RPG Adults
TRUE HAPPINESS IN CHRIST: BE PERSECUTED FOR CHRIST’S SAKE
FRIDAY, JULY 14
1 Peter 4:12-19
Matthew 5:11
“Blessed are ye,
when men shall revile you,
and persecute you,… for my sake.”
TRUE HAPPINESS IN CHRIST:
BE PERSECUTED FOR CHRIST’S SAKE
The last blessing is for those who are persecuted for Jesus’ Name. The Bible teaches, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor 10:31), and “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Col 3:17). God wants us to say and do all things in Jesus’ Name and all to His glory. What are our proper attitudes when we are reviled or persecuted for His name?
- Be not surprised by the wickedness of men (John 3:19-20). Jesus says, “The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20), and “think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you” (1 Pet 4:12).
- Look unto the Lord Jesus, “lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds” (Heb 12:2-3), follow His steps and commit ourselves “to him that judgeth righteously” (1 Pet 2:21-23).
- Rejoice, and be exceeding glad with endurance “for great is your reward in heaven” (Matt 5:12). “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him” (2 Tim 2:12), and “If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified” (1 Pet 4:14). We will glorify God when we do not give up but are still faithful to Him and His Word unto death.
- Count it a great privilege to bear our Lord’s name and suffer for His sake (Phil 1:29 and Phil 3:10), and to be refined and “be counted worthy of the kingdom of God” (2 Thess 1:5; 1 Pet 1:7; 4:1 ). No suffering, no glory (Luke 24:26).
THOUGHT: It is a privilege to be persecuted for Jesus’ sake.
PRAYER: Father, please help me rejoice and endure unto the end.