Joel M Bradshaw

16“I [Jesus] am sending you [disciples] out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. 17Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19But 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, 20for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.–Matthew 10

1. Be wise in how you live. This comes from applying the Bible to your situation and following Biblical counsel.
2. Your reputation should also have an innocent quality. You should be no longer living like the former, selfish, you. Be known as someone that takes their sin seriously and lives differently. Focus on being a safe person, a trustworthy person.
3. Beware and be ready. This world opposed Jesus unto death. When you faithfully represent Jesus, they will oppose you. That is why point 2 is important!
4. Opposition leads to opportunity. Jesus said that disciples will be brought before influential people to testify.
5. Jesus said not to worry about that testimony. The Holy Spirit will work in and through your story.
6. If you haven’t faced any opposition for your faith at all, what might that say about the way you live your faith? Jesus promised opposition.
7. The world will not oppose the world. They will oppose Jesus. Our priorities need to be those of Scripture, and not those of the world. They will collide at some point.–JMB