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As we turn our attention to the church, we’d be remiss if we didn’t touch on the topic of persecution. Studies show that approximately three hundred Christians are martyred each day in this world. Rather than run or recoil in fear of persecution, God wants us to understand three principles about it.

First, we need to understand that persecution is a promise. Before the church was even formed, Jesus said to His disciples: “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. . . . Remember the word that I said to you ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:18 , 20 NKJV). We tend to think that persecution is proof that God has somehow fallen asleep at the wheel. In reality, it proves the reliability and accuracy of His Word.

Second, we see that persecution had a purpose. In Acts 1:8, Jesus called the church to be a witness for Him in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the earth. But, in the first seven chapters of Acts, the church stays put. It isn’t until Acts 8:1 that Acts 1:8 is fulfilled, and the prime reason was persecution: At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem ; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria . . . (Acts 8:1 NKJV). God used persecution to spread the gospel message, and He does the same thing today.

Third, we see that persecution will one day be put away. Once we’re with the Lord, the Bible teaches that we’ll be given the right and responsibility to enforce God’s righteousness over the world that once persecuted us: “And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations” (Revelation 2:26 NKJV).

As the church, we must recognize that we’re a target for attack. We also need to remember that this persecution is God’s promise and that He will use it for an important purpose. Above all, we should never forget that our persecutions will be put away as we rule and reign with Christ in His glory.

DIG - How was the church’s growth connected to its persecution?

DISCOVER - How can understanding persecution’s principles help you deal with it?

DISPLAY - What are you going to do the next time you’re persecuted?