mine, I attended the game, the first I had attended that season, I must have been the jinx! Well, all the reasons in the world were given, but the fact of a moment of disunity may have crept in, maybe a moment of pride and arrogance.

The point is not the one touchdown, but the point was the teamwork that allowed such a season to occur. Imagine a church body with such unity of purpose moving forward to spread the Word of God to the many lost around them.

11. In verse twenty-eight Paul uses a term translated "terrified" while Constable suggests another translation of "intimidated." It is a word that is not used elsewhere in the Bible. In classical Greek it is used of a shy horse that is startled by something unexpected and jerks back, or away from the object that caused its fright.

Paul wants them to stand squarely on the Word in a unified manner not allowing anything to startle or frighten them into disarray.

Let us go back to our IRS situation. Most churches fear the tax bill so submit willingly, while the Christian legal minds suggest we ought to take our stand against wrong. The IRS seems to be placing their own rules above the rights of the people - that should be seen as wrong, not allowed to pass for common place.

Stand against trouble, proclaim truth. The legal minds suggest instead of willingly submitting to the IRS that churches proclaim what is going on and draw attention to the wrong, rather than submit and allow wrong to move on to the next congregation.

12. Paul knows the Philippian believers are citizens of Rome, but reminds them that they are also citizens of Heaven and that they ought to steadfastly live like it. He, a prisoner of Rome, knows what he is talking about and is living the way he wants them to live. He is in prison and they are free so the implication is that it ought to be easier for them to live as they ought.

We are on the outside and often find it difficult to live as we ought. Consider yourself a prisoner in today’s jail system and trying to live as a citizen of heaven. I was recently contacted by a believer in a prison in the east. He seems to be living a better Christian life than many on the outside. He is in the word, he is taking college classes, he is witnessing, and he is leading people to the Lord and in all this is taking a stand against the "Liberal" Chaplin and chapel services. He runs into all sorts of cults and defends the Word against their false teaching.

This man and a few standing with him are spreading true Christianity within the walls of the prison system. I do a lot of research online for him about different writers and isms of our day. He brings up two or three different cults or false teachers a letter and asks for further information so that he can confront fellow prisoners with the false teaching they are getting.

The majority of these cults and writers are unknown to me. They are seemingly having great gains within the prison system. They flood the institution with their false teaching via courses, books, radio and studies. What a testimony, in this cesspool of our society; this man and some of his friends are taking a united stand against falsehood. They are true citizens of heaven while in physical reality citizens of a state prison.

13. The Life Application Bible makes the following statement: "The Holy Spirit unites Christians into one spiritual group. If they can stand side by side in the Spirit, they can overcome small differences among individual members and work forcefully toward a common goal—to withstand external persecution."

What do you think of their statement? Do you see this in your church? Do you see this in the church universal? Do you see it in your own family?

I doubt many yes answers will result from the questions. However, I believe that if the Lord stirs in a little persecution we will see more and more unity in the Spirit.

There is little need for believers to be unified today. There are so many churches that if you disagree with the color of carpet that the church picks you can go down the street and find a church with the proper color. Put governmental or worldly persecution to our Christian society and I suspect that some radical changes will occur.

There seem to be some forces drawing different groups together for the common good. Abortion for example has drawn people from all sorts of groups to work against the common evil. We are seeing more and more cooperation in the area of politics as well.

If we see direct persecution of churches or individuals I trust that we will allow the Spirit to move us to set aside the small differences that separate us to bring us together to stand against the wrongs against us.

14. The Life Application Bible also lists some reasons why suffering is a positive thing for us. I would like to quote these four points and suggest that they are reasons that we should enjoy seeing suffering come our way.

"Suffering has these additional benefits: (1) It takes our eyes off of earthly comforts; (2) it weeds out superficial believers; (3) it strengthens the faith of those who endure; (4) it serves as an example to others who may follow us."

I would add that in number one, suffering often takes our eyes off of earthly things that we are so closely attached to. The focus comes to finding an answer to the suffering rather than how we are going to get more things.

The last reason has often been an encouragement to me as well as an example. When in hard times it has been an encouragement to me to know that thousands of believers have gone through similar and even worse troubles than I have been in. This gives me the knowledge that I too can make it through these hard times that are upon me.

It also should draw us up short to think of our own suffering in light of others suffering. When you think your suffering is all that you can handle, think of the thousands in the world that are in deep starvation, or are being persecuted by the sword and gun. These sorts of problems are going on around the world at almost any given point in time.

We ought to understand that unless we are facing death as Paul was, we ought not feel that our suffering is oppressive. We should know that even if our suffering is unto death we are in a gaining position in life. Suffering is for our furtherance, not our detriment.

Let us close by reading a short comment from the Lord Himself about this very topic and give ourselves HIS perspective of suffering and persecution. John 15.18 "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also."