Principles of Persecution

Momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.
–2 Corinthians 4:17

In 2 Timothy 3:12, Paul wrote, “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” That’s true for you and me individually, and it’s true for churches. If you are living a God-honoring life, you are going to face persecution. Today and tomorrow, I want to share four practical principles about persecution.

First of all, persecution is inevitable, so expect it. When an unstoppable force like the church goes against an immovable object like the world’s value system, there’s going to be a fiery collision. Jesus put it bluntly in John 16:33: “In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” This is a great promise but also a sobering reminder. Before Jesus overcame the world, He was crucified by the world. And if the world hated Him, they’re going to hate His followers as well. When you stand for God and His Word, don’t be surprised if you’re fired by your employer, ridiculed by your family, or even penalized by the government.

Second, persecution is painful, so endure it. Some Christians are surprised when they suffer persecution; other Christians expect persecution, but they’re surprised when it hurts. Persecution by its nature is painful. In 1 Peter 2:20–21, the apostle wrote, “If when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps.” When Jesus was on the cross, did God provide a heavenly anesthetic to save His Son from the pain? No. Jesus suffered on the cross. If we follow Jesus, then we shouldn’t think some strange thing is happening to us when we suffer as well.

The good news is that suffering is temporary. In 2 Corinthians 4:17, Paul said, “Momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.” Think about everything Paul endured: He was beaten three times within an inch of his life, shipwrecked, imprisoned, and ultimately beheaded. He said all of that was light and momentary compared to the glory that awaits us in heaven. Persecution is painful, but it’s also temporary.

Today’s devotion is adapted from “The Church in the Kettle,” by Dr. Robert Jeffress, 2021.

Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.lockman.org.