WEEK SIX
PERSECUTION – 1 PETER 1:3-17, 1PETER 4:2-19
DEFINE PERSECUTION
Persecution is an act done against a person in a manner to injure, grieve, afflict, beset with cruelty, malign, harass, punish or put a person to death as a result of the person’s race, sexual identity, adherence to a particular religious creed or mode of worship. People are persecuted for various reasons and some of which are;
1. their race
2. sexual identity
3. adherence to religious creed
4. mode of worship
In 1 Peter 1:3-17, Peter recognizes the faith that the early Christians have suffered trials in form of persecution because of their faith and adherence to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He encouraged Christians to be unwavering in their faith because the hope we have as Christians is that there is an inheritance in heaven, which is imperishable, undefiled and unfading when Jesus returns. The fact that the new Christians never saw Jesus but believed is most commendable.
He recounted that the prophets of old have predicted that Jesus would suffer and would at the end be glorified. All creatures in both heaven and earth await or look forward to the fulfilment of the same prophesy. He also encourages Christians to remain sober and be hopefully for the manifestation of Jesus Christ. He further states that Christian should be obedient to the faith and not emulate or go back to their old passion which is submerged in ignorance.
He concluded the charge on persecution with the advice that they must conduct themselves with fear throughout the period of persecution, not fear for the persecution but fear of God. In 1Peter 3:24-25, he said, “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord abides for ever.”
In 1 Peter 4:2-19, Peter further states that since Jesus Christ suffered in the flesh, we should not think less but be prepared to undergo persecution. This will empower us not to live by flesh but by the will of God. Let the unbelievers be surprised with the way we live our lives since we do not join them in their lust after the passions of the flesh which include but not limited to, living in licentiousness, passions, drunkenness, revels, carousing, lawless idolatry and in the same wild profligacy. They will abuse you but will give an account for all that they do while we will live in the spirit like God.
He also encourages Christians to maintain unfailing love for one another because love covers all wrongs. We should speak to all men as oracle of God, practice hospitality ungrudgingly towards one another and render service as stewards according to God’s grace in our lives. In all suffering, we should not be surprised but rejoice that we are partakers of Christ’s sufferings so that we also partake in the glory of Christ.
We should suffer as Christians and followers of Christ but not as murderers, wrong-doers, thieves or mischief-maker. Shame will come on those who are mischievous because judgement will begin with the household of God. This points to the fact that, “If the righteous man is scarcely saved, where will the impious and sinner appear?”
He concluded by saying, ‘Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will do right and entrust their souls to a faithful Creator.’ 1Peter 4:19
REASONS FOR PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS
Reasons why Christians are persecuted:
1. Some people use their faith to carry out unwholesome acts
2. Some people feel threatened because of the stance of Christians
3. Some feel Christians are shutting down the avenues of making corrupt gains
4. Some people just exhibit unhealthy rivalry and hatred for Christians.
WAYS TO CURB PERSECUTION
1. Tolerate the belief system of other people
2. Respect the fundamental human rights of others
3. Respect and tolerate the opinion of other people
4. Live with the right conscience
Unprecedented 