YET THE LORD RESCUED ME
By Rolan Monje, for MMCC, Nov 2002, 2nd Ed.
An Article on Overcoming Persecution
It was an ordinary day in UP when I was sharing my
faith at a softdrink kiosk. I told a student I was
eager to meet people who wanted to study the Bible.
Much to my surprise, the guy stared at me, squinted
behind his glasses and with a loud, shrieking voice
shouted, "No. Get away from me. Get away from
me!!!" and walked away. Everyone around was staring
at me. I just stood there aghast, but that's when
I started understanding 2 Tim 3:12 in a deeper way
"In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly
life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted
"
(NIV) What's encouraging is before that verse Paul
triumphantly says "Yet the Lord rescued me from
all of them." Time has passed. I now have a family
of my own, and I still get persecuted for Christ.
For over 12 years now I have encountered persecution
of many kinds, and I am grateful for all those times,
looking forward for more.
One of the most challenging yet common trials for
disciples is persecution. This article for disciples
answers to the ever-present threat of persecution.
As disciples, we do not look for 'unrighteous' persecution
where we bring trouble on ourselves because of our
wrongdoing. Persecution is a fact of Christian life
and it must be expected, understood, and prepared
for (1 Jn 3:13). Being in a religious country, the
Pinoy disciple should mature quickly to handle such
things. Here are some things that may help us, whether
we are presently undergoing persecution or not.
I. The Reality of Persecution
From the moment the serpent made his debut appearance
in Eden, God's people have been under attack by the
forces of evil. It is a fierce battle (Rev 12:7-12)
because it is a battle for souls. Our souls. What's
encouraging is in the New Testament's "Hall of
Faith" in Heb 11, the Bible describes the faithful
ones as those who are treated unjustly.
"Some faced jeers and flogging
they were
stoned
put to death by the sword
persecuted
and mistreated -- the world was not worthy of them."
Heb 11:37-38 - NIV
What then is important for the Christian
to understand?
A. You can be persecuted even
if you do the right things.
This is true for God's people through the ages. Disciples
can be mistreated for no reason at all! That's how
people of the world are toward those in the light.
"
I beg you, you are only visitors here
for a short time. Put away human evil desires. These
things make war with the soul. You should live good
lives among the people of the world. They might say
evil things against you, as if you were doing wrong.
But when they see your good deeds, they will give
glory to God on the Day when He returns to take care
of us." 1 Pet 2:11-12 SIMV
"But even if you should suffer for righteousness'
sake, you are blessed. "And do not be afraid
of their threats, nor be troubled." But sanctify
the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to
give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for
the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear."
1 Pet 3:14-15 - NKJV There are several ways in which
Jesus and the disciples got persecuted:
1. Through lies (Mk 3:20-21), so don't believe everything
you hear, especially on TV, text, or Internet.
2. Half-truths (Mk 3:22), so sift out each accusation
or statement, as in Prov 18:17. Listen to the accused
before you make a conclusion. Be prudent.
3. Intimidation (Acts 4:18-21), so be confident. Stand
your ground. Disciples have nothing to prove in the
ways of the world.
4. Gossip and abusive talk (Mk 3:30, Acts 13:45),
so guard your heart. Don't talk back. In fact, there
are times you don't have to answer to everything people
say (Pr 10:19, Pr 26:4-5, Mt 26:63).
5. Confusing, poisoning of the mind (Acts 14:1-2).
That's why we should always deal with issues biblically
and as family. Be open about your feelings too.
6. Conspiracy (Lk 19:47-48). Don't be surprised! Many
people waste time and money just trying to pull out
Christians from the church. (Pity on them!)
7. Guilt trip (Acts 5:28) - trying you make you feel
guilty for following God. Focus on God, not people.
8. Physical abuse (Acts 14:19-20). Put on your boxing
gloves? (Just kidding.) Some of us will have to endure
this for Christ. Even at this moment disciples in
the Middle East are being harassed and threatened.
Don't be surprised with the number of sensitive,
elusive, and creative ways with which people mistreat
disciples. In the end, persecutors only judge themselves
because of their own sin.
B. Persecution is part of
God's plan.
Throughout the Bible, God has used persecution for
the good of his people. For one thing, maltreatment
seemed to strengthen true followers instead of harming
them. Our hearts are tested, and our character is
put through the fire. Have you ever prayed to become
stronger? Persecution is one possible answer to that
simple prayer!
Joseph, Moses, Daniel, Mordecai, Jeremiah and many
others were mistreated but in the end were lifted
up or justified. In Acts 4 and Acts 8, God used persecution
to advance (not hold back) the gospel! When we think
about it, many of the opportunities to share our faith
or to let our light shine are offered in times of
oppression.
II. The Response to Persecution
Ungodly responses
In general, the disciple is not to retaliate to persecution.
He is to imitate the example of Jesus. Ultimately,
justification is through what God sees and not what
people see. Even in trials, Jesus should be our Lord.
In the first century, it was death before denial.
"But even if you should suffer for righteousness'
sake, you are blessed. "And do not be afraid
of their threats, nor be troubled." But sanctify
the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to
give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for
the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear."
1 Pet 3:14-15 -ASV
Here are some other wrong
responses to persecution:
1. Losing faith and confidence (Mt 13:18-23)
2. Being ashamed (Mk 8:38)
3. Being divided or divisive (Jude 19)
4. Anger, losing your cool (Mt 5:43-45, Rom 12:14
)
Notice that the Pinoy culture is not always helpful
for disciples. Poverty, ignorance, family pressures,
pride, and even our history of being under foreign
dominance for centuries
these factors can make
the persecuted Pinoy Christian either lose faith or
fight back. Both of these responses are ungodly. In
all these things we need to fight to be more spiritual
than worldly. Satan is the ultimate foe, not people.
Remember also that persecutors don't bring judgment
on Christians, they bring judgment on themselves.
They don't really expose disciples, they expose their
own hearts!
"
the Lord is coming
to judge everyone,
and to convict all the ungodly of all the ungodly
acts they have done in the ungodly way, and of all
the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against
him. These men are grumblers and faultfinders; they
follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves
and flatter others for their own advantage."
Jude 14-16 - NIV
"
in the last times there would be scoffers
Now
they are here, and they are the ones who are creating
divisions among you. They live by natural instinct
because they do not have God's Spirit living in them.
But you, dear friends, must continue to build your
lives on the foundation of your holy faith
"
Jude 18-20 - NLT Sooner or later, the persecution
will pass, and godly life of the disciple is rewarded.
Godly responses
As in all trials, the disciple is an overcomer. You
can come out of the battle wounded, but wiser and
stronger!
Here are some proper and godly
responses:
1. Praying and relying on God (2 Tim 4:16-17)
2. Don't be surprised (1 Peter 4:12-13)
3. Focus on heaven (Hebrews 10:32-36)
4. Endure it (Mark 8:34-36, 2 Timothy 2:10-12)
5. Don't worry & be wise (Mark 13:11)
6. Wait till the storm passes (Rev 2:10-11)
7. Leap for joy! (Luke 6:22-23)
8. Keep sharing your faith (Acts 5:41-42)
What about severe maltreatment? At times, Christians
can make a mistake by thinking they are still in the
realm of Matt 5:38-42 (mild or general maltreatment)
when situations call for wisdom, not martyrdom. Matthew
5 doesn't give explicit directions about how to handle
severe persecutions, but other passages do. When persecution
gets dirty or severe, there are three things we can
do:
A. Prayer. This was exhibited by the Israelites in
Egypt, Daniel before the lions, and Daniels 3 friends
upon the king's edict. Acts 12:1-4 records the church
praying for persecuted Peter and God's providence.
B. Avoiding persecution is a legitimate move. Acts
8:1-4 records such a flight. Many Christians just
fled, but they still shared their faith wherever they
went. The Apostles stayed and endured. Some were killed.
Sometimes Paul shunned danger. It seems also at times
that Jesus avoided persecution by fleeing (Luke 4:28-30).
C. Lastly, you may also use your legal rights. This
is when things get out of hand. In Acts 21:37-40,
Paul used his education and Roman citizenship to gain
better treatment and eventually a hearing. Later on
he used his legal right to appeal to Cesar, avoiding
trial and death at the hand of the Jews. He extended
his life to serve more. Christians should use their
rights as citizens to avoid persecution when necessary.
Read Rom 12:17-19 and its links to Romans 13:3-4.
It is the authorities role to protect its people (In
this case the Phil govt protects its citizens) If
Christians are being persecuted in criminal ways,
they can use the power of the legal system to punish
the wicked, not to roll over and allow the wicked
to harm ourselves, our families and our neighbors.
Bottom line, because our purpose is to seek and save
the lost, we must focus on open and responsive hearts.
The Sower parable reminds us that there are many who
want to absorb the word and be fruitful. Just wait
and people will see your life and doctrine (1 Tim
4:16) as the Bible describes. It is encouraging that
some of the most intense persecutors of the church
have become our brothers and sisters. God calls people
within His perfect timing. Also remember that all
our efforts to help others are seen by God and are
worth it. May God continue to use you as a disciple
for His glory. As we follow the footsteps of Jesus,
let us keep the fire for God burning in our hearts,
knowing the world is waiting to be evangelized.
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