Main subject: Rejoicing in the midst of Christian persecution.
“The beatitudes paint a comprehensive portrait of a Christian disciple” (John Stott).
From last week’s part one on Christian persecution, why does the world hate Christians? Simply state, Christians are set apart intrinsically and opposed to the world system. Our faith in Jesus Christ is exclusive and this is ultimately why the world hates us as they hated Him (Jn. 17:14). However, our faith cannot be taken away as God is faithful to preserve His people.
Christians are controlled by the thoughts of heaven and heaven where Christ is seated as King. Our conviction of the gospel and longing to be with Christ in heaven is what drives us even in the present time.
As we are persecuted, our initial response must be gladness (v. 23). Our Lord is interested in how we respond and attitude going forward in the midst of persecution. What kind of gladness does the Lord mean? Jesus is referring to joy. Biblical joy is related to grace as it goes hand in hand. Joy in Greek is kara, grace is karis. In other words, character of joy is evident in those that are saved by grace. A Spirit-filled life is accompanied with joy as well. Thus, a healthy Christian is full of joy as they walk with the Spirit.
“Believers are not dependent upon circumstances. Their joy comes not from what they have, but from what they are, not from where they are, but from whose they are, not from what they enjoy, but from that which was suffered for them by their Lord” (C.H. Spurgeon). Joy comes from the Lord Jesus Christ!
Joy is a reality internally for Christians resulting in outward expression. How can we express joy externally? In persecution, those that are internally joyous do not retaliate and leave vengeance up to the Lord. Jesus exemplified this as He went through persecution while on earth. Christians also understand that our sovereign God allows persecution to occur for His glory. Thus, we trust in Him and respond in faith and joy. Moreover, Christians do not live under the power of depression. The power of prayer helps us not to lose heart and remain in our joy of the Lord (Lk. 18:1).
Without persecution Christians remain untested and unsure of their faith. When persecution comes, believers know where they stand in the faith and that they belong to God’s family. In the U.S., physical persecution is absent. However, how we handle every problem and circumstance demonstrates where we stand in the faith. Do we trust in God’s word in both good and bad times? Is our first response to turn to God in prayer and His word?
How else can we test our faith in persecution? We are to intentionally be the salt and light of the world. Most importantly, our passion to share the gospel in the midst of persecution is how we can be demonstrating that we are children of God. Our greatest joy comes from identifying ourselves with Christ and handling trials as our Lord Jesus did. We also know that testing of our faith produces endurance so that we may be mature and complete, lacking nothing (James 1:2-4). Believing and suffering for Christ is a Christian privilege (Phil. 1:29).
Lastly, Christians desire to remain in joy during persecution as we know our reward is great in heaven. Knowing where we are headed and will end up, our present life is shaped by this knowledge. In other words, the destination will determine the path we choose daily. Do we think about heaven consistently (Col. 3:2)? Scripture is clear that even though all Christians will enter heaven, there will be those that are rewarded more than others for their faith. Our heavenly award is a promise given by God that only adds to the joy we possess.
This is the blueprint Jesus laid out for Christians in the face of persecution. Thus, when suffering occurs it is imperative remember His words as He went through it and provides hope for all believers. Christlikeness is always the goal for the glory of the Father.
BIBLE COMMUNITY CHURCH 
Leave a comment