Our Attitude Towards Persecution

When we hear about the word persecution, we want to keep away from it and are not naturally attracted towards it and we will avoid it. I as a person do not like to challenge people and debate with people and would probably look for a way to avoid it. But I believe that we as Christians should be ready to give the reason for the hope that we have and if that offends someone, we can’t help it.

Background of Thessalonian church read Acts 17:1-15 -

1 Thess 3: 1-5 So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. 2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 3 so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them. 4 In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. 5 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labours might have been in vain.

1. We protect what we care for.

Paul was willing to send his co-worker in ministry to encourage the church in Thessalonica while he himself was going through persecution.

God gives us the grace to overcome persecution and I believe that God protected Paul through all his time of persecution. Paul was able to show so much love to the people of Thessalonians because of the love and forgiveness of God which he himself had received.

? 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, 8 so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.

? What do we care for ?

2. Persecution is bound to happen

This may sound a little harsh but that is the truth. In today’s world we see many sermons which talks about God’s love, comfort care and protection etc. but so rarely we hear about being persecuted or tested.

John 15:19–20 - If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20 Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’[a] If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.

Acts 9:15, 16 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

My story – When I was around 14 years of age, I was part of a Pentecostal church and we had a habit of saying Hallelujah loudly during prayer and worship. We used to have prayer meetings in our house and they have heard this word and mockingly tease me by this word, I would feel bad during that time as I was teased but I know now that it was a kind of persecution to test you.

3. War against the unseen.

Vs. 5 - 5 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labours might have been in vain.

Paul exactly knew that he is not fighting against the people who are opposing him but against something that is not seen.

Ephesians 6:12 - For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

What are some of the ways we can be persecuted –

1. Being rejected in our work place or college.

2. Being mocked for being a Christian or having a Christian belief

Timothy’s encouraging report –

Vs. 6- 13 - But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. 7 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. 8 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. 9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.