Sullivan church of Christ – Sullivan, MO
Date: September 17, 2006
JOY IN PERSECUTION
Ben Justice
Christians should be the most joyous people on earth. As we noted last Sunday
morning, the Christian’s joy is motivated by many different things. The birth,
life, and resurrection of Christ motivates us to have joy and gladness. Seeing
others saved motivates joy. Realizing that there are other faithful brethren
should likewise motivate us to have joy. The word of God, the church, and the
blessings of Christianity all motivate joy in our lives.
The Christian’s joy will not only be motivated by many different things, but it will
manifest itself in everyday life. One specific area in which Christian joy is
manifested is in persecution. In fact, true joy and happiness is seen more
clearly and vividly in the midst of persecution and affliction. It is in the midst of
persecution and affliction where true joy gives proof of its power. True joy is not
just merely an emotion. It is a quality and state of mind that expresses itself
naturally based on faith in God and is derived from his word and putting that
word into application in our daily lives.
The Christian will be persecuted. God promised that it will happen (2 Tim. 3:
12). But, notice the following scriptures as they relate to joy in persecution.
Jesus said to his disciples, “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and
persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted
they the prophets which were before you” (Matt. 5:11-12). Notice that Jesus said
to “rejoice, and be exceeding glad.” The reason is then given: “For great is your
reward in heaven.”
James penned, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience” (James 1:2-3).
Certainly, James is not saying that the actual testing and trying is joyous. Some
of these tests of life are not very pleasant at all. However, we can realize and
understand what overcoming the tests and trials of life can produce in our lives,
and that is “patience,” or endurance is the more literally meaning. In other
words, overcoming the tests of life can make us better as Christians. We can
take joy in that.
Peter declared, “But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that,
when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” (I Pet. 4:
13). As Christians, we will suffer, just as Christ suffered. However, in the end
“when his glory shall be revealed, we may be glad also with exceeding joy.” What
a joyous thing it will be when Jesus comes back for his own! Therefore, we can
take joy in the fact that just as Christ suffered, we can suffer with him.
After the apostles had been beaten and were commanded not to speak in the
name of Jesus any more (Acts 5:40), “they departed from the presence of the council,
rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name” (Acts 5:41). We
live in a hostile world. It seems to be getting worse with the passing of each
day. Christianity is ridiculed, made fun of, and spit upon as never before in the
history of this country. There definitely may be some very trying times for our
faith in the future. How will we respond? Being persecuted for Christ’s sake will
produce joy, or it will not. Those who take joy in being able to suffer shame for
his name will be able to stand, for they will realize why they are suffering
persecution. But, those who don’t take joy in suffering for Christ will prove to be
spiritually deficient in their lives (cf. Matt. 13:20-21).
“What is joy,” someone asked. He said, “It is the exaltation of my inward being
that comes from genuine harmony with God, others, and ourselves.” Or, as
someone else said, “Joy is the flag we fly from the castle tower of our hearts
when the King is in residing there.”
It is easy to have joy and happiness when everything is going smoothly. Again,
true joy and happiness is seen when it is put to the test. Persecution and
affliction is that test. What will people see from us? Will they see a joyous
people, or will they see a bitter people trying to get even? Those who are not
happy, glad, and joyous in living the Christian life and in worshipping and serving
God need to examine their spiritual lives, because something is amiss (2 Cor. 13:
5). Christianity is preeminently a religion of joy. Since this is the case, it is
hard, if not impossible to be depressed and swallowed up with sorrow while living
the joy of Christianity.
While joy can be manifested in many different ways, it is in persecution that joy
can be radiated brightly to those around about us. What blessings we have in
Christianity! It is because of these blessings that Christianity has brought, that
Jesus counted it all joy to endure the cross (Heb. 12:2).