Rejoicing in Persecution

N. T. #39 "Rejoicing in Persecution"

April 3, 2023

Matthew 5-Part 9

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. (verse 11)

LET IT GLOW

Jesus warned us that people will revile and persecute us and falsely accuse us. We are to rejoice when we are persecuted for our faith. Has this happened to you lately?

Revile means rail at; chide; taunt; (suffer) reproach.

Persecute means to pursue; follow (after); suffer; press forward.

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. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part He is evil spoken of, but on your part He is glorified. (1 Peter 4:12-14)

When this happens to us our faith should be strengthened. In fact, when we are persecuted. it proves that we have been faithful to Jesus. We are not better than Elijah, Jeremiah, nor Daniel. Persecution became true during Jesus' own ministry, in the lives of the apostles and Paul, and throughout the history of the church. May we be found suffering for good, for Christ's glory, because of our faith, not because we did bad or wrong.

The blood of the martyrs became the seed of the church. (Tertullian)

First Thessalonians 3:3 NLT says, We sent him (Timothy) to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith, and to keep you from being shaken by the troubles you were going through. But you know that we are destined for such troubles. 

Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. (2Tim. 3:12)

LET IT GROW

Isn't it hard to believe that undergoing persecution is a blessing? The persecution is tied to Jesus. It is because we represent Jesus to sinners that it happens. Some people don't want us around because our life or words are convicting to them. We are in good company since they persecuted the prophets. In the midst of a mess, how can we be glad and rejoice? 

Paul explained in his letter to the Romans (8:18): For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worth to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 

He reminded in chapter 8 of Romans that they were heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ when we suffer with Him, so we will be glorified together. (verse 17)

So let us know that all things work together for good to them that love God and are the called according to His purpose. (verse 28)

Rejoice and be exceedingly glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. ((Matthew 5:12)

LET IT GO 

Thank You Jesus that nothing can separate us from Your love. (verse 39)

We are more than conquerors through You that love us. (verse 37)

If God be for us, who can be against us? (verse 31)

Your love never fails, never gives up, and never runs out on us-Jesus Your love.

Help us keep on being faithful to You.