Christians should expect persecution and get prepared for it. It is part of the experience of preaching God’s word and sharing the good news. Persecution aims to undermine justice and pervert faith, and can come in different forms: violent opposition, verbal assaults, mal treatment among others. Christ himself faced persecution but gave us hope over it. John 16:33 –(Jesus said,) these things I have spoken to you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good Cheer; I have overcome the world. The followings are discussed: Anticipate Persecution; Expect Help in Persecution, and Find Purpose in Persecution.
Anticipate Persecution: 2Timothy 3:12 provided one of the reasons for Persecution (Satan and some people are opposed to godly living); 1 Peter 4:16 provided the encouragement (Christian suffering persecution should not be ashamed: but he should glorify God). Persecution aims to multiply evil and discourage loving God and other people. It is done to make believers turn against and hate themselves (Matthew 24:9-14). Through committed and faithful living in Christ, Christians are assured victory.
The Early Church experienced persecution, members were arrested, punished and jailed for spreading the gospel but God intervened and provided the way out. Just as the Early Church interceded for Peter without ceasing, Christians should continue to pray for the brethren facing persecution (Acts 12:1-5). Our prayers can cause release of those imprisoned for righteousness and provide for protection of believers on the mission.
Expect Help in Persecution: Jesus has promised to help the persecuted. He assured his followers of divine intervention against persecution (Luke 21:12-15). He promised to give those being persecuted the wisdom to say the right words while facing the authorities, the words which they will not be able to contradict or oppose.
Christians are encouraged to obey, praise and depend on God for divine intervention. Peter and John gave God the praise and declared him as the One that healed the lame (Acts 4:7-10). Also, Peter made it known that miraculous deliverance of believers from the persecutors was possible as a result of obedience to God rather than the authority. Though Christians are required to obey and submit to the authorities if such obedience and submission are not a disobedience to God.
Find Purpose in Persecution: Jesus spoke of heavenly reward for those who are persecuted for righteousness (Matthew 5:10-12). He promised eternal life for those enduring and witnessing for him in persecution. Believers who are enduring persecution are expected to rejoice, and be exceedingly glad because they shall receive eternal reward.
Persecution provided the basis for expansion of gospel as in the case of the Early Church. During the persecution believers were moving and spreading the good news from place to place and their ministry was backed with miraculous signs and healings (Acts 8:1-4). Apostle Paul stated that persecution provided the opportunity to reveal life-giving power of Christ. He too was formerly a persecutor of the Church before he met Christ and got converted. Lesson texts: Matthew 5:10-12; 24:9-14; Luke 21:12-15; Acts 4:8-20; 5:27-32; 8:1-8; 12:1-5; 2 Corinthians 4:8-11.
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