Sermon XXXII - Disciples of Christ Must Expect Persecution - Matthew 5:10
SERMON XXXXII
Disciples of Christ Must Expect Persecution "Blessed are they which are persecuted for Righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 5:10
We briefly touched upon the first point towards the end of the previous discussion, so we didn't delve too deeply into it. The first lesson Christ teaches anyone who comes to Him is this: "If any will be my Disciple, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." (Matthew 16:24) As soon as Saul was converted, he was immediately told about the sufferings he would endure for the sake of Christ. (Acts 9:16) The Apostle Paul later affirmed that all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. (2 Timothy
3:12) We spent some time examining the emphasis in each word of that text. Now, I will proceed to further elucidate the point through Scripture, examples, and reason, and then apply it.
In the Book of Joshua, we read about the Gebusites. As soon as they entered into a covenant with Joshua and the people of God, the surrounding kings rose up against them. They had been peaceful with their neighbors before, but once they entered into a covenant with Joshua, opposition arose. Likewise, although people may live peacefully in the world before God works in their hearts, if they surrender their lives to Jesus Christ and enter into a covenant with Him, they must expect persecution. The whole world will be against them. In Genesis 15:12-17, God informed Abraham about the sufferings his descendants would endure. After making a covenant with Abram, God caused him to fall into a deep sleep, symbolizing the afflictions his seed would experience in Egypt.
This
foreshadowed the sufferings of believers throughout history. The New Testament echoes this truth in Acts 14:22, where believers are exhorted to endure tribulations on their path to the kingdom of God.
Tribulation is the lot of the godly. On the other hand, Job 21:13 may appeal to a worldly heart, as it speaks of spending days in wealth and suddenly descending to the grave. But for the godly, it is through many tribulations that they enter the kingdom of heaven. Peter, in 1
Peter 5:10, did not dare pray against all persecution for the saints.
Instead, he acknowledged that suffering plays a role in perfecting, establishing, strengthening, and settling believers. Peter understood that those who profess the truth and strive for perfection must also endure hardships. When we examine the seven churches in the Book of Revelation (Revelation 2-3), we find that only two of them had relatively little mention of their suffering. The Church of Sardis was rebuked for having a name but being spiritually dead, and the Church of Laodicea was criticized for its lukewarmness. These two churches, which were the worst among the seven, suffered less.
Those who have a mere appearance of life and those who are lukewarm may avoid persecution. It seems that the worse individuals are in their profession of religion, the more likely they are to escape suffering. Conversely, the more fervent and genuine their godliness, the more likely they are to endure persecution. Christians must expect persecution. In this sermon, Christ preached to His disciples, and they experienced the truth of His words. Scripture, as well as ecclesiastical accounts, testify to the fact that almost all the apostles suffered violent deaths, except for John, who was miraculously delivered from boiling oil but still faced banishment. Ecclesiastical accounts provide details about the other apostles' martyrdoms.
Although there are slight discrepancies regarding the manner of their deaths, they all agree that the apostles suffered violent deaths. Peter was crucified upside down, Andrew was crucified by King Aegeas of Edessa, James the son of Zebedee was slain by Herod, and John was
banished. Philip was crucified in Hierapolis, Bartholomew was beaten to death while preaching, Thomas was killed with a dart,
Matthew was slain with a spear or sword, James the son of Alphaeus was thrown from the pinnacle of the Temple and then stoned,
Lebbaeus was slain by King Agbarus of Edessa, Paul was beheaded in Rome under Nero, and Simon the Canaanite and Jude were killed in a riot. Matthias was stoned to death. Thus, the apostles experienced what Christ had foretold—that they would face persecution. Christ armed them in advance with His words, as He preached this
Scripture to them. The apostles, who were closest to Him, were prepared for the persecution they would later endure, even to the point of death, with the exception of one.
If you were to ask me first, how it comes to pass that believers suffer persecution, I would say there are three reasons: firstly, because of the Devil; secondly, because of the nature of wicked people; and thirdly, because of the holy purposes that God has in the sufferings of His people.
Firstly, the Devil is the old Serpent, the Scorpion, the old Dragon.
Satan, meaning adversary, is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. The Devil intensely hates God, and therefore he hates everything that belongs to God or anything that reflects God in any way. The Devil's sin is one of malice, which is akin to the sin against the Holy Spirit. The sin against the Holy Spirit leads one to hate God and everything associated with Him, causing a desire to bring harm to others. I recall a story of a man who was believed to have committed the sin against the Holy Spirit. When asked if he wanted his wife and children to be saved, he responded, "There was a time when I wanted my wife and children to be saved, but now I wish that both they and the whole world were damned." This hatred stemmed from his enmity towards God, rather than towards his own family or
the world. This is the nature of the sin against the Holy Spirit, although I believe it can be committed even without such explicit expressions of malice. The Devil, having committed a sin of the same nature, hates the image of God and despises anything that is related to God. If possible, he would prevent anyone from being saved. But if he cannot stop some from being saved, he is determined to make their salvation as difficult as possible. The Devil is called the Prince of this world, and he holds significant sway over it. The world is under his captivity, and he is known as the god of this world.
Therefore, because the Devil despises God and His saints to such an extent, all saints must expect hardships.
Secondly, this poison of the old Serpent is absorbed by wicked and ungodly people. In Genesis 3:15, God speaks of putting enmity between the woman and the serpent, and between their offspring.
There is a natural hostility between the godly and the wicked, an inherent antipathy. Antipathy is the most profound, secret, deadly, and ongoing form of opposition. Such an antipathy exists between the saints and the wicked. I have read about how the smell of spices can provoke a tiger into a rage. Similarly, the fragrance of God's grace in the lives of the saints can infuriate the wicked of the world.
In the hearts of people, there is an opposition to godliness that surpasses all reason because it is driven by antipathy. Antipathy represents the opposition of one creature against another, for which no logical explanation can be given. It is akin to a lion being a fearsome creature that is not scared by the neighing of horses or the beating of drums or the rattling of spears but is terrified by the crowing of a cock. The same kind of unexplainable opposition exists between the wicked and the godly. Even if the godly live inoffensively, there will be opposition without any reasonable cause.
Some people may feel faint at the sight of a particular dish without any rational explanation. Likewise, the wicked and the godly have an
innate opposition. The Apostle Paul, reflecting on his persecutions of the saints, acknowledged that he was mad. He realized that there was an antipathy between the hearts of the wicked and the hearts of the godly. This antipathy cannot be cured in this world unless either God removes the saints from the wicked or the wicked from the saints.
Just as there is a natural opposition between fire and water, there will always be an opposition between the godly and the wicked. In Psalm 19:9, it is written that the righteous are an abomination to the wicked, and the wicked are an abomination to the righteous.
But you may ask, even though the Devil and wicked people possess such vile natures that they hate the saints, does not God reign over all? Does not the Lord rule in the world? Yes, indeed He does, and there is cause for rejoicing. If it were not for God reigning by His almighty power, wicked people would never allow a single saint to exist in the world. As soon as any godliness begins to appear, fathers would not tolerate it in their children, nor would one neighbor tolerate it in another. It is God who restrains the rage of the Devil and wicked people. However, God allows His saints to undergo persecution, and He has many holy purposes in their suffering.
Firstly, He demonstrates His great power in enabling weak and vulnerable individuals to endure all the sufferings they encounter. I remember a heathen who observed Christians in the early days enduring great tortures and torments with courage and cheerfulness.
He exclaimed, "Truly, the God of the Christians is a great God, a God who empowers His worshippers to endure such great sufferings with courage." God's tremendous power is evident in keeping the graces of the Spirit alive in the hearts of the saints amidst persecution.
Secondly, while God demonstrates His power, He also aims to exercise the grace within His people. Therefore, according to His
holy will and counsel, He permits His saints to endure persecution, that their graces may be exercised. This includes the exercise of their love for Him. Scipio, a Roman general, once boasted about his soldiers, saying that if he ordered them to throw themselves off a tower, they would willingly sacrifice their lives simply out of respect for him. The Lord Jesus Christ could say the same. He has thousands upon thousands of saints who, if it is His will for them to pass through fire and water, suffer the loss of their possessions, liberties, or lives, would do it. The Lord takes great pleasure in the exercise of the graces of love, faith, patience, and humility. The Church has never been more fruitful than when it has been watered with its own blood. Like a rose cast into the still, the fragrance of the exercise of grace is more delightful than when it blooms beautifully on the bush.
The exercise of grace is a greater good than the enjoyment of any worldly comfort. If only we were rightly grounded in this profound mystery of godliness! Do you consider the exercise of a grace to be a greater blessing than the enjoyment of the world or any earthly comfort? If so, then you are truly blessed. These truths have not been revealed to you by flesh and blood; rather, your heart is aligned with the heart of God, and you have been taught by heavenly instruction.
Even if you suffer from the hand of God Himself, if it serves to exercise your graces, you are not at a loss. And even if you endure severe afflictions from the hands of men, if you find that these sufferings result in the manifestation of your graces, then you are truly blessed. This is God's purpose in permitting His people to undergo persecution.
And then there's a third purpose, which is important to consider. It is the discovery of the hearts of people. Without suffering for the sake of Christ, there would be little distinction between the hypocrite and the sincere believer. I recall reading about a heathen named
Pamettrius who said to the Bishop of Rome, "Make me a bishop, and
I will be a Christian." He desired the honor and prestige of being a bishop, thinking that would make him a Christian just like anyone else. If there were only prosperity in the profession of Christianity, how could the truth and sincerity of people's hearts be revealed?
Fiery trials create a clear separation. Indeed, suffering helps us discover our own hearts. Before experiencing suffering, we are unaware of the impurities within us. But when suffering comes, we become aware of the dross in our hearts. It also reveals us to others.
In Luke 2:35, when speaking of the sufferings that would follow the profession of the Gospel, it is said to the Virgin Mary that a sword would pierce her soul so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. When hardships accompany the profession of the Gospel, acting as a piercing sword, the thoughts of many hearts are laid bare.
God intends to expose the thoughts of people's hearts through persecution. Formal professors of faith are like withered leaves on a tree. When the storm comes, it becomes evident which leaves are withered and which ones are still connected to the life-giving root. If you hang heavy objects on a rotten branch, it will bend and break, exposing its true condition. Similarly, when persecution comes, it reveals who is genuine and who is not. It shows whether individuals follow Christ out of a sincere heart or out of self-interest. Just as a servant walking behind two gentlemen on the street could go unnoticed, it becomes apparent whom he serves when they reach a parting way. He will leave one and follow his true master. Likewise, some may seem to follow Christ but are actually pursuing their own selfish ends. As long as Christ and their own desires align, it is difficult to determine if they truly follow Christ or not. However, when Christ and their personal interests diverge, their true allegiances are revealed, and their affections become evident. The Lord takes great pleasure in uncovering the hearts of people in this world.
Fourthly, the Lord's aim is to conform His saints to the likeness of His Son, Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul, in Philippians 3, declares that he considers all things as rubbish compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. He not only desires to be found in Christ, clothed in His righteousness, but also to be conformed to His death.
Who would not want to be conformed to the glory of Christ in heaven? However, being conformed to His death is another matter.
It was said of Christ, "Ought he not to suffer these things and then enter into his glory?" Therefore, the Lord desires all His people, who are chosen before the foundation of the world, to be conformed to His Son. He wants all the members of Christ to share in His sufferings.
Fifthly and finally, the Lord allows His people to endure persecution as a righteous judgment against the wicked and ungodly of this world. It is a way of leaving them to their own base corruptions, causing them to stumble over the stumbling stone, and ultimately perish forever. I truly believe that the sufferings of godly people have been the cause of eternal destruction for countless individuals. There are many other holy purposes we could discuss regarding why God allows His saints to endure persecution, but I will not dwell on that point.
Now, in terms of practical application, let me address it briefly.
When you begin to embrace any religious profession, never expect to find rest in this world. Do not deceive yourself in matters of Christian faith. In Micah 2, it is stated, "Depart, for this is not your rest." Do not find satisfaction in earthly dwellings, financial gains, reputation, freedom, honor, or credit. Depart from them and set your heart on things above. You have been appointed to face persecution. Just as Paul said when he was advised not to go to Jerusalem out of fear of
suffering, "I do not know what I will encounter in Jerusalem, but I know wherever I am, persecution, bonds, and afflictions await me."
It is a fundamental and sure principle that wherever I am, I will face bonds and afflictions. Therefore, it is crucial for all of us to prepare in advance and store up treasures for such times. Do not assume that we will always enjoy peace and prosperity.
But you may wonder if this concern applies to us now. I must admit that I would not have deliberately chosen a text like this, but since it has come my way, let me say this: There may be much evil in our hearts of which we are unaware. Just as the prophet told Hazael what he would do, that he would commit great acts of cruelty, Hazael responded, "Am I a dog, that I would do such things?" Similarly, if we were told before attaining power that we would burden God's faithful servants and cause them to cry out to Heaven, we might consider it the most uncharitable thought. We might even feel like dogs if we were to do such things. However, we cannot deny that people are already doing such things, things they themselves would never have imagined doing before. Many who were once intimately acquainted with each other, sharing their innermost thoughts, praying and fasting together, shedding tears together, and groaning under previous persecutions, have now become harsh and cold towards brethren who were as dear to them as their own souls. These brethren have not become worse in their walk with God; their consciences testify that they are as close to God as ever. Yet, there has been a significant change in their spirits. We do not know the depths of evil in people's hearts, which is why we must always be prepared for persecution. There is no time so peaceful and serene that we do not need to prepare for suffering. Therefore, when you begin to embrace the Christian faith, reckon that persecutions will accompany you. In Acts 22, you can see how Paul anticipated suffering wherever he went. Hence, to prepare, I will not extensively
delve into the common advice for preparing and enduring suffering.
Instead, I will offer a few words of guidance.
Firstly, when you profess faith, do not base it on hearsay or ulterior motives or to please others. When you enter the Christian profession, ensure you lay a solid foundation. Understand what you are building upon. It is not enough to be moved by the word of God and feel a temporary sense of joy. The stony ground experienced this but stumbled when troubles arose. Therefore, when you hear the word and are initially affected by it, do not assume the work is completed at once. Instead, strive for a deep foundation. The main foundation is to comprehend the way of the covenant of grace and be thoroughly informed about it. Additionally, humble your hearts before God so that the seed of His word can penetrate and take root. Those who have been made aware of the tremendous breach that sin has caused between God and their souls will not be greatly concerned about persecution. I recall Luther speaking about himself on numerous occasions. Although he faced persecution as much as anyone, he was well acquainted with spiritual troubles and the humility that comes from recognizing one's sinfulness. Consequently, he was not afraid of the Pope's threats. Likewise, we read about Paul, who knew he would face persecution for the sake of Christ as soon as he was converted.
Yet, God had prepared Paul's heart. Paul recognized that he was chosen to be a vessel for bearing the name of Christ and, therefore, would experience hardships. How did God prepare his heart? He struck him down from his horse and caused him to cry out, "Lord, what do you want me to do?" This experience prepared Paul to endure anything for the sake of Christ. Thus, those who have truly understood the wretchedness and cursedness of their own selves will not regard suffering as a great burden. They may have suffered eternal torment in hell, being fuel for God's wrath to burn upon for all eternity. Therefore, what is it for them to be called upon to suffer
for the name of Christ? This reflection alone has the power to prepare individuals for suffering and provide them with solace during their trials. When they consider, "What evils can men inflict upon me that compare to the torments I might have suffered from the wrath of God for my sin?" it diminishes the significance of any suffering endured for Christ's sake. Consequently, we must strive to be emptied of ourselves and conclude that it is better to lose everything for God than to enjoy all for ourselves. Imbibe this principle: there is greater value in the exercise of self-denial, which allows us to endure suffering, than in the enjoyment of worldly possessions.
There are many other means that could be mentioned, but I would like to move on to the main point: Blessed are those who suffer persecution for the sake of righteousness. If people suffer persecution for their wickedness, they are cursed. But when they endure persecution for righteousness, they are blessed.
You might ask, how many men suffer persecution for righteousness' sake? In my previous discussion, I touched on this point. Firstly, I will show you that not all sufferings for religious matters can be classified as persecution. Secondly, many individuals may be persecuted by others for the sake of righteousness without even realizing it. These are the two aspects I intended to address.
Regarding the first point, you may wonder to what extent men can suffer for matters of religion. When should suffering arise in religious matters?
In certain cases, men can suffer for matters of religion righteously, and it is just for those who impose the suffering. If men commit sins in religious matters that go against the light of nature and can be understood as sins by anyone who chooses to acknowledge it, then
they may rightfully face consequences. I can provide you with a Scripture to support this: Job 31. It specifically addresses idolatry, and in that case, men may justly suffer. Verse 26 states, "If I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking in brightness, and my heart hath been secretly enticed, or my mouth hath kissed my hand, this also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge." This
Scripture cannot be explained away like some Old Testament passages concerning the kings of Judah. I admit that the strength of suffering during the time of the Law under the kings of Judah is not as compelling as other cases. There is a significant difference between them and current rulers. I have previously outlined the distinction between the people who lived under the Law's tutelage and the authority of the kings of Judah and present-day governors.
However, Job was not under the Law's tutelage. The kings of Judah are regarded as types of Christ, and their rule was symbolic. On the other hand, the passage in Job does not pertain to any type but aligns with the light of nature and is approved by God. Therefore, worshipping the sun and moon, which can be recognized as idolatry by anyone through the light of nature, should be punished by the judge. Hence, there are some religious evils that can be addressed by men. Magistrates should not tolerate idolatry, which is clear and can be understood through the light of nature.
Can we go further?
Certainly, in other matters of lesser importance that are contrary to the common teachings of Christianity and clearly revealed, even those in positions of power and the general population can agree that if individuals remain ignorant of these matters, it is willful ignorance. Such things should not be tolerated. The same reason that justifies punishment by Christians for acts against the light of nature
also applies to those who act against the common teachings of Christianity.
Furthermore, a magistrate can go so far that, due to the wicked behavior and insolent nature of individuals, they can take it upon themselves to act as though they will answer to Jesus Christ on the Last Day. They can clearly perceive that what is being displayed is sheer wantonness and stubbornness, not weakness and infirmity. To the extent that it is appropriate to counteract wantonness and stubbornness, the Lord has appointed external means, including outward punishment, as an ordinance. By nature, such punishment has an inherent efficacy. External elements possess an efficacy bestowed by the God of nature to counteract what appears to be outward stubbornness, wantonness, or rebellion. Thus, suffering may occur in matters of religion. Those who advocate for tolerating anything and everything, believing that the civil sword should resolve all controversies in religion, need to be cautious. If they are not careful, they may unwittingly subject the people of God to persecution.
The other two points I have discussed are sufficient to refute the great error that is being decried among us, which is the notion that men should endure everything without any form of governance. The Lord will judge those who have wronged such men, for they only argue for toleration in cases where individuals cannot be convicted of error through wantonness and stubbornness, due to the heinousness of their actions or opinions or their turbulent and proud behavior. In such cases, they propose forbearance. However, to think that all manner of things should be tolerated, including all forms of blasphemy, is a grave mistake. Anyone who has propagated this notion should bear the weight of guilt upon them. If they do not repent, they will be held accountable on Judgment Day. The plea is
simply that all those who agree with us in fundamental doctrine and worship and conduct themselves in a peaceful, humble, and meek manner should receive forbearance from their brethren. Why should this hinder peace among us? Can we not live in harmony and enjoy one another's company without casting blame on those who advocate for complete tolerance or accusing others of persecution because they do not tolerate everything? This demonstrates that one can suffer in matters of religion justly and righteously. However, the limitations I previously mentioned should be observed.
Now, on the other hand, to convince individuals that they may unwittingly cause others to suffer for the sake of righteousness, you might question who would subject someone to such suffering. It seems unlikely.
To that, I respond that even the devil himself would never cause the people of God to suffer solely on the grounds of righteousness. If the devil were to instigate persecution against the saints, he would provide some pretext for their suffering. You will never find an instance where the devil denounced individuals purely for their righteousness. He always assigns some other name to bring suffering upon religious believers. For example, when the devil desired the Jewish people to suffer, Haman approached the king and informed him that it was not in the king's best interest to tolerate such individuals. Haman portrayed them as rebellious, constantly opposing the government. He incited the king against the Jewish people, who constituted the only church of God at the time, based on their alleged opposition to the government. He did not acknowledge them as God's chosen people; it was their opposition to the government that he emphasized. This pattern persists throughout history. When the Apostle Paul endured suffering, it was not due to righteousness but because he was considered a troublemaker, a