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.
To live godly is to honor God through behavior rooted in an accurate understanding of His character, ways, and will. This conduct is not merely a set of moral rules but springs from a deep, experiential knowledge of eternal life in Christ. By faith, believers appropriate the truth that they are crucified, buried, raised, and seated with Christ, allowing the Spirit's teaching in the Word of God to shape their actions and attitudes.
In essence, Paul's words in Second Timothy echo the words of Jesus as a reminder that persecution is an inevitable aspect of the Christian journey.
Matthew 5:10-12: "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Yet, far from being a hindrance, it is a catalyst for spiritual growth and a testament to the believer's unwavering commitment to follow Christ.
Expounding on The Reality of Persecution
Persecution has been a harsh reality for believers throughout history, spanning from the early church to present times. It's not a new phenomenon but a recurring challenge that believers have faced due to their unwavering commitment to Christ.
Examples from Early Church
In the early days of the church, persecution was rampant. Christians faced ostracism, imprisonment, and even martyrdom for their allegiance to Jesus Christ. Despite the intense opposition, they stood firm in their faith, refusing to compromise their beliefs or abandon their devotion to the Lord.
Jesus said in John 13: 35, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” A great New Testament example of this being done is in the early church. As Jews began to put their faith in Christ as the Messiah, they began to feel the effects of hostility toward them. They were ostracized from their families; basically they were considered to be dead.
In the movie, Fiddler on the Roof, tradition was very important. The tradition was that a matchmaker paired up men and women for marriage. The oldest daughter fell in love with a different Jewish man who was very Orthodox. The father gave his permission. The second daughter fell in love with a man who was a radical Jew, still Jewish, but with some modern ideas. Going against tradition they were not seeking the father’s permission to marry, just his blessing. He gave both. The third daughter fell in love with a man who was not a Jew, and the father would not give his permission, nor his blessing, and disowned the daughter when she married, even considering her dead.
This is the way it would have been for the early believers who had been Jews. They were kicked out of their families. Since most of them would have been involved in a family agricultural or merchant business, their livelihood would have been gone, so they needed the basic things of life: food, shelter, clothing. In Acts 4 we see that the believers loved one another so much they wanted to serve one another, and did so by giving financially—even selling their own land to give to those in need.
Biblical Call to Stand Firm
Scripture calls us to emulate the steadfastness of our forebears in the faith, urging us to stand firm in the face of persecution and remain unwavering in our commitment to Christ. Just as the early Christians remained faithful amidst adversity, we too are called to persevere in our devotion to Jesus, regardless of the challenges we may encounter.
Examples of Perseverance
Throughout the New Testament, we find inspiring examples of believers who demonstrated remarkable perseverance in the face of persecution. Consider the apostles Peter and John, who were arrested and beaten for boldly proclaiming the gospel. Despite their suffering, they rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus (Acts 5:41). Likewise, the apostle Paul endured countless trials and hardships for the sake of the gospel, yet he remained steadfast in his commitment to Christ, as seen in his own words in 2 Corinthians 11:23-28.
Encouragement to Stand Firm
As we reflect on the reality of persecution and the biblical call to stand firm, let us draw strength from the examples of perseverance found in Scripture. May we be inspired by the courage and faithfulness of those who have gone before us, and may we resolve to remain steadfast in our commitment to Christ, trusting in His sustaining grace and enduring promise.
Navigating small forms of persecution, such as ridicule or exclusion, can be challenging but also an opportunity to demonstrate Christ-like resilience and grace. Here are some practical ways to handle such situations.
Stay Grounded in Your Identity
Remember who you are in Christ. Ground yourself in the truth of God's love for you and your identity as His beloved child. Knowing your worth and value in Him can shield you from the negative opinions or actions of others.
Respond with Love and Kindness
When faced with ridicule or exclusion, respond with love and kindness. Instead of retaliating or harboring bitterness, choose to respond in a way that reflects the love of Christ. Your gracious response may even lead others to question their own attitudes or behavior."
Seek Support
Surround yourself with a supportive community of fellow believers who can offer encouragement, prayer, and wise counsel. Having a support system can provide strength and perspective during challenging times.
Pray for Wisdom and Guidance
Turn to God in prayer, seeking His wisdom and guidance in how to respond to persecution. Ask Him to grant you the grace to respond with humility, patience, and courage.
Lead by Example
Let your life and actions speak louder than any words. Live out your faith authentically, demonstrating integrity, kindness, and compassion in all your interactions. Your example may inspire others to reconsider their attitudes toward faith and believers.
Educate and Advocate
Take opportunities to educate others about your faith and address any misconceptions or misunderstandings they may have. Advocate for religious freedom and tolerance, promoting respectful dialogue and understanding across diverse perspectives.
Focus on Eternal Perspective
Keep an eternal perspective in mind, remembering that our ultimate citizenship is in heaven. While persecution in this world may be difficult to endure, it pales in comparison to the glory that awaits us in eternity. Find comfort and hope in the promise of God's presence and the assurance of His faithfulness.
By leaning on God's strength and wisdom, responding with love and grace, and remaining steadfast in your faith, you can navigate small forms of persecution with resilience and integrity. Trust that God will empower you to overcome every challenge and use your experiences to shine His light in a darkened world.
Count the cost
Jesus warned His disciples that following Him would not be easy, but He promised to be with them always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).
Think for a moment of the most worthless, unnecessary purchase you have made in recent years. Perhaps it was an electric shaver that now sits in the garage or an article of clothing that will never be worn. It is important to realize that this item was not purchased with your money; it was bought with your time, which you traded for money. In effect, you swapped a certain portion of your allotted days on earth for that piece of junk that now clutters your home. (Dr. James Dobson & Ron Blue, Four Principles of Money Management, Family.org web site).
For that purchase, you traded time you could have spent with your family, that you now have to spend working. Let me ask you, how many of your son’s ball games will you have to miss working overtime, in order to buy that bigger house? How many of your daughter’s recitals will that new computer cost you?
Trust in God's Sovereignty
As we navigate the uncertainties and challenges of persecution, it's essential to anchor our trust in the sovereign God who reigns over all. Regardless of the trials we may encounter, we can find hope and confidence in His unwavering presence and unfailing love.
[Hebrews 13:5]
In Hebrews 13:5, we're reminded of God's promise to never leave us or forsake us. This assurance is a source of great comfort and strength, especially during times of persecution. Knowing that God is with us, even in the midst of trials, gives us the courage to persevere and trust in His sovereignty.
[Romans 8:35-39]
In Romans 8:35-39, the apostle Paul poses a powerful question: 'Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?' He goes on to list various hardships, including persecution, famine, and danger, yet he emphatically declares that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. In fact, Paul asserts that in the face of such trials, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
Emphasizing God's Power
It's crucial to recognize that our ability to endure persecution and remain steadfast in our faith doesn't come from our own strength or resilience, but from the power of God working within us. Even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, we can have confidence that God's sovereignty prevails, and His love sustains us.
Encouragement to Trust
Therefore, let us place our trust fully in God's sovereignty, knowing that He is in control of all things. When persecution arises, when trials come our way, let us stand firm in the assurance of His unfailing love and unshakable promises. As we do so, we can face any challenge with courage, knowing that we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us.
Conclusion: As we prepare for persecution, let us take heart in the words of Jesus: "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). May we draw strength from His victory over sin and death, knowing that He is with us in every trial and hardship we face. Let us stand firm in our faith, trusting in God's grace to sustain us and His power to deliver us. And may we always be ready to give an answer for the hope that we have, even in the midst of persecution.
In America, we’re blessed with incredible amounts of freedom. We can attend church, pray, meet with fellow believers and read the Bible whenever we want without legal consequence. But many millions of our brothers and sisters around the world simply cannot do those same things without facing repercussions, often dire.
We should be “wise as serpents,” as the Gospel of Matthew counsels, when it comes to monitoring domestic trends around religious freedom. The liberties we enjoy should be defended at all costs. But we must also invest the resources we have where the needs are so much greater, to defend those around the globe who risk life and livelihood simply for confessing the name of Jesus.
Invitation: If you are facing persecution or are concerned about the possibility of persecution in the future, I invite you to come forward for prayer. Let us stand together as a community of faith, supporting and encouraging one another as we seek to follow Jesus in the midst of opposition.
