Persevering Through Persecution (4:12-19) - Part 2

Persevering Through Persecution (4:12-19) - Part 2

We have every reason, then, to rejoice in times of persecution. But for us to make the most of such situations, we need not only to "rejoice", but also to "reflect". One might use the time to examine their life, verses (15-18) “For let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil-doer, or as a meddler in other men’s matters: but if a man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this name. For the time is come for judgment to begin at the house of God: and if it begin first at us, what shall be the end of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous is scarcely saved, where shall the ungodly and sinner appear?”

If we must suffer, make it worthwhile. Make sure it is not for reasons listed by Peter.... Such as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or for doing what often brings unnecessary suffering to the church: "as a busybody in other people's matters". Make sure it is because we are Christians in which we have an opportunity to glorify God. In which we can demonstrate the grace He gives us to endure it.


Consider the consequences of not remaining faithful. God allows persecution of the righteous because it serves as one way to judge "the house of God" (in other words, God's family, the church) - 1 Pe 4:17 “For the time is come for judgment to begin at the house of God: and if it begin first at us, what shall be the end of them that obey not the gospel of God?” As Paul wrote, it is "evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer" - 2 Th 1:4-5. If God is willing to so "judge" His own faithful children, what about those who are disobedient? As Peter asks:

"What will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?"

"Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?"

Paul provides the answer, in 2 Th 1:6-10... “if so be that it is righteous thing with God to recompense affliction to them that afflict you, and to you that are afflicted rest with us, at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with the angels of his power in flaming fire, rendering vengeance to them that know not God, and to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus: who shall suffer punishment, even eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be marvelled at in all them that believed (because our testimony unto you was believed) in that day.” Those God will "repay with tribulation". Jesus will come "in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ". Yes, they "shall be punished with everlasting destruction". In view of the coming Judgment of God, of which the persecution of the saved is only a precursor, use times of persecution to reflect and make sure of our standing before God.

Finally, you can be successful in "Persevering Through Persecution" if you will commit yourself to God (19) “Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of God commit their souls in well-doing unto a faithful Creator.”

"How" can we commit ourselves to God while being persecuted? By doing good, no matter the circumstances. Whatever evil is done to you, respond by doing good - Lk 6:27-28 “But I say unto you that hear, Love your enemies, do good to them that hate you, bless them that curse you, pray for them that despitefully use you.” Remember the example of Jesus (Lk 23:34) and Stephen (Ac 7:59-60). Don't let persecution be an excuse for misconduct.

"Why commit ourselves to God? Because God is a "faithful Creator". As "Creator", He has the power to do what is right in the end. As "faithful" (trustworthy), He can be trusted to do what is right in the end.

Certainly we should hope and pray that we never have to endure the sort of persecution experienced by the early Christians. But if we do, will we be prepared? We can be, if we take to heart the words of the apostle Peter as found in his epistle!

As for being prepared, have you yet "obeyed" the gospel? Some may think it odd that the gospel is to be "obeyed", and not just "believed"; but both Peter and Paul warn of the end of those "who do not obey the gospel" (1 Pe 4:19 “Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of God commit their souls in well-doing unto a faithful Creator.”; 2 Th 1:8 “rendering vengeance to them that know not God, and to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus:”).

How does one obey the gospel? - cf. Mk 16:15-16 “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned.”