Text: 1 Peter 3:13-17
Title: How to React to Persecution
Date/Place: LSCC, 11/27/05, AM
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Opening illustration: the persecution of the insurance companies, the suffering of the bricklayer—ill file
B. Background to passage: Peter again takes up the subject of Christians being persecuted, and suffering for righteousness sake. Although the text indicates that this may be unlikely, we know that Christians are called to suffer persecution in the advancement of the kingdom. He wants them to react well to it. So,
C. Main thought: we will see the four reactions that we should have to suffering/persecution
II. BODY
A. Consider yourself blessed (v. 14)
1. This is the same word used here that was used by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. But the connotation here is a little different. Here it means “privileged” or “honored.” The text indicates that this blessing will occur alongside the suffering or persecution. God is always about using suffering in our lives to shape us and accomplish his purposes and plans.
2. Acts 5:40-41, Matt 5:10-12, 1 Pet 5:10, Rom 5:3, Jam 1:2, 2 Cor 1:9,
3. Illustration: someone asked, “why do Christians suffer?” One writer asked “why not, they are the only ones who can handle it.” Paul’s thorn in the flesh—2 Cor 12:7-9, Charlie losing Rhonda and God working in his life to change his perspective and direction, then later bringing them back together, blessed.
4. We should count it an honor to serve Christ. Look for the purpose in suffering, but if you cannot find it, trust that it is there. Realize that God is working in you, and has found you worthy to suffer for Him. Expect blessing to follow your persecution. Refuse to believe that God has forsaken you, forgotten about you, or just delights in your pain. Refuse hopelessness, and express your faith in Him.
B. Put your trust in Christ (v. 14-15)
1. Peter quotes here from Isa 8:12-13, and exhorts them not to fear. Original context is invading Assyrians. Peter says don’t be shaken or troubled. Peter further instructs them to “treat as holy or reverent” Christ in their hearts; meaning to make Christ first, central, primary in your heart. He says to firm up your loyalty, love, adoration, and obedience to Christ.
2. Matt 10:27-28, Prov 3:5-6, Ps 37:3-7, 62:8, Isa 12:2, 26:3,
3. Illustration: “The vine clings to the oak during the fiercest of storms. Although the violence of nature may uproot the oak, twining tendrils still cling to it. If the vine is on the side opposite the wind, the great oak is its protection; if it is on the exposed side, the tempest only presses it closer to the trunk. In some of the storms of life, God intervenes and shelters us; while in others He allows us to be exposed, so that we will be pressed more closely to Him.” When the emperor Valens threatened Eusebuis with confiscation of all his goods, torture, banishment, or even death, the courageous Christian replied, “He needs not fear confiscation, who has nothing to lose; nor banishment, to whom heaven is his country; nor torments, when his body can be destroyed at one blow; nor death, which is the only way to set him at liberty from sin and sorrow.” Mary’s willing submission and trust in God—Luke 1:38,
4. We are to fear God first, and not men. And where we can really tell who we fear is under trying circumstances. This does not mean that it is sinful to feel emotional fear. This means that it is sinful to allow that fear to determine your behavior over against the clear instruction of the Word. So, it is OK to be afraid, but simply be more afraid of God. As believers, when we suffer, we are to reaffirm our submission to His control, instruction, and guidance in our lives. Affirm theological truth that He is in control; He is good; He is wise! Preach to yourselves! Take fearful, untrusting, unsubmissive, self-centered thoughts captive, and bring them to the obedience of Christ.
C. Use opportunity to witness (v. 15-16)
1. One of God’s strongest witnesses in the history of Christianity has been the voices and actions of the persecuted. This has melted the hearts of countless men and women that hated Christ. So, Peter says to always be ready to give a defense of your faith. The word is apologia. He stresses that believers need to be prepared as to how to defend their faith before the trial. He even instructs them on the attitude in which they should deliver the message.
2. 2 Tim 2:25, Matt 10:19-20,
3. Illustration: Last month, many of the leaders taken into custody saw the event as an open door to share the Word of God. Pastor Zhang Mingxuan, the first Chinese to have the title “evangelist” printed on a business card, preached the gospel to interrogators without ceasing. At the end of the questioning, one of Zhang’s exhausted interrogators was quoted telling him, “Man, you preach too hard!” During China’s Boxer Rebellion of 1900, insurgents captured a mission station, blocked all the gates but one, and in front of that one gate placed a cross flat on the ground. Then the word was passed to those inside that any who trampled the cross underfoot would be permitted their freedom and life, but that any refusing would be shot. Terribly frightened, the first seven students trampled the cross under their feet and were allowed to go free. But the eighth student, a young girl, refused to commit the sacrilegious act. Kneeling beside the cross in prayer for strength, she arose and moved carefully around the cross, and went out to face the firing squad. Strengthened by her example, the last ninety-two students followed her to the firing squad.
4. At LSCC we try to provide you opportunities to learn to defend your faith, and give a reasonable explanation of why you believe what you believe—SS, Wed night class, upcoming “How to share your faith,” Sunday night questions and answers, etc. But if you do not come out, you can’t be prepared. You cannot expect to flourish in your faith by coming to one hour of worship time a week, where you have no interaction, no questions and answers, etc. There are a number of great books that can help you learn your faith. There are many topics that unbeliever need to hear a ready defense for: creation, problem of evil, exclusivity of Christ, veracity of the bible, etc. Don’t look for revenge or preservation; look for divine appointments. Remember that we war not against flesh and blood, and that your persecutors need Christ.
D. Consider it the will of God (v. 17)
1. Peter says that as long as you are suffering for righteousness sake, it can be counted the will of God. The explanation goes something like this: there are some things in life that are more important that your popularity, your personal wealth or comfort, or than your freedom. The salvation of unbelieving souls carries with it more value that all the riches in the world.
2. Rev 6:11, Heb 12:15, Isa 40:31,
3. Illustration: ill file--poem “God has not promised,” At the Nicene Council, an important church meeting in the 4th century A.D., of the 318 delegates attending, fewer than 12 had not lost an eye or lost a hand or did not limp on a leg lamed by torture for their Christian faith, On a wall in his bedroom Charles Spurgeon had a plaque with Isaiah 48:10 on it: “I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.” “It is no mean thing to be chosen of God,” he wrote. “God’s choice makes chosen men choice men....We are chosen, not in the palace, but in the furnace. In the furnace, beauty is marred, fashion is destroyed, strength is melted, glory is consumed; yet here eternal love reveals its secrets, and declares its choice.”
4. When you suffer believe that God is working great and mighty things. Stand on the promises that goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of you life; that if God is for us, who can be against us; that He is working all things out for the good of those who love Him. Some of you may be suffering what seems like a never-ending persecution by a person or a circumstance. You may not see any end in sight. But believe the Word that says that you are right where God wants you to be. And he will bring a diamond from the coal in your life through heat, pressure, and time. Do not allow a root of bitterness to grow up in your walk with God. Fill your life full of Christian fellowship, of scripture, of prayer, of evangelism, of missions, of God Himself, while you wait upon Him.
III. CONCLUSION
A. Closing illustration: As he lay on the ground immersed in a pool of blood, the guerrillas—now armed with machetes—began severing the heads of many of the fallen laborers. “At the moment they approached me, I suddenly realized I had not told them about Jesus,” recalled Alex. “Though I was drowning in my own blood, I could hardly speak; and I was totally blind. With all the strength I could muster, I cried out to them: ‘Jesus loves you! Jesus loves you!’” An angry gunman silenced Alex by shattering his jaw with the end of a rifle. When Alex first visited the prison, the guerrillas were uneasy. As he continued to share the love of Christ with the Marxist murderers, many of them softened and started to cry. They now have a deep respect for Brother Alex and look forward to his regular visits. Because Alex forgave his attackers and told them about Jesus, some of them have now come to Christ.
Alex recently graduated from seminary. Although he was blinded in the attack, the young evangelist says he clearly sees the call God has on his life: to continue sharing the love of Christ with the Marxist guerrillas and other hurting Colombians. God has given him a vision to set the captives free!
B. Recap
C. Invitation to commitment
