Rejoicing in Persecution

Upside Down

Rejoicing in Persecution

Matthew 5:10-12

“The character of a genuine Christian, sketched for us in the Beatitudes, is utterly alien to the sympathies and habits of ungodly people. Both principles and practice are entirely different. The world worships another god—“The prince of this world” as our Lord called him. It is not surprising that servants of the Lord should experience rough treatment at the hands of rebel forces who disown His rule.”  Alan Redpath

The Nature of Persecution

Root idea is to Pursue or Chase – Harassed

• Physical
• Verbal
• Social

The Reality of Persecution

1. Persecution is Predicted by Christ for His people.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”” (John 16:33, ESV)

“and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know.” (1 Thessalonians 3:2–4, ESV)

2. Persecution of God’s people is an attested Fact throughout history.

“When the world runs into Christianity there is always conflict, conviction, guilt, resentment and persecution.”    John MacArthur

The Qualification of Persecution

“for righteousness’ sake”

• The idea of Conformity to a standard or a norm
• The opposite of Sin which is “missing the mark set by God”
• Rightness of Character before God and rightness of Actions before man

“But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.” (1 Peter 4:15–16, ESV)

“utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account”

“For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you;” (1 Peter 4:3–4, ESV)

“having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.” (1 Peter 3:16–17, ESV)

The Reward of Persecution

• Present Tense: Persecution makes the present consciousness of the possession of the kingdom more vivid and joyous.
• Future Tense: Great reward – a reward of God’s grace. A gift that far exceeds any sacrifice or service we give to God.

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18, ESV)

Rejoicing In Persecution

“and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.” (Acts 5:40–41, ESV)

1. It Identifies us with Christ.

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.” (1 Peter 4:12–14, ESV)

2. It Strengthens our assurance of salvation.

““If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 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 also keep yours.” (John 15:18–20, ESV)

3. It helps us Grow In Grace

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2–4, ESV)

4. It opens a door for The Gospel

“I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.” (Philippians 1:12–13, ESV)

“It is difficult to be indifferent to a wide-awake Christian.

You can hate them or love them, but you can’t ignore them. Wide-awake Christians confront others with the reality of God. You can’t be neutral in such cases. These people must be crowned or crucified, because they are either mighty right or mighty wrong.” Clarence Jordan

Making It Personal:

• Are you truly a follower of Jesus Christ? Is your life marked by the life of Christ as you follow Him through repentance and faith? 
• Have you ever experienced persecution for your faith? In what ways?  How have you responded?
• How does the reality of the Kingdom of Heaven impact your day to day living? Where are you storing up your treasure?  What kingdom are you truly living for?
• What practical steps can you take to live today to prepare for a potential increase in persecution in the future?
• How will you pray for persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ all across the world? How else might you be able to support them? 
• Who can you share these truths with?

Ready to take your Next Step?

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