THE PAIN OF PERSECUTION

BUILD FIRE (PART 2 )

#MONDAYRECAPFICB

The apostle Paul was a preacher, missionary, church planter, writer of two-thirds of the books of the New Testament, and a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. He was formerly Jewish and had a life-changing encounter with Jesus that led him to be a Christ-follower. He was then called to be an apostle to the Gentiles. However, this calling also meant that he would suffer much for Jesus’ name’s sake.

But the Lord said to him, “Go, for this man is my chosen instrument to take my name to Gentiles, kings, and Israelites. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” Acts 9:15-16

I wonder how many of us today would embrace this calling. (Pray)

Paul was used by God in powerful ways, but he also suffered much.

Are they servants of Christ? I’m talking like a madman—I’m a better one: with far more labors, many more imprisonments, far worse beatings, many times near death. 24 Five times, I received the forty lashes minus one from the Jews. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I received a stoning. Three times I was shipwrecked. I have spent a night and a day in the open sea. 26 On frequent journeys, I faced dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my own people, dangers from Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers at sea, and dangers among false brothers; 27 toil and hardship, many sleepless nights, hunger and thirst, often without food, cold, and without clothing. 28 Not to mention other things, there is the daily pressure on me: my concern for all the churches.

2 Corinthians 11:23-29

Again, when your life is on fire for God, it produces criticism and attracts persecution and opposition.

But for many Christians today, this is not our view of the Christian life. Somehow many have been attracted to the pursuit of comfort and happiness at the expense of faith in Jesus.

But for true Christ-followers, this is part of our calling. We are to…

1. Expect persecution.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. 11 “You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me. 12 Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 5:10-12

Persecuted = harassed, mistreated, insulted, lied, slandered for one’s faith

Forms of Postmodern Persecution
A. Social Marginalization
• Being labeled intolerant, bigoted, or regressive for holding to biblical teachings on sexuality, marriage, truth, or salvation.
• Being excluded from social circles, online communities, or public discourse.

B. Professional and Academic Cost
• Employees losing jobs or being passed over for promotions due to ethical stances or refusing to endorse certain ideologies.
• Students being penalized for Christian convictions in university discussions, papers, or presentations.

C. Censorship and Deplatforming
• Content creators, pastors, or influencers losing access to platforms for speaking biblically on controversial issues.
• Pressure to self-censor or dilute one’s convictions to remain acceptable or safe.

D. Mockery, Slander, and Online Harassment
• Public ridicule, especially on social media, for expressing faith.
• Misrepresentation of beliefs and motives, often tied to stereotypes of Christianity.

But even if you should suffer for righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear them or be intimidated,

1 Peter 3:14

Remember the word I spoke to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.

John 15:20

2. Endure persecution.

You will be hated by everyone because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 10:22

And the one sown on rocky ground—this is one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy. 21 But he has no root and is short-lived. When distress or persecution comes because of the word, immediately he falls away.

Matthew 13:20-21

3. Embrace persecution.

2After they called in the apostles and had them flogged, they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and released them. 41 Then they went out from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be treated shamefully on behalf of the Name. 42 Every day in the temple, and in various homes, they continued teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah. Acts 5:40-42

Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:12

*We are being persecuted for Christ’s name’s sake.
*Strengthen our faith (James 1:2, 12)
*Builds our character (Romans 5:3-4)
*Share in the fellowship of His suffering, (Phil. 3:10)
*Reward in heaven (Matt. 5:12)

CHALLENGE:

For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 22 He did not commit sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth; 23 when he was insulted, he did not insult in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten but entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree; so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were like sheep going astray, but you have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

1 Peter 2:21-25

Considering how much Jesus suffered and died for your sins, have you now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your soul?

For us who called ourselves Christians, are we ready for persectution? To expect it, endure it, and embrace it for God’s glory?