Facing Persecution With Deepening Faith Series

Preparing for Persecution

Friends, I want to share something personal with you today, something that's been weighing heavily on my heart. You see, I'm faced with a dilemma—a real moral quandary that's testing the very core of my faith. It's about my gym membership, of all things. You might wonder how something as seemingly mundane as a gym could pose such a challenge to my beliefs, but let me explain.

You see, my gym recently implemented a policy that allows individuals who identify as female, regardless of their biological sex, access to the female locker room. Now, for most people, this might not seem like a big deal, but for me, it goes against everything I believe as a Christian. It contradicts the teachings of Scripture and violates God's moral laws as I understand them.

So here I am, faced with a choice: do I compromise my faith and moral integrity to keep my gym membership, or do I take a stand for what I believe to be true, even if it means losing access to the facilities I've come to rely on for my physical health?

It's not an easy decision, let me tell you. On one hand, I value my commitment to God above all else, and I don't want to do anything that would compromise that. But on the other hand, I also recognize the importance of taking care of my body and staying healthy.

As I grapple with this dilemma, I can't help but wonder: how do we navigate situations like these as Christians? How do we stand firm in our faith when the world around us demands compromise? These are the questions that have been weighing on my heart, and I believe they're questions worth exploring together as we delve into today's sermon on the biblical call to stand firm amidst persecution.

When preparing for persecution, it's crucial to understand what constitutes persecution in today's context. Persecution manifests in various forms, ranging from subtle social ostracization to overt discrimination and legal battles.

Consider scenarios where individuals are slandered or mocked for their faith, or are overlooked for opportunities due to their refusal to compromise on their convictions. For example, a Christian employee might face discrimination in the workplace for refusing to display symbols or endorse ideologies that contradict their beliefs.

The closure of churches during the pandemic while allowing other establishments to remain open, or the targeted legal attacks on Christian business owners and organizations by activist groups, are glaring examples of persecution against believers.

Think about cases like that of Jack Phillips, the baker, who has faced relentless harassment and legal battles simply for operating his business according to his Christian principles. Similarly, Barronelle Stutzman, a florist, was forced into retirement after refusing to compromise on her beliefs.

Coach Joe Kennedy's dismissal for exercising his First Amendment rights to pray publicly is another illustration of the hostility faced by Christians who seek to live out their faith in all aspects of life.

In the corporate world, Christians may find themselves marginalized or denied advancement opportunities because of their adherence to biblical principles, particularly on matters related to sexuality and gender identity.

When individuals are penalized or marginalized for affirming biblical teachings on gender and sexuality, it's not merely discrimination—it's persecution. Christians are targeted and punished for their allegiance to Jesus Christ and their refusal to compromise on biblical truth.

So, as we prepare for the possibility of persecution, let's not underestimate the challenges that believers face in today's society. It's essential to recognize these threats and equip ourselves spiritually and mentally to stand firm in our faith, regardless of the opposition we may encounter.

Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 3:12 "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."

In Second Timothy 3:12, Paul makes a profound declaration that resonates with every Christian: the desire to live a godly life in fellowship with Jesus Christ inevitably leads to persecution. This statement is not a threat but a divine promise, assuring believers that persecution is part of God's plan to deepen their spiritual maturity.

Persecution serves a dual purpose in the life of the believer. Firstly, it draws them into a closer, more intimate fellowship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Secondly, it becomes a distinguishing mark of spiritual maturity. Those who earnestly seek to emulate Paul's example of godliness will inevitably face opposition for their refusal to conform to the sinful patterns of the world.

The phrase "each and every one" underscores the universality of this promise: no Christian is exempt from persecution if they desire to follow Christ wholeheartedly. Similarly, "who does at any time desire" emphasizes the active role of the believer's volition in pursuing a godly life. Living a godly life, then, entails conducting oneself in a manner that reflects the character and nature of God, even amidst the challenges of the world.