I. Persecution
A. What Persecution Is
1. Strong’s- to make to run or flee, drive away; to trouble, molest, or harass.
2. 8:4: “made havoc” “…wild animal tearing meat.” Saul took pleasure in it.
3. Christian persecution– Dislike or hatred of a Christian b/c of faith in Jesus.
4. Persecution- More than indifference, rejection, and withdrawal of others.
5. Saul’s degree of persecution- Acts 22:4, 26:10
6. Can come from legalistic religious people against those who live in God’s grace.
John 5:16 For this reason the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill Him, because He had done these things on the Sabbath. (Jesus healed a paralytic on the Sabbath)
B. What Persecution Isn’t
1. Poor treatment based upon financial or material gain, jealousy, etc.
2. Poor treatment b/c the Christian is mean-spirited, obnoxious, rude, etc.
3. Some Christians claim persecution; their own poor behavior brings opposition.
II. Why Are Christians Persecuted?
A. Satanic Opposition
1. Satan opposes Jesus; Desires To Usurp Jesus
a. Matt. 4:9 “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.
b. Satan entered Judas and used Judas to betray Jesus to death.
2. Satan opposes the Christian, in whom Jesus lives
a. Ephesians 6:11, 12 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles (strategies) of the devil. 12For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
b. 1 Peter 5:8,9 8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
B. Many People Oppose Jesus Christ
1. Truth of gospel convicts people of sin
2. Presence of Christians bothers some people.
a. People who have rejected Christ usually uncomfortable around Christians
b. Christian’s zeal for holiness, etc. can convict a sinning man’s heart.
c. 2 Corinthians 2:15,16 For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. 16To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life.
III. What Persecution Accomplishes
A. Growth In The Christian
James 1:1-3 To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings. 2My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
B. Growth Of God’s Kingdom
1. 1 Peter 1:1,2 Peter, …To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2elect according to the foreknowledge of God…
2. Persecution helped fulfill Jesus’ plan of worldwide evangelism- Acts 1:8
3. Moved the Christians to the mission field after 6 year delay- Acts 8:4; 11:19
IV. How To Deal With Persecution
A. Expect Persecution
2 Timothy 3:12 “…all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”
B. Persecution Proves Your Identity
John 15:18-20 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.19If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.
C. Endure Persecution
1 Cor. 4:12 Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure…
D. Realize What Is Gained
1. Matthew 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
2. Romans 8:35-39
3. Alexander MacClaren– The violent hand of the persecutor acted as the scattering hand of the sower. It flung the seeds, and wherever they fell, they sprouted.”
E. How Much Persecution?
1. 165,000 Christians presently killed each year
2. 100’s of thousands more imprisoned, tortured, separated, loss of property
3. Their churches grow, their faith increases, they are more than conquerors
4. Luke 12:4-6 “…do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!
5. Daniel 3:17b our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king.
6. Death will usher the Christian into the presence of God. Fear God, not man.
F. Christian, Is There Persecution In Your Life?
1. Do You Give Off The Fragrance Of Christ?
2. Desiring To Live Godly In Christ Jesus?
3. Fearful of persecution, rejection, withdrawal of loved ones, friends?
4. Consider 2 Corinthians 4:16-18