Bible Studies
This is the third article in a series of Bible studies from the Book of First Peter. This one is focused on Christian persecution. While it is not a popular subject, it is necessary to talk about it because persecution is seeing a dramatic increase all over the world. And like it or not, it is now in the United States and Western nations, though not to the degree that it is in some other countries. But that could change very soon! To quote from an artilce by Howard Green entitled, "Christians, Get Ready for Persecution In The West,"The tide of public opinion is rapidly turning against true Bible-believeing Christians." The article goes on to say, "what you are witnessing now in the increased hostility toward true Christians here in the west is but a sampling of the all-out persecution that will take place."
First Peter lists many different types of Christian persecution along with how believers should respond to it. I will go through the book in order of the relevant passages.
"In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1:6-7).
"Keep your behavior excellent...so that the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may on account of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation" (2:12).
"But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed...but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence, and keep a good conscience so that the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong" (3:14-17).
"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you,which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you, but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you...if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God...Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right" (4:12-19).
"Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you" (5:8-10).
I hope that these passages have given you practical application as well as encouragement. It is also my intention of helping Christians prepare for some very difficult times ahead.
Application questions:
1. Do you know of someone who is undergoing intense persecution for being a Christian, if not in a physical way, perhaps on the job or at school?
2. Can you personally relate to any of the specific types of persecution mentioned in the above passages?
3. How many ways can you think of that Christians are being persecuted even in the United States?
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