Facing Giants (Part 3)

“Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:  And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:  Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:  It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 15:22-26).

 The context of this passage is interesting because it follows a conference that was held in Jerusalem.  The conference dealt with some doctrinal differences with salvation.  There were some that were trying to add works of righteousness to the grace of God in one’s salvation.  Verse 26 is intriguing in this text.  It has our theme of facing giants written all over it, “Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus.”  Let’s consider two things about this verse.

First, see some amazing dedication by these men.  They were willing to hazard their lives.  This simply means that they were willing to die for Christ or to suffer immense hardship in carrying out their ministry for their Lord. This type of dedication is what we need as individual Christians and as a church if we want to defeat those giants that we are to face in our lives.  We must not let giants deter us from accomplishing what God wants in our lives.  How many Christians lay fallen in the streets because they were not willing to endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ?  Let me use an old American trade of blacksmithing. Have you ever seen a blacksmith work with a piece of iron? He holds it in the fire to soften it and make it pliable.  That is exactly why God permits the testing of our faith by temptations and trials!  He wants you to gain patience in order to acquire pliability. Without the fire of affliction, we become stiff and useless.  In the fall of Adam the divine image was marred.  God wants to restore us to His image.  We should have devotion to the cause of Christ no matter what trial or temptation comes our way.

Secondly, these men were devoted.  Their dedication was strong.  They had someone they were devoted to—Jesus Christ.  There are many folks in this world that are devoted to their cause—athletic adventures, drinking, gaining money, or sensual pleasure.  We could list out many more items.  I have met some folks that are immensly dedicated and devoted to their religious beliefs, but, sadly, they have no Biblical basis for them.  These folks work tirelessly and sacrificially for their cause.  They are devoted, but in light of eternity, their endeavors are empty.  As a Christian, we have the opportunity to serve a Savior who has given us purpose in this life, that affects the life to come.  If we are going to face the giants in our lives, we must have a measure of devotion such as the men in our text.  Do you have these characteristics in your Christian walk?

Let’s close with a remarkable illustration from the annals of history.

It is said that Cyrus, the founder of the Persian Empire, captured a prince and his family. When they came before him, the monarch asked the prisoner, “What will you give me if I release you?”

“The half of my wealth,” was his reply.

“And if I release your children?”

“Everything I possess.”

“And if I release your wife?”

“Your Majesty, I will give myself.”

Cyrus was so moved by his devotion that he freed them all. As they returned home, the prince said to his wife, “Wasn’t Cyrus a handsome man!” With a look of deep love for her husband, she said to him, “I didn’t notice. I could only keep my eyes on you—the one who was willing to give himself for me.”