07/10
Facing Persecution
"In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
2 Timothy 3:12
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.”
1 Peter 4:12-16
2 Timothy 3:12
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.”
1 Peter 4:12-16
Sometimes, the only way for a child to learn to not touch something hot is for them to actually touch something hot. When they touch a hot pan or a lit candle, that sharp burning pain can be seared into their mind. From that point on, the lesson has been learned; if I touch something hot, I can expect to get burned. If a child grew into an adult, yet they still continually grabbed hot pans with their bare hands or put their hand in a fire, an onlooker would look at them like they were crazy, especially if the person who just got burned was surprised that they were burned. They might hear "Well, what did you expect? That's what happens if you touch something hot, you get burned!"
In the same way, those who have chosen to give their lives to the Lord and became a follower of Jesus, should expect that persecution, slander, intimidation, and insults will come. In fact, everyone who desires to live a godly life will c. This should not come as a surprise to us. It was laid out in scripture and it is just as true today. It's a part of being a Christian and taking new ground for the kingdom of God. We shouldn't be surprised or offended if non-Christians act like non-Christians. We shouldn't be offended if opposition comes before us or if a person tells lies about us. Simply because something doesn't go to plan doesn't mean that we aren't doing what God has called us to. Everyone who has made a godly impact on their life faced enormous opposition and persecution. If it was true for them, why wouldn't it be true for you as well? It's important that we prepare our hearts and minds for what is to inevitably come. There will be a growing hostility towards the gospel, the church, and Christians. Your beliefs will continue to be seen as judgmental, outdated, hateful, and bigoted. When we expect these things before they happen, it helps us to maintain a heart like Christ and not live offended.
In the same way, those who have chosen to give their lives to the Lord and became a follower of Jesus, should expect that persecution, slander, intimidation, and insults will come. In fact, everyone who desires to live a godly life will c. This should not come as a surprise to us. It was laid out in scripture and it is just as true today. It's a part of being a Christian and taking new ground for the kingdom of God. We shouldn't be surprised or offended if non-Christians act like non-Christians. We shouldn't be offended if opposition comes before us or if a person tells lies about us. Simply because something doesn't go to plan doesn't mean that we aren't doing what God has called us to. Everyone who has made a godly impact on their life faced enormous opposition and persecution. If it was true for them, why wouldn't it be true for you as well? It's important that we prepare our hearts and minds for what is to inevitably come. There will be a growing hostility towards the gospel, the church, and Christians. Your beliefs will continue to be seen as judgmental, outdated, hateful, and bigoted. When we expect these things before they happen, it helps us to maintain a heart like Christ and not live offended.
TODAY'S CHALLENGE
Write down a letter or multiple letters to those people in your world whom you have found an offense with. Be honest in this letter and make sure to write down how God is helping you forgive this offense through the power of the Holy Spirit. We would encourage you to read this letter out loud and then pray for that person or situation and then discard the letter.