"Godly Meditation Through Persecution"

Godly Meditation Thru Persecution

2 Corinthians 4:8-16 (NLT)

  We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair.  9  We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.  10  Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. 11  Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies.  12  So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you. 13  But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, “I believed in God, so I spoke.” 14  We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you.  15  All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. 16  That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.

A Christian need never suffer. At least that’s what some preachers might tell you. However, that is not the message of scripture. Jesus said, “If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also”. We should expect no better treatment than that received by our Lord. So, when suffering comes, how can we handle it?

In today’s scripture, Paul was writing in response to some “super- Apostles,” people who were flamboyantly teaching the gospel, yet perverting it as the very first prosperity preachers. Paul talked about his own sufferings and suggested that, through our weakness, through our frailty, God can shine through even brighter. Paul says, “It’s not about you; it’s all about Christ in you.” So imagine yourself in the crowd of First Church, Corinth, as Paul’s letter is read aloud. Let’s listen in and see what we can learn about making the most of our suffering.

You Ready… Let’s Go!!

Lesson # 1 – Persecution

We live in times of great stress. We read the newspapers and shake our heads in disbelief. We watch the news and it depresses us. We look into our Facebook page and most of them bring bad news. We hear about the economy doing badly. Unemployment is at an all-time high. Crime rate is at an all-time high. Poverty and homelessness are at an all-time high. Social injustice remains on the rise. And those of us who have

Investments look at the stock market and start wondering what is in store for our future.

And if these things do not touch us personally, we go to the market and are shocked by the prices of essential things, things that we absolutely need. Then there are illnesses, and the high cost of medical care. We have been praying for one person or the other in hospitals for healing. There are families that are constantly under stress and under attack from Satan. And as a Church we are concerned about instances of persecution. Christians are constantly under scrutiny for trying to convert people. There are many places where worshipping as a congregation itself is a challenge. I can go on and on, but I think we get the picture. Things don’t seem to be a bed of roses around us. So what is the Christian response to such an environment around us? Does the Bible give us any guidance on that? I’m glad you asked… it ABSOLUTELY does. After all, there is no aspect of life that the Bible does not help us with and these troubled times are no exception.

2 Timothy 3:12 (NLT)

Yes, and everyone who wants/desires (speaking to your heart) to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. Next comes an action…

Matthew 5:44 (NIV)

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Next comes a promise…

Matthew 5:10-12 (NLT)

God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.    Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way. (you’re not alone, you are not the first and won’t be the last) Give example of growing up

– I was so poor, I couldn’t pay attention

– People said I wasn’t going to amount to anything

– I was going to fail

– Called me names (dark skinned and bad acne)

– And these were not strangers saying this about me…it was family and friends. Oftentimes, they are your worst persecutors But there is a name that is above all names, situations and circumstances… And it is the name of Jesus! He reminded me that

– I am the head and not the tail

– I am above only and not beneath

– I am the lender and not the borrower

– Now, look at me!

Won’t He do it!!

Next… It’s all about Perseverance

Perseverance is a direct correlation to your faith

Definition of perseverance is considered “steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success,” 

In order to have great perseverance; you have to have great faith.

The Bible calls Christians to persevere. In the face of trials, tribulations, temptations, persecution, war, poverty, or whatever it is that we are faced with, Christians are called to persevere.

Now, those of us who have studied the life and ministry of Paul know very well that he has suffered much. Conversion to Christianity was not a cake walk or a bed of roses for him. If there is anyone who suffered for the sake of Gospel it is Paul. In verse 13 it reads “But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, “I believed in God, so I spoke.” Now, that scripture caused me to pause for a moment. I said to myself, “self, just what did the psalmist speak?”  Then I dug a little deeper in the Word and it took me to Psalm 116

Psalm 116:10-14 (NLT)

I believed in you, so I said,

    “I am deeply troubled, LORD.”
11  In my anxiety I cried out to you,
    “These people are all liars!”

12  What can I offer the LORD
    for all he has done for me?
13  I will lift up the cup of salvation
    and praise the LORD’s name for saving me.
14  I will keep my promises to the LORD
    in the presence of all his people.

Tell your neighbor First comes the persecution, then comes perseverance

Lastly is Perspective

One of the beautiful passages from this chapter is what has sustained Renee and me during several dark periods in our life (and we have definitely had our fair share). Let me read it out for you. 

Read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NLT)

That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.  17  For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!  18  So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen.

For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

That speaks directly to our perspective; our attitude. The psalmist says that the Lords gifts are so great that we can do nothing to repay His debt. Keeping our promises publicly demonstrates our gratitude. The Lord loves to hear our praises.

Yes there might be troubles all around us, yes, there might be persecutions, yes there might be struggles in our families, yes, there might be financial difficulties, yes there might be illnesses, yes there might be uncertainties, yes, the economy might be looking down. The beauty of believing in Jesus Christ is that for every trouble there is a “but not” promise. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.

Read Romans 8:17-18 (NLT)

  And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Jesus is heir to all God’s promises. And as those who belong to Jesus, we share with him in that glorious inheritance. However, just as it was for Jesus, our path to glory is also marked by suffering. But if you have the right perspective, the right attitude… you will count it all joy!

Tell your neighbor… keep it in perspective!

Close

The Bible says, So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while.  7  These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

Brothers and Sisters, we may feel the pressure, stress, and pain of troubles. It’s ever presence always beating on us and reminding us without peace. However, this message today is one of hope. It’s the hope we receive that all is not lost. It is the hope that our loving God knows us by name, sees what we are going through and rescues us. When finances are tight, things look bleak, or there’s a lack of peace, do not let yourself be driven to despair. God is our hope! Do not be crushed. Jesus died for you and me. Victory is yours. Jesus loves you unconditionally. Question is… will you chose Him today?