The Perplexing Paradox of Persecution

Matthew 5:10 NKJV

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

John 15:20 NKJV

Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.

The Persecution

Definition of Persecution

Dioko : Pursue, or to drive out. In the Biblical sense to be harassed because of one’s religious beliefs.

Persecution for Evil

1 Peter 4:15 NKJV

But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters.

Persecution for Good

1 Peter 4:16–19 NKJV

Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

1 Peter 3:13–14 NKJV

And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.”

Some in the Church defy the notion of persecution and do everything to avoid it.

The Purpose

Psalm 23:3 NKJV

He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.

Acts 5:29 NKJV

But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.

Acts 16:25–29 NKJV

But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.” Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas.

The Promise

Matthew 25:34 NKJV

Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

Conclusion