31^st January 2025

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

TOPIC: NEVER BE INTIMIDATED

THEME SCRIPTURE: "And do not [for a moment] be frightened or intimidated in anything by your opponents and adversaries, for such [constancy and fearlessness] will be a clear sign (proof and seal) to them of [their impending] destruction, but [a sure token and evidence] of your deliverance and salvation, and that from God." Philippians 1:28

 PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. What is involved when it comes to being intimidated by someone?

2. Why shouldn’t a Christian ever be intimidated?

You might have, at some point in life, been intimidated by someone. It looks like everyone has ever been intimidated before. Some people have the habit of intimidating others. Intimidating refers to the act of making another person feel timid or afraid. Some people like to intimidate others as a way of magnifying themselves. Thus, to feel big, they let others feel small or timid. Weak people have the tendency to be abusive and harsh. But gentleness is a strength. Therefore, David said to God,  “thy gentleness has made me great” (2 Sam 22:36).

Our theme scripture encourages us “ not to be frightened in any way and in anything by your opponents ” because their intimidation is a clear sign that they are heading towards destruction. 

However, for you, it is a sign that you are of God, and you are heading in the right direction. Here, Paul was referring to a type of intimidation where the enemies of our faith come up against.

But the faith which we have received from the Spirit is not timid, Precious One. Yeah,it is a life of dominion. So, why should we be intimidated or be made to feel timid?

Our opponents may use academic credentials, financial standing, social status, etc. to magnify themselves to want to intimidate us at the workplace, in the community, in the family, or the school.

It is because they don’t have God, so their confidence is in natural things. So sad. The other interesting truth is that the world or our opponents hate us because they have no idea who we really are. And it can also be sad when a good Christian has no idea who he/she really is. Such a Christian will live an ordinary life, full of struggles.

The day that David was anointed with oil, he became another man. When Goliath resorted to intimidation, even King Saul was afraid (1 Sam 17:10-11). Goliath was using his size and his weapons as a means of intimidation (1 Sam 17:7). David told King Saul emphatically that he could take out this giant if only he would be given the opportunity (1 Sam 17:32).

Why was everybody afraid and not David? It is because he knew something the others didn’t know.

First, he knew that having been anointed, the weapons of his warfare are not manmade but mighty through God (2 Cor 10:4, 1 Sam 17:37). Secondly, he understood that if a man is uncircumcised, he is no match for the circumcised (1 Sam 17:36). Precious one, know from today going forward that you are the circumcision (Phil 3:3). Therefore, let no uncircumcised person intimidate you. Know also this – greater is He who is in you than they that are in the world. 

When you encounter intimidation, laugh and say to yourself “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to devour my flesh, they stumbled and fell (Psa 27:1-2).

Then add, "I see this intimidator stumbling and falling flat vefore me”. Glory to God!

FURTHER READING – 1 Samuel 17:1-54

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

 QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. Have you intimidated other people before?
2. If yes, are you willing to ask God for forgiveness and turn away from intimidating others?

CONFESSION

Precious Jesus, thank you for your ever-abiding presence in my life. I affirm today that I have received your gentleness through the Holy Spirit of God who dwells in me. From today, I am living a life of dominion, far above the intimidations of men”. Hallelujah!

One-Year Bible Reading Plan

Exodus 6-7; Psalm 31; Mark 3