Persecution is a word we all want to avoid. We don’t want to think about being persecuted, because that would entail suffering, and no one desires to suffer. Yet, if you live the Christian life according to God’s word you will probably encounter persecution to some measure. Many people are persecuted in this world. Some because they are American citizens in a foreign land. They are captured and persecuted to gain the attention of our government. These people are used as bargaining chips. Many are murdered because the government cannot meet the demands of the persecutors. This is a horrible thing, and they understand persecution, but the persecution the Bible is talking about is those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. They love righteousness because they love God and He is righteous.
Matthew 5:10 “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
The word persecute means to pursue. In the Bible, it is to vex or oppress because of their faith. They are sought after simply because they are Christians. Sometimes the persecution may only involve damaging their reputation to stop others from hearing the gospel. If slander doesn’t work the intensity may pick up and their property will be damaged or taken. In many situations, if they continue to spread the truth of the gospel their lives will be in danger or taken. This is what happened to Stephen in Acts chapter 7. He was stoned to death because he preached the gospel of Christ. It was obvious his purpose was to show them who Christ is. When he was almost gone, he kneeled down and ask God not to hold this murder against them. That is real Christlike love!
Act 7:59-60 “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.”
There have been and will continue to be those who persecute Christians. Most of us have never had to suffer persecution for Christ. We are not to seek persecution. God teaches us in Romans 12:18 to live peaceably with all men if possible. We are not to agitate just to cause a fuss or stir things up or to prove a point. However, if it happens, we are not to back down because we are fearful. God will be with us and help us during these times.
Romans 12:18 “If it is possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”
In our key verse today in Matthew 5:10, we are looking at one of the last of the beatitudes. In the last part of the verse, we find that they were blessed because they were suffering for righteousness’ sake. Their persecution was because they were living righteous lives. This persecution they were experiencing was because they were a child of God. In II Timothy 3:12, we are to live godly lives, meaning the characteristics that define us are to be like Jesus, and when we do that, we shall suffer persecution. That is a statement that we don’t want to think about, but one that we should use for self-examination. If Paul says we will all suffer we need to figure out why our relationship with Jesus hasn’t cost us anything, or why we haven’t had adversity because of our faith. Paul penned those words under the influence of the Holy Spirit, and it was for us as much as it was for the Christians of that day.
II Timothy 3:12 “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”
If all who live godly in Jesus will suffer persecution, have you thought about how you’ll react when persecution comes? Will you be blessed, fully satisfied, when you suffer for Jesus? Now is the time to prepare your heart to make the right decision when persecution does come. Make up your mind you will stand firm, with love, for the gospel.
