diōgmos (διωγμός) The Refining Fire Of Persecution

Introduction:

Good morning, church! Today, we are going to delve into a subject that may challenge us but will also encourage us to grow deeper in our faith. The Bible tells us that as believers, persecution is not something to be feared but embraced as a tool for our spiritual growth. While the world may see suffering as a setback, Scripture teaches us that persecution is one of the key ways God refines us and shapes us into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ.

diōgmos (διωγμός)

Persecution is defined as the systematic mistreatment or hostility directed toward an individual or group, often because of their religious beliefs, race, ethnicity, political opinions, or other characteristics. It involves persistent and cruel treatment, harassment, oppression, or violence intended to punish, subjugate, or force someone to abandon their beliefs or way of life.

In the Christian context, persecution often refers to the suffering or afflictions endured by believers due to their faith in Jesus Christ. This can include physical violence, imprisonment, social ostracism, verbal abuse, or legal actions aimed at suppressing the practice of their faith.

Biblical Definition and Context:

The Greek word most often translated as “persecution” in the New Testament is diōgmos (διωγμός, Strong’s G1375), which means “pursuit” or “harassment.” It refers to the aggressive pursuit of someone to harm or silence them because of their beliefs. For example, Jesus warned His disciples about persecution in Matthew 5:10-12 (KJV):

“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.”

Persecution in the Bible often carries a spiritual dimension, signifying opposition against God’s people due to their righteousness or faithfulness to Him.

Let’s begin with our foundational text for today:

James 1:2–4 KJV 1900

2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

The Greek word for “temptations” in James 1:2 is

peirasmos (Strong’s G3986), meaning a trial or testing.

It implies that persecution is not simply hardship but a designed test for spiritual maturity.

I. Persecution as a Test of Faith

Persecution has always been part of the Christian journey. From the earliest days of the church, believers faced opposition, yet this did not destroy the church—it strengthened it. The apostle Peter encourages us in 1 Peter 4:12-13

1 Peter 4:12–13 KJV 1900

12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 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.

Why does Peter tell us to rejoice? Because trials and persecution are not unusual. Instead, they serve a purpose—they test our faith. They strip away everything superficial and leave us with the one thing that truly matters—our faith in Christ. And when we endure these trials, we come out stronger, more focused, and more like Christ.

Paul echoes this sentiment in 2 Timothy 3:12

2 Timothy 3:12 KJV 1900

12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

Paul understood that living for Christ would inevitably bring opposition. The more committed we are to living godly lives, the more we will stand in contrast to the world, and the more persecution we may face. Yet this persecution becomes a proving ground for our faith.

II. Persecution and Patience: The Role of Endurance

One of the most profound things God does through persecution is build patience in our hearts. This patience, or endurance, is not passive resignation but active perseverance.

Let’s look at Romans 5:3-5

Romans 5:3–5 KJV 1900

3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 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.

Tribulation produces patience. Patience produces experience, and experience produces hope. What an incredible cycle! When we endure persecution, it works something deep within us, creating a hope that is unshakable. This hope is not just a wish for better days; it’s the confident expectation of God’s promises being fulfilled.

The Hebrew concept of patience

(savlanut), though not explicitly stated in this context, refers to long-suffering and the ability to bear hardship with faith in God’s timing.

This is mirrored in the patience believers develop through persecution.

In the face of persecution, James encourages us in James 1:12

James 1:12 KJV 1900

12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Endurance leads to a heavenly reward, the “crown of life.” This crown is reserved for those who have stood firm in the face of opposition. Our perseverance under persecution is not just about surviving—it’s about growing, deepening our faith, and securing our eternal inheritance.

III. Persecution Conforms Believers to the Image of Christ

As believers, we are called to become like Christ, and one of the ways this happens is through persecution. When we suffer for Christ’s sake, we enter into the fellowship of His sufferings.

Consider the words of Paul in Philippians 3:10

Philippians 3:10 KJV 1900

10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

The word for “fellowship” in Philippians 3:10 is

koinonia (Strong’s G2842), meaning partnership or communion.

It emphasizes the shared experience of suffering between Christ and His followers.

Paul longed to know Christ, not only in the power of His resurrection but also in the fellowship of His sufferings. Persecution allows us to experience something of what Christ went through, and in doing so, we are conformed to His image. This is not just about enduring pain but becoming more like Jesus in our character and conduct.

Look at 2 Corinthians 4:8-10

2 Corinthians 4:8–10 KJV 1900

8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

In persecution, we may be pressed on all sides, but God’s grace sustains us. His life is made manifest in us through our sufferings. The world sees Christ in us most clearly when we remain steadfast in the face of trials, responding not with fear or anger but with grace and love.

IV. Persecution as a Witness to the World

Persecution is not just for our growth—it also becomes a powerful witness to the world. In Acts 8:1, 4 (KJV), we see how persecution played a pivotal role in spreading the gospel:

“And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria… Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.”

When persecution arose in Jerusalem, the believers were scattered, and wherever they went, they preached the Word. Instead of silencing the gospel, persecution only amplified its reach. The same is true today. Persecution in one place often results in the spread of the gospel to new regions and people.

Jesus Himself said in Matthew 5:10-12

Matthew 5:10–12 KJV 1900

10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Persecution, though painful, is a means by which God refines His people, draws them closer to Himself, and uses them as a witness to the world. Growth through persecution is a key theme in our Christian walk, showing that God uses trials to strengthen faith, develop patience, and conform believers to the image of Christ.

Our response to persecution should not be bitterness or fear but rejoicing. Why? Because it aligns us with the prophets who came before us and brings great reward in heaven.

Conclusion:

In the midst of persecution, we may feel isolated, overwhelmed, and confused, but we must remember that God is at work. Persecution is not meant to destroy us but to refine us, to make us stronger, and to draw us closer to Christ.

As we endure these trials, our faith is tested and strengthened, our patience is developed, and we are shaped more and more into the image of Christ. Through our endurance, we become a powerful witness to the world around us, demonstrating the love, grace, and power of Jesus.

So, brothers and sisters, let us count it all joy when we face persecution, knowing that through it, God is working for our good and His glory.

Closing Quote:

“The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.”-Tertullian

May we, like those who have gone before us, be willing to suffer for the sake of Christ, knowing that through it, the kingdom of God will grow, and we will be conformed to the image of our Savior.

Let us pray.