In this world we will have tribulation. In John 16:33 we read: “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
The Scripture reminders
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Mat 5:10-12
If 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. “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. John 15:19-20
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Cor 12:9-10
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 1 Peter 4:12-14
The right kind of “persecution”
In the book, High King of Heaven, Paul Washer asks why the early church was persecuted. He notes that (as the texts above affirm) that it is because the world hates the biblical Christ. It prefers the liberal’s Christ who isn’t a Savior; but a teacher “who loves everyone with judgment and truth.” The liberal creates an idol-Christ of his or her imagination.
Washer also warns that this persecution will come from inside the church as well. This is because much of the world is within the church, and many preachers are not preaching the truth.
But one thing we (I) need to remember is not to attract “persecution” for bad behavior. How often have we received pushback because of ill-chosen remarks, and quarreling with those who we disagree with (especially unbelievers)? Let us not grieve the Holy Spirit. If we’re going to be persecuted, let it be for Christ rather than our tempers.
But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, Mat 5:44
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. Rev 21:4
Maranatha!
Further reading
Worldliness and the Christian Ministry
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