PERSECUTED, YET AT PEACE

2 Thessalonians 1:4-6

We proudly tell God’s other churches about your endurance and faithfulness in all the persecutions and hardships you are suffering.

And God will use this persecution to show his justice and to make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering.

In his justice he will pay back those who persecute you.

One part of the Christian's journey which has not been talked about or has been misinterpreted is "persecution". For many have termed many things under this category, but they are not.

Matthew 5:11-12

“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.

It really needs to be emphasized that persecution recognized by Christ is that which was done because of your faith in Him.

1 Peter 4:14-16

If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you.

If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs.

But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!

We really need to understand what the believers persecution is all about.

You cannot be slothful in your job, and when reprimanded or punished, you call it persecution.

You cannot meddle in business that does not concern you and when people come at you, you term it persecution.

You cannot cheat and lie, and when people come at you, you term it persecution.

Even church leaders and pastors fall under these errs. You cannot live a life of flamboyance with your members strained givings and when you are confronted, you say you are persecuted.

Hello people, questioning your faith is not persecution, it is an opportunity to preach the gospel:

1 Peter 3:15-16

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.

But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.

Are you living a good life, are you really representing Christ? If yes, then be of good cheer, the persecution is a blessing. However, if you are not, repent, you are not persecuted but corrected. Selah

2 Thessalonians 1:7

And God will provide rest for you who are being persecuted and also for us when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven. He will come with his mighty angels,

And for those who persecute the righteous:

2 Thessalonians 1:8-9

in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don’t know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus.

They will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power.

So rejoice God is in control, keep being faithful.

He calls us blessed.

Love

@the watcher