Preparing For Persecution

Apostle Paul warned his disciple Timothy saying, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12)

Fellow Christians, we are being prepared by the Holy Spirit to endure much persecution in the years to come in this country. Like it or not it’s coming. We have fallen away from our first love which is Jesus Christ. We have followed immorality, drunkenness, sexual worship, and greed equal to that of idol worship. Our hearts have become cold towards the Lord and His will. More and more laws will continue to pressure followers of Jesus Christ to wash away any spiritual borders you have made. I write to warn you to prepare for the coming persecutions. It will not happen suddenly but erosion of liberty and freedom of Christian worship will continue to be pushed out of government institutions, state laws, city ordinances, and local communities. Apostle Paul understood that if you are willing to fully devote yourself to following Jesus Christ that you will be persecuted.

The word ‘persecution’ in 2 Timothy 3:12 in the Greek is DIOKO.  It means the following:

§  To make to run or flee, put to flight, drive away

§  To press on

§  To pursue

§  In any way possible to harass, trouble, molest one

§  To be mistreated, suffer persecution on account of something

Persecution is not to be feared. It’s part of our Christian faith and walk. We seldom talk on this subject in America because of the prosperity we see around us. But step into a country like Syria, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Egypt and you will quickly understand that Christianity is not just a Sunday morning pew warming life it’s a fully dedicated life for the glory of God. Over in over in the Word of God there is a safety spoken to each believer constantly saying ‘Do Not Fear’.  “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”(2Timothy 1:7) We must trust God in all world events and laws being imposed. Even if it seems that we are on the losing side of the battle, TRUST GOD. God did not call us to be famous, influential, or confrontational, but He called us to be faithful.

One late commentator wrote this about Apostle Paul’s life:
“The apostle’s life was very exemplary for three things: for his doctrine, which was according to the will of God; for his life, which was agreeable to his doctrine; and for his persecutions and sufferings. Though his life was a life of great usefulness, yet it was a life of great sufferings; and none, I believe, came nearer to their great Master for eminent services and great sufferings than Paul; he suffered almost in every place.”

Friends, it is time to accept the sufferings of Jesus Christ as a way of life. We are so caught up in the celebrity status lifestyle that we forget what suffering even means. I do not advocate seeking persecution but I urge you to not fear it. Prepare your hearts in the prayer closets. That is where you find strength, victory, and confidence to continue to share the love of Jesus Christ in an angry and rebellious world. I urge you find time to be alone with the Lord. It’s not how much you do for God it’s how well you KNOW Him. He wants a deep and intimate relationship with His people. Ask the Lord to fill you with the power of His Holy Spirit for the days to come.

Before I make a list of ways persecution occurs remember this: People are not rejecting you as a person they are rejecting the work of the Holy Spirit in your life, your family, and your ministry. They are ultimately rejecting the son of God Jesus Christ.

How does persecution happen practically?

1.       Verbal and Emotional Abuse.It often happens inside the family, at work, in schools and colleges. They try to malign your life and discredit your testimony as much as possible. Crude jokes about Christians have become the highlight of talk shows and late night comedy. Not only on television but among friends and our peers. Remember, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one in the world.” (1 John 4:4)

2.       Financially Cutoff. We think that if we have a great padded portfolio or savings account that nothing will harm me. How many times have we heard of Christians or Christian companies having to defend their Biblical values in court? Just in case you forgot, court fees are expensive. Your faith will be tested in every area. Fear Not.

3.       Dismantling Public Displays of Faith. We have seen this trend year after year and it has been increasing exponentially. Government court houses, banks, schools, colleges, even in sub-divisions where you live are persecuting you and removing any and all public displays of faith. Have courage to not be silent!

4.       Silencing Your Voice. That is the ultimate goal of the devil. It’s to silence your voice and not give you a chance to speak about the name of Jesus Christ. How many articles have you read and heard where Christian college students have been thrown out of classes for their comments or a classroom teacher telling students to write the name of Jesus on a notepad and then stomp on it. We live in a demonized world and we need women and men of faith to rise up and climb out of the cave of fear. Stand firm for Jesus Christ.

5.       Physical Abuse & Violence. Yes, here in America. Suffering occurs because of the testimony of Jesus. We do not need to go to the Middle East or to northern Africa to hear of violence. It’s growing in an alarming rate for the purpose of pushing God out of this country and to be as gods. Our strength as Christians is to keep pressing on with the full assurance that Jesus said He will never leave or forsake us.

I most want to encourage you friend is to stay on guard and vigilant in your walk with Jesus Christ. God has given you a voice-use it.

Apostle Paul was trying to prepare us in all areas of our lives because He knew that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is not an easy road it’s a narrow road. Remember beloved, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12)