Warning #2: Arrested

“Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”

Matthew 10:17-20

Is it possible to be arrested for proclaiming the gospel in this world?

Yes.  There are pockets in this world where it is illegal to proclaim the gospel. However, the U.S. Constitution grants freedom of religion and the right to gather in worship and proclaim the gospel to others.

The threat of arrest and corporal punishment was real for Jesus’ disciples. He told them to be “on guard” and not be surprised when it happened.

As Christian believers, should we expect adversity?

Currently, believers in the U.S. do not have to fear being arrested or punished for proclaiming the gospel.

Why should we still be on guard? 

Who should we be on guard against?  The devil.

During COVID-19, world leaders are going to great lengths to stop its spread until a remedy has been found.  It seems one of the greatest ways to stop the spread is to keep people at home and six feet apart.

The devil is going to great lengths to stop the spread of the gospel. One of the best ways of doing that is keeping God’s people silent and instilling fear of real or perceived threats. In other words, keep believers comfortable and feeling safe at home while being afraid to do much more.

The threat of being arrested in America for proclaiming the gospel is not real, but the fear of being placed in threatening situations is very real.

Again, Jesus provides a solution.

1. Be on your guard against the devil’s attacks. Remember, you are a sheep among wolves.
2. Whenever you are provided opportunities to be Christ’s witnesses, it will feel threatening.  When that happens, Jesus tells us not to worry.

Don’t _________.

Jesus gives us the Words to say, because the Word is already planted in our hearts. When we speak the Word, it is not us speaking but the Word in us. This is not an excuse to stop preparing to give reasons for the hope we have in Christ, but a reminder to trust that God’s Word works.  But more than that. Whenever placed in tense situations, God is there with his Word that he readily supplies.

The Word removes fear because the source of fear is the devil. He tells lies. 

Remember Jesus’ temptations in Matthew 4:1-11. When confronted, threatened, and cajoled by the devil, Jesus relied on the power of God’s Word to overcome his attacks. It is the same remedy for us. Sheep do not have a chance against a wolf unless they have a Good Shepherd with them.

Are you starting to get the impression that evangelism is far more about God than it is about yourself?