Simply Romans

Week 11 - Wednesday

Persecuted for Christ

And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, (Romans 5:3a)

Everyone faces trouble and affliction in their lives. Things like broken relationships, disease, death of loved ones and financial setbacks are fairly common. These and many other kinds of suffering are experienced to some degree by all people. But the type of tribulations that Paul is referring to here are the persecutions that Christians experience because they follow Jesus Christ. In Paul's day this type of persecution was severe. Many Christians were even put to death for their faith. It is believed that Paul himself was executed by having his head chopped off. Even today, people in some parts of the world are put in prison or executed simply because they are Christians. In the United States the persecution is not as bad as that, but it may be some day. The persecution Christians face in America is more subtle. It is the threat of being rejected by others or of being thought of as different. Most people will think you are strange if you tell them you have received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and that you believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God. Those who are seriously committed to following Jesus Christ and share their faith with others are thought of as religious fanatics. Talking to your friends about Jesus can cause you to lose them as friends. Often those you love the most, your own family members, will think you have gone off the deep end.

If anyone is serious about following Christ, they will be persecuted for it (2 Tim. 3:12). Jesus warned us it would be that way so we wouldn't be surprised when it happens. He said that if they persecuted Him, they would persecute his disciples also. But no matter how much we end up suffering for Christ, we shouldn't be discourgaged about it. Instead we should exult. When Peter and the other apostles were whipped for speaking about Christ, they rejoiced (Acts 5:40-41). Paul and Silas sang praises to God while they were in prison for preaching the gospel. (Acts 16:23-25) . Whenever you are persecuted for being a Christian you should rejoice too. Jesus said, "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven". That's good reason for rejoicing isn't it. Most people probably aren't going to heaven. If you are, you are blessed. The sufferings of this world are only temporary. But God has something so wonderful for us in heaven that human words cannot even describe it. So, if you are experiencing tribulation for being a Christian, rejoice! It's one more sign that your salvation is secure.

Readings for today: John 15:18-20; Matt. 5:10-12; Rom. 8:18; 1 Cor. 2:9; 2 Cor. 4:17-18

For further information, contact: rdahlen@2z.net