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1 Thessalonians 2:1-2
1 For [gar] yourselves, [autos] brethren, [adelphos] know [eido] our [hemon] entrance in [eisodos] unto [pros] you, [humas] that [hoti] it was [ginomai] not [ou] in vain: [kenos]
2 But [alla] even [kai] after that we had suffered before, [propascho] and [kai] were shamefully entreated, [hubrizo] as [kathos] ye know, [eido] at [en] Philippi, [Philippoi] we were bold [parrhesiazomai] in [en] our [hemon] God [theos] to speak [laleo] unto [pros] you [humas] the gospel [euaggelion] of God [theos] with [en] much [polus] contention. [agon] KJV-Interlinear
1 For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain, 2 but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition. NASB
The bringing of Bible doctrine to those who wish to hear it, is not without difficulty, and not without results.
Since the beginning of the human race, Adam and Eve, Satan has opposed the teaching of truth by God to anyone. Satan’s opposition to the spiritual life for those who are positive toward God, has existed from the beginning of his rebellion and continues until now, and will continue until the end of human history.
Everyone who is or has ever been interested in God, Christ, or doctrine is well aware of the opposition of peoples, organizations, religions, countries, and so forth, toward Christianity. From refusal to allow Christmas images, to the opposition to the display of the Ten Commandments, to the opposition to Christian viewpoint in universities and schools, to opposition to any type of Christian communication, these things have existed since long ago.
From the Garden, to the crucifixion of Christ, to the beating of Paul and Silas in Philippi, mentioned here and described in Acts 16, to the many barriers against Christianity in our present day, this opposition will continue and will only get worse as time goes on and as Satan feels the pressure of his time running out.
But, just as a savior was promised to Adam, just as the line of Christ could not be destroyed, just as the Cross could not be stopped, and just as every effort in our current day to destroy Christian doctrine has failed, then so too, your positive volition and desire for doctrine is more powerful than any opposition that the world can muster.
Paul faced difficulties galore, and yet his writing of most of the New Testament Books could not be stopped. Likewise their continuance to our current day, could not be prevented.
Daily studies may come a go, but your Bible, your access to doctrine will never be driven away, if that is Gods will, and if you have a genuine desire for your spiritual life.
The world has governments, social groups, legislation, judges on the bench, trying economic times, foreclosures, and hardships galore, all designed to destroy Gods plan, but Christians have their confidence and promise from God. And Gods promise of doctrine, is greater than all the worlds powers and circumstances combined.
All things work together for good, and even evil in this world, which opposes truth, is following Gods plan, with or without realizing it.
The world has elected or dictator leaders, you have Christ. The world has laws and regulations, you have doctrine. The world has celebrities and a social following, you have prayer. The world cannot compete with your spiritual resources. So use them.
Remember our arms raised high study? When you pursue, use, and support your daily studies, then the battle will always go well with you and Christianity in general. Now is certainly not the time to be lax in your spiritual pursuit.
However, if you do become lax, if you do presume that someone else will carry out your responsibilities, then when you lose your access to God and doctrine, you will have only yourself to blame. Don’t let your life fall to that low level. It is very difficult to climb back out of the pit of adversity.
