We Must Meet Opposition

Continuing His instruction to His disciples, Jesus said, “Beware of men.” They were not to put complete confidence in those who did not know God and open their plans to them, for this would give Satan’s agents an advantage. Human ideas often work against God’s plans. God’s servants dishonor Him and betray the gospel when they depend on the counsel of those who are not under the Holy Spirit’s guidance.HH 160.5

“They will deliver you up to councils. ... You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.” The servants of Christ will be brought before the great men of the world who might never hear the gospel otherwise. Having listened to false charges concerning the faith of Christ’s disciples, often their only way to learn its real character is through the testimony of those who are brought to trial for their faith. “It will be given to you,” said Jesus, “in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.” Those who reject the truth will stand to accuse the disciples. But the Lord’s children are to reveal the meekness of their Divine Example. In this way, rulers and people will see the contrast between Satan’s agents and Christ’s representatives.HH 160.6

The servants of Christ were not to prepare a set speech to present when brought to trial. The Holy Spirit would bring to their remembrance the very truths that they would need. The knowledge they had obtained by diligently searching the Scriptures would flash into the memory. But if any had neglected to acquaint themselves with the words of Christ, they could not expect the Holy Spirit to bring His words to their remembrance.HH 161.1