Fearless & Faithful
Revelation 2:8-11
Living Faith in a Post-Christian World: Finding Strength in Christ's Understanding
In a world that increasingly views Christianity as irrelevant or even antagonistic, how can believers stay true to their faith? This question isn't just academic—it's deeply personal for many Christians who feel the pressure to downplay their beliefs at work, school, or online. The reality is stark: over 380 million Christians worldwide face high levels of persecution, from social ostracism to imprisonment and even death.
Yet, this struggle isn't new. The early Christians faced similar challenges in a pre-Christian world. They were misunderstood, mocked, and persecuted. Today's post-Christian culture mirrors that ancient context in three key ways (Elliot Clark, Missionary):
Many people are ignorant of the gospel.
The goodness of Christianity is increasingly doubted.
Christians are often maligned for their faith.
While these challenges may feel novel to us, they are not new to Jesus or His church. The comfort we can draw from this is profound: Christ knows our struggles intimately.
In the book of Revelation, Jesus addresses the church in Smyrna with a powerful message that resonates across time: "I know." This isn't a dismissive acknowledgment but a deep, empathetic understanding. Jesus relates to the church's struggles, having experienced human suffering firsthand. He reminds them—and us—that He is "the First and the Last, who died and came to life again" (Revelation 2:8).
This personal care from Jesus is a cornerstone of our faith. He's not a distant, unknowable deity but one who became "meek and lowly" for our sake. As the old hymn "No, Not One" beautifully puts it: "No friend like Him is so high and holy, and yet no friend is so meek and lowly."
Jesus addresses the church's poverty and afflictions, acknowledging their material lack while affirming their spiritual wealth. This paradox challenges our worldly perspectives on success and riches. In Christ, we possess an unshakeable inheritance that transcends material wealth. The question we must ask ourselves is: Is Jesus enough? Are we willing to lose worldly opportunities for the sake of our faith?
The sermon recounts a personal story of a young photographer who faced this very dilemma. Choosing between lucrative Sunday jobs and serving in church, he ultimately decided to prioritize his faith. This decision, while difficult, aligned with the truth that choosing Jesus is always worth it, even when it leads to challenging situations.
Jesus also acknowledges the slander faced by the church in Smyrna. False accusations of political disloyalty, blasphemy, and immorality made life difficult for these early Christians. Today, believers might face accusations of intolerance, hypocrisy, or being old-fashioned. Yet, Jesus himself faced similar slander, being called a law-breaker, blasphemer, and even demon-possessed.
In the face of such opposition, Jesus offers two powerful commands: "Do not be afraid" and "Be faithful" (Revelation 2:10). These aren't mere platitudes but assurances rooted in Christ's own experience and victory. He has walked the hardest path known to humanity and knows how to guide us safely home.
The promise that our suffering is temporary—symbolized by the "ten days" mentioned in Revelation—reminds us of God's sovereignty. Whatever we're going through, it's not forever. Jesus has set a timer on our trials.
Being faithful might seem like an impossible ask if we had to do it alone. But the good news of the gospel is that Jesus' perfect obedience, faithfulness, and resurrection power are applied to believers. We don't rely on our own strength but on His.
The story of Polycarp, the bishop of Smyrna, provides a powerful example of such faithfulness. When faced with death for his faith, he declared, "For 86 years I have served Him, and He has never done me wrong. How can I deny the King who saved me?" His unwavering trust in the face of martyrdom demonstrates the depth of faith possible when we truly believe in Christ's promises.
Ultimately, Jesus offers more than just truth—He offers goodness. In a world questioning the value of Christianity, we can point to the hope, forgiveness, and purpose found in Christ. The promise of eternal life for those who remain faithful provides ultimate comfort.
As we navigate the challenges of living out our faith in a post-Christian world, we can take heart in knowing that Jesus understands our struggles intimately. He's been through it all and walks alongside us. The hymn "No, Not One" reminds us:
"Jesus knows all about our struggles,
He will guide till the day is done;
There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus,
No, not one! No, not one!"
In closing, let's reflect on these questions:
How does knowing that Jesus is aware of your struggles bring comfort and strength to your faith?
How does the promise of eternal life with Jesus shape your perspective on temporary suffering?
And let's hold onto Jesus' words as a source of peace and courage:
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27)
In a world that often feels hostile to our faith, may we find strength in Christ's understanding, comfort in His presence, and courage in His promises. Our struggles are temporary, but His love and faithfulness are eternal.