Meaning, Causes and Christian Response to Persecution for SS 1

Persecution

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain the meaning of persecution;
2. explain Jesus’ message on persecution;
3. analyse Peter’s message on persecution;
4. discuss persecution and suffering as part of witnessing.

Memory Verse

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (Matthew 5:44 KJV)

Bible Reading

The principal Bible passages supporting this lesson are:

1. Matthew 5:38-48
2. 1 Peter 1:5-9
3. 1 Peter 4:12-19

Meaning of Persecution

Persecution refers to the systematic ill-treatment of an individual or group, often based on their religion, race, political beliefs, or other characteristics.

In a Christian context, persecution involves suffering hostility, harassment, or harm because of one’s faith in Jesus Christ. This can manifest in various forms, including verbal abuse, discrimination, social exclusion, imprisonment, torture, or even death.

Jesus’ Message on Persecution (Matthew 5:38-48)

Jesus’ teachings on persecution are found within the Sermon on the Mount, a foundational discourse on Christian ethics. In Matthew 5:38-48, Jesus challenges the traditional understanding of justice and retaliation, presenting a radical new standard for His followers.

He begins by referencing the Old Testament principle of “an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth” (Exodus 21:24). This principle was intended to limit vengeance to equal retribution, preventing excessive punishment. However, Jesus moves beyond this, calling His disciples to a higher standard of non-retaliation and active love towards their enemies.

Jesus instructs His followers not to resist an evil person. Instead, if someone strikes them on the right cheek, they should turn the other cheek also. This teaching goes against natural human inclination for revenge and instead promotes humility and a willingness to absorb further injury rather than retaliate. He also teaches that if someone sues for a tunic, they should offer their cloak as well, and if forced to go one mile, they should go two.

The core of Jesus’ message on persecution is found in His command to “love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” This command is revolutionary because it extends love beyond friends and family to those who actively seek to harm or oppress. By loving and praying for persecutors, Christians are called to reflect the character of God, who “makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”

Jesus explains that loving only those who love you is no different from what tax collectors and Gentiles do. True discipleship, according to Jesus, involves demonstrating a distinctive, sacrificial love that transcends human boundaries and expectations. This kind of love is a powerful witness to the world and a mark of being children of God.

Peter’s Message on Persecution (1 Peter 1:5-9; 4:12-19)

The Apostle Peter wrote his first epistle to Christians scattered across various regions, who were facing significant persecution and suffering for their faith. His message provides encouragement, perspective, and guidance on how believers should respond to these trials.

Enduring Trials with Hope (1 Peter 1:5-9)

In 1 Peter 1:5-9, Peter reminds believers that they are kept by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. He acknowledges that they “greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.”

Peter explains that these trials are not meaningless; rather, they serve a crucial purpose: to prove the genuineness of their faith. Just as gold is refined by fire, faith is tested by suffering. A faith that endures through hardship is more precious than perishable gold and will result in praise, glory, and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed. Despite not having seen Jesus physically, believers love Him and believe in Him, rejoicing with inexpressible and glorious joy, because they are receiving the end result of their faith, the salvation of their souls.

Rejoicing in Suffering for Christ (1 Peter 4:12-19)

In 1 Peter 4:12-19, Peter directly addresses the “fiery trial” that was coming upon the Christians. He urges them not to be surprised by it, as if something strange were happening to them. Instead, he encourages them to “rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed.”

Suffering for Christ is presented not as a misfortune, but as a privilege and a sign of identification with Jesus. If believers are insulted because of the name of Christ, they are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon them. Peter distinguishes between suffering for wrongdoing (which brings shame) and suffering as a Christian (which brings glory to God). He states that if anyone suffers as a Christian, they should not be ashamed, but should glorify God in that name.

Peter also introduces the idea that “judgment begins at the house of God.” This means that God allows His people to undergo trials and purification first, before His final judgment on the ungodly. This perspective helps believers understand that their suffering is part of God’s sovereign plan and a process of refinement. Therefore, those who suffer according to God’s will are encouraged to entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while continuing to do good.

Persecution and Suffering as Part of Witnessing

Persecution and suffering, though painful, are often an unavoidable part of the Christian life and can serve as a powerful means of witnessing to the world.

1. Strengthening Faith: Enduring persecution can deepen a believer’s faith and reliance on God. When faced with hardship for their convictions, Christians learn to trust God’s promises and experience His sustaining power in a profound way. This strengthened faith then becomes a testimony to others.

2. Authenticity of Belief: When Christians suffer for their faith without retaliating or renouncing Christ, it demonstrates the sincerity and depth of their belief. This authentic witness can challenge the assumptions of unbelievers and draw them to consider the truth of the Gospel. The early church grew significantly despite intense persecution, partly because the steadfastness of believers impressed onlookers.

3. Sharing in Christ’s Sufferings: The Bible teaches that suffering for Christ is a privilege (Philippians 1:29). It allows believers to identify more closely with Jesus, who Himself suffered persecution and crucifixion. This shared experience deepens their relationship with Him and provides a powerful message of hope and redemption to a suffering world.

4. Spreading the Gospel: Historically, persecution has often led to the wider spread of the Gospel. When believers are scattered due to persecution, they carry their faith to new regions, establishing new communities of believers. For example, the persecution following Stephen’s martyrdom led to Christians being scattered and preaching the word wherever they went (Acts 8:1-4).

5. Demonstrating God’s Power: The ability of Christians to endure immense suffering with joy, forgiveness, and hope is a supernatural phenomenon that points to the power of God at work within them. This resilience serves as a compelling witness to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.

Therefore, while persecution is difficult, it is not without purpose in God’s plan. It refines believers, authenticates their faith, and can be a powerful tool for advancing the Kingdom of God and witnessing to the world.