Reading: Lesson 10 - Exploring Further (Video Slides)

By Edwin D. Roels

1. According to 2 Timothy 3:12, “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” Is this true for every believer?

In some parts of the world most Christians would immediately answer this question with a strong YES. In other parts of the world, many Christians would probably say NO. In their own lives they experience little or no obvious persecution and may even be “rewarded” in some ways because of their honesty, faithfulness to their spouses, friendliness, and hard work. In general, however, living openly and consistently for Christ will eventually arouse enmity or opposition of one kind or another. Christians may be mocked on occasion because they do not participate in certain activities or attend certain places of entertainment. They may also be ridiculed for their refusal to go along with the crowd in some of the group activities at school or at work. They may also be considered “Bible fanatics” if they talk to other people about the Bible or read the Bible during their lunch hour or free time. They may be called derogatory names because of their clean language, refusal to drink alcoholic beverages or gamble. They may be considered radicals because they attend church faithfully, observe a special day of the week as a day that is holy unto the Lord, give generously to their church or mission organizations, and participate in marches to promote pro-life activities or other Christian causes. Christians who never face any kind of obvious persecution or opposition may simply be living in a strong Christian environment. However, there may also be many situations where a Christian is not persecuted in any way because he or she is not pursuing a distinctively Christian lifestyle and therefore does not stand out in the crowd of unbelievers.

2. Can you give any personal examples of being persecuted because you are a Christian?

If you are a Christian, think about times when you experienced trouble because of your faith. What was hardest for you? What blessings did you experience? If you seldom or never face difficulties for being a Christian, consider whether your lifestyle might not be much different from unbelievers and whether you might not be sharing your faith or standing up for what is right. If you do not experience persecution because you live in a strong Christian environment, God might call you to step beyond that safe environment and get closer to the front lines of bringing God’s kingdom into hostile territory.

3. Wouldn’t it be much better for us (believers) if we never experienced any suffering or trials or persecution in our lives?

It might indeed be easier for us in some ways, but it would not necessarily be better. Persecution often strengthens our faith, helps us to examine our lives to see what is really most important in life, blesses us to know that others look upon us as sincere followers of Jesus, challenges others to examine their own lives, increases our boldness to witness, brings glory and praise to God, creates joy in our hearts, and causes us to trust in the Lord rather than in our own abilities for provision, protection, and the things we need for daily living. See, for example, Acts 4:29-32; Acts 5:41-42; Philippians 3:10; Romans 8:17; 1 Peter 5:10.

4. Why would anyone think he is offering a service to God if he killed Christians? (See John 16:2.)

Many non-Christians believe that Christians are deceiving people, teaching false things about God, dishonoring God by teaching that Jesus is the eternal Son of God, and leading people into all kinds of heretical and false teachings that lead them away from God rather than to God. Remember that the apostle Paul himself felt that way at one time and therefore hounded and persecuted believers (Acts 7:55-8:1; Acts 9:1; and Acts 22:19-20). Even Jesus himself was crucified because the Jewish leaders accused him of blasphemy, a great sin against God, when he taught that he was the Son of God (Matthew 26:63-66). Today, non-Christians in some countries believe that Christians are insulting God and spreading false teachings concerning him, so they put Christians to death. In their own minds and hearts, they sincerely believe that they are pleasing and serving God when they kill Christians.

5. Will those who suffer persecution in this life for Christ’s sake receive greater glory and greater reward in heaven? If so, what will this glory or reward be like?

The Bible does seem to teach that those who suffer persecution for Christ’s sake will receive some kind of special reward in their future life. Read, for example, Matthew 5:11 and Luke 6:22-23. However, the Bible does not explain specifically what this glory or crown or reward will be like. All believers will share in the glory and joy of being with Jesus for eternity, and this joy and glory will be far greater than anything any of us have ever experienced on earth. It’s difficult to explain, therefore, how one person might have greater joy or blessing than another. There may well be some persons in heaven who will have special authority of one kind or another, but there will be no jealousy, pride, or envy of any kind. It’s sufficient for us to know that the Bible has promised that the reward will be there, even if we cannot fully understand what it will be like. Our greatest joy will not be our personal position or honor but the blessing and privilege of spending eternity with Jesus in a world of perfect peace and delight. Read some of the following passages and think about what they mean: Revelation 14:13; Revelation 20:4, 22:12; Hebrews 10:34, 11:26; 2 John 8; 1 Corinthians 3:8; 2 Timothy 4:8.

6. Believers often experience trials or suffering that are not directly related to persecution. Do you think these trials and suffering will result in spiritual growth? Will they possibly also result in greater rewards in heaven? If so, do you think the reward will depend on how we respond to our trials in this life?

The Bible may not give a specific answer to the question about future rewards in heaven, but it does clearly indicate that earthly afflictions often result in spiritual growth. In general, anything we do or any suffering we endure in a way that honors Christ will bring praise to him and may possibly also result in some kind of special reward in heaven. However, our primary emphasis in all of this should not be on ourselves and our possible future rewards but on Christ, who is the author and source of everything good in our lives. To him belong the glory and honor and praise both now and forever. Read some of the following passages: Psalm 116:10; Psalm 119:67, 71, 75; Job 5:17; Malachi 3:3; John 15:2; 2 Corinthians 4:16-17; Hebrews 12:5 and 11; 1 Peter 1:7; Revelation 7:14.

7. Can you think of any examples in your own life or in the life of someone you know in which trials and persecution resulted in spiritual blessings already in this life?

Hardship is meant for our good. That’s not just theory but reality. Reflect on your own experience and recall testimonies from others, paying close attention to ways that God has brought blessings through troubles.

8. How should we respond to persons who treat us unfairly simply because we are Christians?

We should definitely not return evil for evil! Nor should we immediately try to find weaknesses or failures in another person’s life and focus on those in order to take the pressure off ourselves. If it is possible for you to discuss your faith openly and calmly with someone who is treating you unfairly, prayerfully take advantage of that opportunity. Most often, however, that will probably not be possible. Depending on your situation and circumstances, it might be possible to discuss your situation with a person of authority who can help you find an amicable solution to your situation. If, so, prayerfully take advantage of that opportunity if you can do so without doing unnecessary harm to yourself or to others who may be involved.

Also, in the spirit of Christ, you should seek to return good for evil and pray for the person or persons involved. You may possibly be able to quietly do something helpful and positive for someone who is treating you poorly. (See Proverbs 20:22; 24:29; 25:21; Matthew 5:38-48; Luke 6:27, 35; Romans 12:17-21; 1 Thessalonians 5:15; 1 Peter 3:9, 17.) It’s important to remember, however, that you, like Jesus himself, will not necessarily be well-received by others, no matter what you do. In that situation, simply commend the entire matter to the Lord, and patiently and prayerfully wait for His leading and guidance.

9. How is your prayer life affected when you pray for healing or freedom from trials and persecution but God does not heal you or keep you from being persecuted?

This is a very challenging question that each of us must deal with personally. Throughout history many believers who prayed sincerely were not healed, and many Christians who prayed sincerely were not spared from persecution or death. Both the Bible itself and the history of the church demonstrate that. Believers should also recognize, however, that God promises that he will never leave or forsake his people (Hebrews 13:6-7; Psalm 118:5-7; Deuteronomy 31:6,8) and he will bring to glory those who die either from sickness or from persecution or in any other way (Hebrews 11:13-16; Revelation 14:13). His purposes are sometimes accomplished most powerfully by those who remain faithful even when they are not healed or delivered. And since the ultimate goal in our lives is that God may be glorified through us, we should continue to trust in the Lord while also continuing to pray. See Hebrews 11:13-17 and 32-40, which record many victories while also referring to many people who suffered greatly but did not receive a victory in this present life. See also Hebrews 10:36. Also, remember that Jesus himself prayed very earnestly for a way to avoid his death on the cross, but God conquered sin through Jesus’ death rather than sparing him from death (Matthew 26:39 and 42; Hebrews 2:10). God’s ultimate purposes will surely be accomplished, though faithful followers of Jesus may have to suffer much from sickness, trials, poverty, or persecution. But through it all God will be glorified and in one way or another all those who trust in him will also ultimately share in his glory (Hebrews 13:13-14).

10.  In what way(s) would you be different if you were never sick or injured or in pain? Do you think you would be more fruitful, more joyful, and a better witness if everything in life went the way you wanted? Give the reasons for your answer.

This is a question that only you can answer. Most of us, though, have to admit that we can be quite grumpy and discontented even when we’re healthy and things are going well for us. On the other hand, most of us recognize that our minds were most focused on God and our faith was exercised most strongly when we faced difficulties that we could not handle in our own strength. A great many Christians testify that their greatest spiritual growth occurred when they went through hard times.