SUFFERING PERSECUTION "

Persecution is a topic that is fast disappearing from our pulpits these days. Many do not even want to preach it for fear of losing membership. Rather sugar coated messages are common place these days as it is generally believed that, that is what will draw multitudes to our churches.
But what did St. Paul say to Timothy about this very important topic?
2 Timothy 3:12 KJV
[12] Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
This is because the ways of God are remarkably different from the ways of the world.
The scriptures say that friendship with the world is enmity with God. (James 4:4)
In fact, if a believer does not suffer persecution at all, it may well be that he has substantially compromised his faith in Christ, by adapting to the ways of the world. If there is no difference between you and them, then they will not persecute you. But if you are truly born again with the light of Christ in you, you will be persecuted.
As we progress therefore, it will be necessary to look at the real meaning of persecution. According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, to persecute is to treat someone cruelly or unfairly especially because of race or religious or political beliefs.
Persecution is the common experience of all sincere believers in Christ. Persecution therefore is generally from unbelievers, but sometimes, it could come from some believers who allow themselves to be used by the devil. No matter the source, one thing that is key is our attitude towards persecution and our faith in God which is capable of moving us to the next level in our walk with God.
Persecution from the christian stand point can be described as suffering for righteousness sake. It is also important here to note that there is a difference between suffering for righteousness' sake and suffering because of sin, unbelief or ignorance.
Being sick because of sin or unbelief, being jobless because of laziness or unfaithfulness, being punished because of lawlessness, are not part of the believers' persecution. They are chastisement for sin.
Persecution is the same as trial of our faith and arises as a result of the believer carrying the cross of Christ. The reason being that the cross of Christ is offensive.
Galatians 5:11 KJV
[11] And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.
Believers need to understand that persecution has to be endured because it is part of christian living. In it all, we have the assurance that God will deliver us (2 Thess 1:4; 2 Tim 3:11). Jesus left an example for us to follow in the scripture below:
1 Peter 2:23 KJV
[23] Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
Persecution drives us to God, increases and strengthens us. God has a purpose for every disappointment, persecution, opposition, affliction or adversity that comes our way. Our duty therefore is to pray that He will help us to learn and internalise the lessons they teach us.
Persecution is a test of our faith. When the Lord allows us go through it, it is meant to purge us and make us bear more fruits. Just like in the natural, it is through tests that the ability of students are assessed before they are promoted.
St. Paul never allowed persecution to deter him. Though he suffered persecution in the hands of the jews, he still continued with his evangelistic outreaches. He knew that, we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom.
Acts 14:19-22 KJV
[19] And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. [20] Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. [21] And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, [22] Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
Finally, for us to be saved in the end, we need to take an uncompromising stand in times of persecution. Our final salvation at the coming of Christ will depend on whether we were able to endure to the end. (Matt 24:13).
Be blessed as you read, comment, like and share to bless others with this message.
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