“Having the same conflict you saw in me and now hear to be in me” (Philippians 1:30).

Conflict (Def): (Gr.): Agona from Ago: the place of assembly for a contest, effort, anxiety, struggle

As in many lives, there was in the life of the Apostle, a daily struggle in the course of his race, his journey of faith, his calling as a minister of the Gospel of Christ. Gospel means good news. One would think that if one went about sharing good news his life would be one of acceptance, popularity, and favor from all who heard him. On the contrary, Paul’s life was one of constant struggle, for although he had much success planting churches in places like Philippi, Corinth, Ephesus, Thessalonica and Galatia, yet the opposition was fierce even to imprisonment, stoning, and constantly being under duress from those who opposed him and his message of faith in Christ Jesus.

The Conflict of Life is primarily from those who have a vested interest in the status quo where they are in control, prosperous, religious rulers and keepers of the system, the traditions and the practices currently in place.

Particularly the Philippians were keenly aware of Paul’s struggles having witnessed his imprisonment in their City. Followers of the Goddess, Diana were particularly distressed lest she should “be despised and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshipped” (cf. Acts 19:27b).

It was the same with Christ.

“He came to His own, but His own received Him not” (John 1:11).

Jesus, sent from the Father into our present cosmos, was “despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; we hid as it were our faces from Him, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not” (Isaiah 53:3).

Jesus was keenly aware of The Conflict of Life. The passion of the Christ; the shame and agony of the Cross were all laid upon Him. There was a great struggle against sin, the works of darkness, the High Priest and the Elders of the people, along with the Scribes and followers of the Law of Moses. Speaking of the Love of God, the Righteousness that comes by Faith, Repentance, were not popular topics and messages the leaders of the people wanted to hear, and opposed Christ violently.

The Conflict of Life is constant, with little reprieve. Therefore, it is incumbent that one who introduces change with a new message, albeit a message of hope, be well prepared for battle, for conflict with those who oppose. This one must be filled with the Life of Whom the message pertains. He must not come with just a message, but in the power of the Spirit, as did the Prophets of old. Jesus warned us beforehand of that of which we speak:

“These things I have spoken to you that you should not be offended. They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time comes that whosoever kills you will think that he does God’s service. These things will they do to you because they have not known the Father, nor Me.” (John 16:1-3).

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

The Conflict of Life is predictable, but the greater One is here. “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because greater is He that is in you, then he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

Oh, what a hope we have been given. What faith has come into our hearts. What joy of believing. What victory is ours in all the conflict of life.

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