CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION
1. Examples of Persecution
2. When are God's people persecuted?
3. Why are the Righteous persecuted?
a. Jealousy
b. Pride
c. Ignorance and Stubbornness
4. Why does God allow persecution?
5. Who are the persecuted?
6. How are we supposed to handle persecution?
Persecution is the hatred and abuse of any thing thought to be different or threatening. In history, Hitler persecuted the Jews, black Americans were persecuted by white Americans, gays were persecuted by society and Christians are persecuted by the wicked. In the case of the Christian, it is an necessary part of life and all those who worship and believe in the risen Christ should expect it without exception.
A Few Examples of Persecution
In Genesis 4:3-12, righteous Abel is hated by his wicked brother Cain and then murdered by him. Cain hated Abel because God accepted Abel's offering and refused Cains. It is not said exactly why God did not honor Cains offering, but we know that God judges the heart. Clear evidence of Cain's evil heart is found in the fact that he killed his brother.
In Genesis 37:3-28, righteous Joseph was hated by his brothers because he was his fathers favorite son. His brothers conspired against him and eventually threw him into a pit until the opportunity arose to sell him to some Midianite traders. While in Egypt, God blessed Joseph to be the overseer of his master's house. He was later falsely accused by his master's wife of making sexual advances at her. This infuriated his master and landed Joseph in jail. (Proof of Joseph's righteousness is shown when God continues to elevate him no matter what situation he finds himself. Even in prison.
21 But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. 22 And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. 23 The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper. Gen 39:21-23
Joseph also demonstrates his integrity when he sees his brothers again after he becomes the second mightiest man in Egypt. Instead of taking revenge on them, Joseph shows them love and compassion.
1 Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren. Gen 45:1
15 Moreover he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him. Gen 45:15
In the book of Daniel chapter six, the righteous governor Daniel is thrown into the lions den because he was favored by King Darius of all of his other governors. The other governors, jealous of him, tricked the king into signing a decree stating that, "whosoever shall ask a petition of any god or man for thirty days, save thee O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions" All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. Daniel 6:7
Now Daniel, the servant of the Lord, prayed religiously three times a day! Would righteous Daniel stop and follow the decree of the earthly king or continues in fellowship with the Heavenly Father? Daniel, the ultimate example of what a believer should be today, continued to pray despite knowing the penalty for doing so was to be thrown in a pit of hungry lions. More amazing, Daniel continued to pray with the windows open!
10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. Daniel 6:10
The best and most recognized example of persecution is that which our Lord Jesus Christ endured during his earthly ministry. The religious leaders, (the Scribes, the Pharisees, and the Sadducee's) were jealous of the success and following of a man who was a carpenters son with religious schooling. His teachings were filled with God's own authority and His many undeniable miracles left them bitter with envy. Maybe the most demoralizing aspect of Jesus' ministry was His open correction of their doctrinal error. The result of their hatred of Christ resulted in a conspiracy that would leave Him betrayed by Judas Ischariot and crucified.
When are God's People Persecuted?
Persecution can be traced back as early as Genesis chapter 3 where Satan tricks Eve who then entices Adam to eat of the forbidden fruit. Satan is jealous of man because God loves him and has placed him in a position of authority over God's holy garden. Satan devised a plot to get man thrown out.
Persecution can be seen as late as Rev 13;14-17, when the beast (Antichrist), makes everyone receive his mark on their right hand or forehead. This mark of the beast will be necessary to buy or sell. In essence, those who refuse to worship the beast would be in danger of being without food, clothing and shelter. The choice will be clear, choose God and suffer in the physical body or choose Satan and live temporally in physical pleasure but eternal suffering.
In short, the time of persecution will be from the beginning until the end of time for the righteous. It will only disappear when all of the enemies of the righteous are gone and are crushed under God's feet.
24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
1 Cor 15:24
10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever Rev 20:10
Why are the Righteous Persecuted?
Jealousy
Although their are many reasons for the persecution of the righteous, the core of it all is that God's enemies hate anything that God loves. Satan attacks man, the weaker spirit, because he can't put a scratch on God the All Powerful Spirit. To put it another way, Satan hates man because he can enjoy a position of privilege that Satan himself once enjoyed. (All those who believe on and call on the name of Christ have the right to inherit the promises of God). Satan hates man, and more specifically the righteous man, because he is jealous.
It is no wonder why Satan hates man. Let's take a look at a few of their similarities.
Both Lucifer (Satan's name before his fall) and man enjoyed the pleasures of God's Holy Garden.
8 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
Genesis 2:8
13 Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.
Ezekiel 28:13
Both Lucifer and man enjoyed a position of authority.
26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. Gen 1:26
14 Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire Ezekiel 28:14
Both Lucifer and man fell from God's favor and were kicked out of their paradises. (Man the Garden of Eden and Lucifer the Holy Mountain of God.)
The difference between them is that man has been offered redemption through the blood of Jesus Christ.
14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Col 1:14
9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; Rev 5:9
He has been made a joint heir with Jesus and has been made both a king and a priest.
7 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.
Rom 8:17
He starts over fresh as a new creation.
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
2 Cor 5:17
He will receive a new name.
17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
Rev 2:17
He will recieve a new position of honor that will include judging the angels!
3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? 1 Cor 6:3
Note: Who is an angel fallen from God's grace? Answer- Satan.
Pride
Pride is yet another reason for persecution. One of the most common childhood memories for most of us is the elementary school bully. Maybe it was the typical mammoth youth who never liked what his parents packed in his lunch so he made it his business to take someone else's. Or maybe it was the child who picked on the one who stuttered, wore thick bifocals, or wore old clothes that their older siblings passed down to them. Many people make themselves feel big by making others feel small. This is often true with the persecution of the poor.
2 The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined.
Psalm 10:2
Pride is so distasteful to God, it made His list of seven most hated sins.
16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
Proverbs 6:16,17
Pride is usually the reason for jealousy. When others place awe on someone other than ourselves, it is our pride that makes us jealous of them.
Both Ignorance and Stubbornness
A combination of ignorance and stubbornness are also reasons for persecution. Ignorance is simply not being taught something. Stubbornness is not wanting to leave a state of preconceived ideas. The first condition is not so bad as long as it is not accompanied by the second.
Lets look at Stephens sermon to the Jews.
51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. 52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:
Acts 7:51,52
This shows that stubborn people will resist the guidance and teaching of the Holy Spirit and imitate the mistakes of the previous generation.
The Apostle Paul is a perfect example of this. He zealously persecuted the church thinking that he was doing God's will. Paul (a Pharisee), thought that he was being righteous by destroying a new sect of people who talked about following a man who had risen from the dead. It took the voice of God: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. (Acts 9:4,5) and the blinding of his physical eyes to open his spiritual eyes. 8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink. (Acts 9:8,9) Paul soon repented, had his sight restored and took up the Christian fight.
The principle of the House Divided
Persecution is also caused by Satan's knowledge of the principles of God. The principle used in persecution is the principle of the House Divided. Jesus told the Pharisees that "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation: and every house divided against itself shall not stand:" Matthew 12:25.
It is important that God's people stay united. In 1 Kings chapter 18, Elijah was the only prophet to challenge the prophets of Baal. The other true prophets of God were hiding in a cave because King Ahab and Queen Jezebel were seeking their lives. As a Christian, Satan will attempt to make us hide. Be a bold soldier for Christ knowing that the victory is already promised!
Why does God allow the persecution of the Righteous?
This question has baffled the minds of many of God's children. Persecution of the saints is a must. Jesus was persecuted and then nailed to a cross. To be a child of God, you must be an imitator or Christ. Part of that imitation is to go through earthly sufferings for Him just like he did for us. It is to be expected. If someone disrespects the master of the house (Jesus), will he not disrespect the servants as well (us)?
Therefore, persecution is merely a tool that allows us to be imitators of Christ.
20 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
Next, persecution proves how foolish the enemies of God are! After all, how could one defeat the omniscience, omnipotent, omnipresent, and eternal God?
For the sake of lunacy, let's try it anyway.
The first thing I would do to attack someone is to plan a strategy.
Problem: Omniscience-God is all knowing. He knows what I am going to plan even before I plan it.
Since I can't plan a strategy, maybe I would just grab my weapons and attack.
Problem: Omnipotence- God is all powerful. What weapon could hurt Him? Maybe if I shot at His weak spot? God has no weak spot. Everywhere on God is equally as strong.
Maybe I'll just hide and ambush Him.
Problem: Omnipresence- God is everywhere. Where could I hide that God is not? Where could I go that God is not already there?
Maybe I won't attack Him. I'll just wait for Him to die.
Problem: God is eternal. He shall never die. Even if I invented a time machine and traveled to both the beginning and end of time, I will never see the beginning or end of eternal God.
Persecution is used to strengthen the Christian.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
2 Cor 12:10
It is clear that a man that depends on God is stronger than a man who depends on himself. A person who suffers tends to humble himself and humbleness is the only state that God can use us to glorify Himself.
5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
1 Peter 5:5
WHO PERSECUTES US?
King Herod had righteous John the baptist beheaded. The priests and Pharisees had Jesus falsely accused and crucified. Abel was slain by Cain, his brother. Jesus was betrayed by Judas, His own disciple. Although persecution comes from many outside sources, it is most damaging by those on the inside. Because of this, Jesus gave the command to His followers to reject anyone who would hinder the from following Him.
29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
Matt 19:29
Persecution will come from out own families, churches, cities, and nations. It will continue everywhere except in eternity with God.
WHO ARE THE PERSECUTED?
The righteous. (I say this of true persecution). General persecution can be of the righteous or the wicked. The bible states that God persecutes the wicked. This is simply to say that He will torment them. The thing to notice here is that true persecution is unjust. To treat the righteous wickedly because of their righteousness is persecution. At first glance, we see that the ungodly are also whipped, beaten, stoned, and imprisoned, but is it persecution?
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord
Romans 6:23
7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Gal 6:7
Those who are cruelly treated that hate righteousness are justly treated if they are done so by God or those that He has placed in authority.
Unfortunately, many Christians don't understand the principles of persecution and mistakenly assume that anyone who goes through it has done something deserving of it.
Really? (Remember sinless Jesus on the cross!)
The story of Job is a classic example of this. God being pleased with Job, brags about him to Satan. Satan gets angry and asks for permission to persecute Job. God knowing the innermost depths of Job's character allows it.
8 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? 9 Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? 10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. 11 But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. 12 And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.
13 And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house: 14 And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them: 15 And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. 16 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. 17 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. 18 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house: 19 And, behold, there came a great wind fromi the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
20 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, 21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. 22 In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.
Job 1: 6-22
Look at this! Here is a mature and upright man who God loves dearly, yet in one day he loses his home, his wealth, his children, and his health. Yet, after all that, Job maintains his integrity and faith in God. In fact, instead of cursing God as Satan had supposed, Job worshipped Him!
21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD
Job 1:21
In the end of the story, God blessed Job with double of everything that he had lost but only after he prayed for those who criticized him.
10 And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before
Job 42:10
HOW DO WE HANDLE PERSECUTION?
Persecution should be handled with prayer, perseverance, and kindness.
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; Matt 5:44
The right response to persecution not only makes us closer to God, it yields us a blessing!
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matt 5:10
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Matt 5:12
We pray for our enemies. We remember God's desire for us is to bless us not curse us. We turn our sufferings which make us resemble Jesus, into our joy. We wait on God's deliverance and blessing.
Remember Christian; the cursing of a million, wishing you harm, can't stand against the blessing of God, wishing you well.
