Persecution- to make to run or flee, to pursue (in a hostile manner), in any way whatever to harass, trouble, to be mistreated on account of something (because of a commitment to Jesus)
I. Righteous Living Will Bring Persecution
A. Jesus
1. Predicted it
John 15:20, 21 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.
2. Endured it
John 10:31-33 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him. 32Jesus answered them, “Many good works I have shown you from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me?” 33The Jews answered Him, saying, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, & because You, being a Man, make Yourself God.”
3. Remember that Jesus taught about persecution that comes from righteous living
4. “Blessed persecution” comes because we hold forth a righteous position.
B. Paul
1. Predicted it
2 Timothy 3:12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution
2. Endured it
2 Timothy 3:10, 11 10But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecution I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me.
C. Church History
1. Ancient church history
2. Modern church history
II. How Should We View Persecution?
A. Unbiblical View
1. Conflict is never good
2. Avoid conflict in any way possible
3. Conflict is always a sign of God’s judgment or displeasure
4. Conflict comes because of a lack of faith
5. Conflict indicates that we are doing something wrong
B. Biblical View
1. Some persecution comes because of our foolish or obnoxious behavior
2. Some persecution comes because of bigotry, envy, reasons other than righteousness
3. Persecution doesn’t necessarily prove righteous living
4. We should expect persecution for righteous living
5. Turn to Matthew 10:34-39. Understand the context of this passage
III. Why Suffer Persecution?
A. Fellowship With Jesus
1. Fellowship- koinōnia- partnership, participation
2. Philippians 3:10 “… that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
B. Fellowship With Other Saints
1. Dead saints- Their stories and biographies encourage us as we suffer persecution
a. We more clearly understand their sufferings Verse 12
2. Living saints- We find commonality in our sufferings, & we are mutually encouraged
C. Persecution Purifies Our Faith
1. 1 Peter 1:6,7 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
2. Persecution forces us to either grow, or go backwards. It causes us to make a decision.
3. Persecution can be a long drawn out process that will test our faith for many years.
4. Persecution is like a good coach who will push us farther than we would push ourselves
5. Persecution gives us the choice to be pushed forward into a deeper life with Jesus, or turn back, to self-preservation.
D. Persecution Validates Our Faith, Points To Our Salvation
1. 1 Peter 1:8, 9 8whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.
2. Persecution becomes a badge of honor, a mark of citizenship.
3. Persecution may be the highest level identification as a citizen of the kingdom of God.
4. We share in the fellowship of suffering with Jesus.
5. It shows that we are willing to be very committed to Him.
6. It proves that we are not shallow, stony soil. (Matthew 13:20, 21)
7. Persecution comes because Christians show the evidence that another Kingdom exists.
E. Persecution Brings Blessedness
1. How embarrassed we are when we deny the Lord in order to protect ourselves
2. Jesus doesn’t say that living for self will bring blessedness.
3. For many Christians, the struggle isn’t “persecution”, but “inconvenience”.
4. There is joy “unspeakable” when we are counted among those who suffer for Jesus
5. Blessedness doesn’t come when we prove people wrong who speak evil of us.
6. Blessedness comes by being in fellowship with Jesus, & looking ahead to heaven
7. Matthew 11:6 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”
8. We will be greatly rewarded in Heaven, if we endure persecution. Verse 12
F. How Do We Become Willing To Endure Persecution?
1. Go through the process of verses 3-9. Allow Jesus to become precious to you.
2. Experience the blessedness of the abundant Christian life.
3. Realize that this world is passing away, and that its view of Jesus is wrong.
4. Turn to 1 Peter 4:12-19