Aspects Of Persecutions And Trials
The Church’s Reaction To Adversity
Introduction
1. Since the establishment of the church God’s people have endured various persecutions and trials. Even in times of comparative rest a church may face discouraging trails from a variety of circumstances and sources.
2. It is such persecutions and trials that can either ‘make or break’ a church. It is my conviction that all such persecutions and trails are permitted by God for a purpose.
3. In this lesson, we shall consider the following points:
a. The Author Of Persecutions And Trials
b. The Purpose And Benefits Of Persecutions And Trails
c. Seven Assurances That Sustain Us In Times Of Persecutions And Trails
d. The Proper Response In The Face Of Persecutions And Trials
I. The Author Of Persecutions And Trails
A. The book of Revelation is a mystery to many but it is necessary that we study chapter twelve if we are to understand the source of persecutions and trails that face the church.
1. The spiritual remnant of God’s people gave birth to the Messiah (12:1-2, 5).
2. Satan sought to kill the Child as soon as He was born (12:4).
3. The Child, however, was “caught up to God and His throne” (12:5).
4. Before continuing with the fortunes of the woman, the writer describes the spiritual warfare which has been going on from the beginning, but reaches its climax in Christ’s victory over Satan (12:7-12).
5. Unable to defeat the Man Child, the Devil now persecutes the ‘woman,’ i.e., the church (12:13).
6. However, God protected the church from His onslaught (12:14).
7. Being frustrated yet again, the Devil turns and makes war on “the rest of her offspring,” i.e., the rest of the saints that keep the testimonies and commandments of God (12:17).
B. Satan, of course, is not seen in person persecuting individual members of the church! Let us consider the mediums and agencies through which Satan works:
1. There two basic mediums through which Satan seeks to destroy the church:
a. Worldliness: a broad term that covers all those things which are of the world and of the flesh. Some examples – false religions and philosophies, materialism, and fornication.
b. Coercion: a term that covers threats, trials, and persecutions (both mental and physical).
2. The agency by which Satan brings trails and persecutions on the church:
a. People of the world: these include atheists, agnostics, and adherents of false religions, and the organisations that they control.
1) Coercion: the following verse states what Satan is able to do, but it is equally clear that men are the instrumentality by which he would achieve it.
"Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life" (Revelation 2:10; cp. 1 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5)
2) Worldliness: The apostle Peter was not immune to the pressures of the world. In the company of worldly people he denied knowing Jesus three times:
"Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee. Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew" (Matthew 26:69-74)
b. Believers: this includes both those who are sincere and insincere (cp. Philippians 1:18).
1) Worldliness: the following verses show how Satan uses believers to lure the church into sin (Note in particular the first passage where the cause of this sin is attributed to Satan):
"But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God" (Acts 5:1-4)
"Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols." (Revelation 2:20)
2) Coercion: the following verse shows how a believer can coerce the church:
"I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church." (3 John 1:9-10)
C. Satan, then, is the author of all persecutions, trials, and temptations. Therefore, we ought not, under any circumstances, to ascribe their origin to God. It is true that God permits these things but He is not the author:
"Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:" (James 1:13)
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." (Jeremiah 29:11)
II. The Purpose And Benefits Of Persecutions And Trials
A. First, it should be noted that persecutions and trials are to be expected.
1. Jesus warns His disciples of persecutions:
"Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also." (John 15:20)
"Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life" (Mark 10:28-30)
2. Paul also warned of persecutions:
"For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know." (1 Thessalonians 3:4)
"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:" (1 Peter 4:12)
3. Why do the wicked persecute the righteous? The majority of mankind prefers to live in darkness or sin. Therefore, anything which is likely to expose their evil deeds will be hated: the light itself, those who walk in the light, or anything that represents that light.
"And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved" (John 3:19-20)
"Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous." (1 John 3:12)
"Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." (2 Timothy 3:12)
B. Persecutions and trials are by no means pleasant but God allows them for several reasons:
1. To reveal certain things:
a. Persecutions reveal the true disciples of Christ:
"Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience." (James 1:3)
"And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended" (Mark 4:16-17)
"For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you" (1 Corinthians 11:18-19)
1) James Coffman comments on this verse:
“Christians who become upset and discouraged because of schisms, factions and other disorders in the church make a tragic mistake. As God used Satan in the paradise of Eden to test the progenitors of the human race, he still tests the faith of all Christians. Church difficulties provide an opportunity for Christians to demonstrate that they are genuine followers of the Lord.”
b. The endurance of persecutions reveals that a future judgement is certain:
"We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer" (2 Thessalonians 1:3-5)
"Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God" (Philippians 1:27-28)
2. For those who are genuine disciples, it is an opportunity to develop their characters:
"So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:" (2 Thessalonians 1:4)
"Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing" (James 1:3-4)
3. To produce positive effects:
a. Persecutions and trials can stir up greater boldness, zeal, and determination:
1) We are all familiar with the account of the healing of the lame man at the gate Beautiful (Acts 3:1-10). Peter and John were arrested, threatened, and then released (Acts 4:1-3, 18, 21). They reported all these things to the brethren (Acts 4:23) but what effect did this have on the church?
"And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness." (Acts 4:31)
2) The brethren at Corinth were going through great trials: divisions, members vying for preeminence, complacency, etc. Because of these things, Paul wrote and rebuked them (1 Corinthians 1:11 > 3:1-3; 5:1-2; 6:1-5; 11:17-18). The response to his rebuke is record in his second letter:
"For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season. Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter" (2 Corinthians 7:8-11)
3) Paul was bold to speak even in much conflict:
"For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention" (1 Thessalonians 2:1-2)
b. Persecutions and trials can bring us closer to God:
1) By giving us a greater assurance of God’s love:
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:35-39)
2) As we put a greater dependency on God:
"But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me" (2 Timothy 3:10-11)
c. Persecutions, trials, and all hardships will stir up compassion for others who suffer in the same way, and, therefore, we are able to comfort them:
"Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world." (1 Peter 5:9)
"And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation" (2 Corinthians 1:6-7)
"And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it." (1 Corinthians 12:26)
4. To discipline the wayward:
a. Certain brethren were going astray but God allowed them to suffer as a disciplinary measure:
"For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons" (Hebrews 12:3-8)
1) This discipline itself produces fruits of righteousness:
"Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." (Hebrews 12:11)
b. Ananias and Sapphira were punished when they lied to God (Acts 5:1-10). This also had a disciplinary effect on the church:
"And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things." (Acts 5:11)
1) This event would surely cause grave self-examination, dread of hypocrisy, covetousness, and vain glory.
III. Seven Assurances That Sustain Us In Times Of Persecutions And Trials
A. Many Christians have remained faithful to God even in the face the most severe persecutions and trials. What sustained them, how did they endure? Perhaps it was…
1. The assurance of an eternal reward:
"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you" (Matthew 5:10-12)
"But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance" (Hebrews 10:32-34)
"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy" (1 Peter 4:12-13)
"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." (James 1:12)
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:1-2)
"The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together" (Romans 8:16-17)
2. The assurance that God works all things together for our good:
"Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness" (Hebrews 12:9-10)
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
3. The assurance that our persecutors will be repaid:
"Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead" (1 Peter 4:4-5)
"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." (Romans 12:19)
"We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you" (2 Thessalonians 1:3-6)
4. The assurance that we have been counted worthy:
"So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer" (2 Thessalonians 1:4-5)
a. Peter and John rejoiced that they had been counted worthy to suffer for the name of Christ:
"And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name" (Acts 5:40-41)
5. The assurance that Jesus also suffered:
"For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." (Hebrews 12:3)
"For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed" (1 Peter 2:20-24)
"Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;" (1 Peter 4:1)
6. The assurance that we are not the only ones suffering:
"Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you" (1 Peter 5:9-10)
7. The assurance that nothing can separate us from the love of God:
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:35-39)
"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (1 Corinthians 10:13)
B. These seven assurances produce joy, under normal circumstances, which is heightened in times of persecution.
IV. The Proper Response In The Face Of Persecutions And Trials
A. The proper response to persecution.
1. The arrest of Peter and John (Acts 3:1-4:31).
a. The religious authorities commanded Peter and John not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:18). Their response:
"But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:19-20)
1) After their release, Peter and John reported these things to the church (Acts 4:23). Their response:
a) They prayed for boldness to speak the word (4:24, 29).
b. Did this persecution hamper the work of the church? The following passage reveals the answer:
"And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness." (Acts 4:31)
2. Peter and John arrested again (Acts 5:12-42).
a. The council resounded their earlier warnings (5:27-28). Further threats were also accompanied by a beating (5:40) . Their responses:
"Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him" (Acts 5:29-32)
"And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name." (Acts 5:41)
b. Did the council’s threats and the administration of physical pain affect their work? The following verse reveals the answer:
"And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ." (Acts 5:42)
3. The murder of Stephen and the great persecution against the church (Acts 7:54-60).
a. As we consider Stephen’s character (Acts 6:5) his evangelistic activities (Acts 6:8), and the lamentation that was made over him (Acts 8:2), we realise that he was a prominent, key figure among the brethren.
1) This great and well loved man was murdered while yet preaching the gospel:
"When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep" (Acts 7:54-60)
2) The effects that Stephen’s death may have on the church are now compounded as the religious authorities turn on the whole church:
"And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison" (Acts 8:1-3)
b. Surely the murder of such a prominent and key figure and a great persecution of the church would have disastrous effects? Surely the work would be severely hampered? Remarkably, No.
"Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed" (Acts 8:4-7)
B. The proper response to apostasy.
1. The Scriptures record the apostasy of three men, Judas (Matthew 26:47-49), Demas (2 Timothy 4:9-10), and John Mark (Acts 13:13).
a. Let us note the response to each of these cases:
1) Judas was a “key player,” one chosen by the Lord to be an apostle, a man of prominence among the brethren. You would think that the apostasy of a man in such a role would have a devastating effect on the brethren. Their reaction:
a) Peter addressed the disciples, related the events, and suggested, in accordance with the Scriptures, that Judas be replaced (Acts 1:15-22).
"And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles" (Acts 1:23-26)
2) Demas forsook Paul and the Lord because he loved the world (2 Timothy 4:9-10). Paul’s reaction:
a) Paul related this event to Timothy and asked him to send John Mark to help in the work:
"Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry." (2 Timothy 4:11)
3) John Mark, a companion of Paul, forsook the work and returned to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13). There is no recorded reaction!
b. Did the apostasy of these ‘key players’ hinder the brethren or the work of the church in any way?
1) In reference to Judas: no, they all remained in Jerusalem waiting for the promise of the Holy Spirit and continued meeting together (Acts 2:1).
2) In reference to Demas: no, Paul’s intention was to continue in the work with John Mark. Note also that Paul is organizing:
"Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus" (2 Timothy 4:11-12)
3) In reference to John Mark: no, they merely split into two teams and continued in the work:
"But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down. And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on. Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience" (Acts 13:14-16)
C. The proper response to divisions.
1. Doctrinal crisis in Jerusalem.
a. Paul and Barnabas had been preaching salvation through faith in Christ but some were insisting that it was necessary for Gentile Christians to be circumcised and keep the law of Moses (Acts 15:1, 5). The whole church, at Jerusalem, came together to discuss this question (Acts 15:6).
b. How did this crisis affect the church? Were all the disciples thrown into despair? Was the work of the church hindered? The following verses reveal the answer:
"So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle: Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation. And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them. And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles. Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still. Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also" (Acts 15:30-35)
2. The seeds of denominationalism at Corinth.
a. A party spirit had developed in the church at Corinth, small groups were forming and rallying around unnamed prominent speakers (1 Corinthians 1:10-13a; 4:6). There was a division that manifested itself during the Lord’s Supper between the rich and the poor (1 Corinthians 11:17-22).
b. After reading Paul’s rebuke of this situation, did the church fall apart? I suppose it could of done if they had not adopted the proper attitude. Look at the response:
"For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season. Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you. Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all. For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth. And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him. I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things" (2 Corinthians 7:8-16)
D. The proper response to hypocrisy.
1. Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11).
a. Ananias and Sapphira had sold some property and put a part of the proceeds into the treasury for the care of needy saints. However, they claimed that they had given all the proceeds from the sale (5:1-2). Peter exposed their lie and the Lord struck them both down dead (5:1-10).
b. Did such hypocrisy cause members of the church to fall away? Did this incident affect the work of the church?
1) One affect of this incident was fear:
"And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things." (Acts 5:11)
2) But no, the work of the church was not interrupted:
"And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch." (Acts 5:12)
2. Peter and Barnabas (Galatians 2:11-13).
a. Peter and Barnabas were in Antioch and were quite happy to socialize with Gentile Christians. However, when certain Jewish brethren came down from Jerusalem, Peter and Barnabas, and other Jewish brethren, separated themselves from the Gentile brethren (2:11-13).
b. We do not know what happened after this incident but it does not seem to have had any adverse effects on Paul (he continued preaching all his life). The fact that he mentions this incident in a letter to the Galatians presupposes that he expected no negative reaction on their part.
E. The proper response to partiality.
1. Hellenist widows neglected by Hebrews (Acts 6:1-7).
a. This is a case of Christians showing partiality. It seems the Hebrew section of this Christian church were responsible for a daily distribution among needy widows. However, they were, deliberately it appears, neglecting the Hellenist widows (6:1).
b. Such behaviour among Christians seems shocking, how did the church react? Did members abandon the church in droves? No, they simply elected men suited to this responsibility (6:2-6). Was the work of the church hindered in any way? The following verses reveal the answer:
"And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people" (Acts 6:7-8)
F. The proper response to a Christian living a sinful life (The case we are about to consider deals specifically with immorality but the same response is to be expected regardless of the sin).
1. A member of the church at Corinth was fornicating with his step mother (1 Corinthians 5:1). The church knew about this and had done nothing (5:2).
2. How did the church react, was this an occasion for upset, anger, and apostasy? How did the church respond to the situation? The following passages from Paul’s second letter reveals their response:
"But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all. Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him" (2 Corinthians 2:5-8)
"For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season. Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you. Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all. For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth. And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him. I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things" (2 Corinthians 7:8-16)
Conclusion
1. Persecutions and trials are inevitable:
a. Those who are living godly in Christ Jesus will be called to suffer for the sake of righteousness.
b. Any church seeking to accomplish its divinely appointed work will have ‘internal’ problems to deal with.
2. When persecutions and trials come, it is important that we remember that:
a. Satan, not God, is the author of all such evils.
b. Although unpleasant, they are serving the purposes of God and, that in fact, there are benefits to be derived from such.
c. God has given us several assurances that will sustain us through the most severe of persecutions and trials.
d. There is a proper and improper response to such. Regardless of persecutions and trials, we must remain faithful and press on with the work of the Lord. Those who let such things hinder the work or their own progress are really revealing their lack of commitment to the Lord. To fail is the equivalent of saying that we reject the purposes of God, there are no benefits of such, and the assurances are not good enough to sustain anyone.
"For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
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