28.09.2020

What do we do as a Christian, if we find ourselves in a situation that challenges our belief or faith in Christ?

Bible passages: 
Matthew 5:14-16, Matthew 22:15-22, 1Corinthians 2:10-15, 2Samuel 12:1-5, Colossians 4:5-6, 1Corinthians 10:13, Acts 5:29-42, John 18:33-38, Matthew 26:62-68.

Discussion:
One of the sermons on the mount is found in the book of Matthew chapter 5. The Sermon on the Mount is a collection of sayings of Jesus, found in the Gospel of Matthew chapters 5, 6 and 7, which emphasizes his moral teachings. It is the longest of the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, and includes the Beatitudes, the Lord’s Prayer, and central tenets of Christian discipleship.
In Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus Christ said “you are the light that gives light to the world. A city that is built on a hill cannot be hidden”.
Verse 16 In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and will praise your Father in heaven.
The verses above showed that God wants us - Christian to be a light that shines. A Christian that shines is active not passion, a Christian that knows the right thing to do and do it. A Christian that is not hidden; a Christian that shows good example for others to see so that they will praise Almighty Father - God in heaven.
The help of the Holy Spirit is crucial in a challenging or difficult situation.
Therefore, we emphasised  on the importance of Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit gives wisdom and we need the help of the Holy Spirit to evaluates the situation. In the New Testament Jesus Christ affirmed that Holy Spirit directs, teaches, gives wisdom and be an instant helper.
Matthew 10:19-20 when you are arrested, don’t worry about what to say or how to say it. Verse 20 It will not really be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Mark 13:11 refers to the same point.
Luke 12:12 At that time the Holy Spirit will teach you what to say.
John 14:26 But the Helper will teach you everything and will cause you to remember all that I told you. This Helper is the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name.
Challenging or difficult situation could be referred to as a test or persecution.

“Christian persecution refers to persistently cruel treatment, often due to religion or belief. Jesus told Christians to spread the word of Christianity, and acknowledged that this may put them in danger. And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved”.

What to do in a difficult situation:
• Let the Holy Spirit leads - listen and obey the Holy Spirit;
• Read your bible - guidance
• Pray - ask for direction
• Seek advice of pastors or spiritual leaders
• Use wisdom of God to analyse and discern the situation
Examples of how Jesus dealt with difficult situation.
Matthew 22: 15-22 The Pharisees made plans to trap Jesus into saying something wrong. They asked whether it is right to pay tax or not? The  Pharisees knew that the government at the time was under Romans empire; and Caesar is the emperor. They were looking for a leader to lead them to rebel against Roman rule.
The Pharisees also knew that people were following Jesus and tries to make Jesus to look like He is against Roman Empire - Caeser. 
Trap: if Jesus say don’t pay tax; the people will be happy as taxes are heavy on them. But Jesus will be going against the Roman rule. If Jesus say pay tax; people will not be happy as the taxes were too heavy on them. The Pharisees intended to trap Jesus on either way.
Another scenario is in John 18:33-38 when Jesus was brought before the Pilate as the king.
Yet again the Israelites were waiting for the messiah to lead them in rebellion against Roman Empire. Pilate is under Roman Empire and the people called Jesus the king of the Jew trying to present Jesus as a rivalry to the Roman Empire.
Jesus was asked, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
Jesus knew the trap being set before Him and the intent of the heart. In Verse 34 Jesus said, “Is that your own question, or did others tell you about me?”
Verse 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom does not belong to this world. If it belonged to this world, my servants would fight so that I would not be given over to the Jews. But my kingdom is from another place”.
In Old Testament, Nathan - the priest used wisdom to pass a touching message / punishment to king David 2Samuel 12:1-5.
Colossians 4:5-6 ”Be wise in the way you act with people who are not believers, making the most of every opportunity ……… be able to answer everyone in the way you should”.
In every challenges we should handle it with wisdom under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. 1Corinthians 10:13 …….. But you can trust God, who will not let you be tempted more than you can stand…… He will also give you a way to escape so that you will be able stand it.

Praise God🙏