Attitudes to persecution

The call to endure in the face of persecution

Passively

Psalm 119:87 KJV 1900

They had almost consumed me upon earth; But I forsook not thy precepts.

See also Mt 10:22; Mt 10:28; 1 Co 4:12; 2 Th 1:4; Jas 5:8

Actively

Hebrews 12:1 KJV 1900

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,

See also Eph 6:10–20; 2 Ti 2:3; 1 Pe 5:9; Re 2:3

Attitudes believers are to adopt in facing persecution

Living holy and forgiving lives

1 Peter 2:12 KJV 1900

Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

See also Mt 5:44; Ro 12:19–20; 1 Pe 2:15; 1 Pe 2:23; 1 Pe 3:16

Rejoicing in suffering

Romans 5:3–5 KJV 1900

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

See also Ps 30:5; Mt 5:11–12; Ac 5:41; Ac 16:22–25; Ro 12:15; Col 1:24; 1 Pe 1:6; 1 Pe 1:8; 1 Pe 4:12; 1 Pe 4:16

Relying on the promise of God’s grace to endure

Lamentations 3:22–23 KJV 1900

It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

See also Ps 18:17–19; Na 1:7–8; Ro 8:18; Ro 8:35–39; 2 Ti 3:10–11; Heb 13:6; Re 3:10

Trusting in the promise of God’s presence

Hebrews 13:5 KJV 1900

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

See also Ps 23:4; Is 43:2; Is 43:5; Mt 28:20; 2 Co 4:9

Praying always

Ephesians 6:18 KJV 1900

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

See also Ps 35:24; Ps 38:15–16; Ps 129:5; Ps 143:9; Mic 7:7–8; Lk 6:28; Lk 18:7–8; 1 Pe 4:7

The certain prospect of victory over persecution

The triumph of Jesus Christ

1 Corinthians 15:25 KJV 1900

For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

See also Ob 21; Php 3:20–21; 2 Th 1:6–8; Re 11:15

The vindication of the saints

Jude 24 KJV 1900

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

See also Ezr 6:8; Es 6:11–13; Ps 126:1; Da 6:26; Hag 2:22–23; 2 Ti 1:12; Re 2:10; Re 7:13–17; Re 12:11

Believers are to take heart from the example of Jesus Christ in facing persecution

The persecution of Jesus Christ was predicted in the OT

Ps 22:1–18; Is 50:6; Is 53:7–12

The fulfilment of these predictions

Matthew 27:26–31 KJV 1900

Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.

The relevance of Jesus Christ’s innocent suffering to believers

1 Peter 2:20–23 KJV 1900

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:

See also 1 Pe 3:14–17 suffering for the sake of righteousness; 1 Pe 4:13–14 rejoicing at sharing in Christ’s sufferings