THE CHRISTIAN AND PERSECUTION - WEEK FIVE

THE CHRISTIAN AND PERSECUTION - WEEK FIVE
(1) PETERS MESSAGE TO CHRISTIANS UNDER PERSECUTION
Bible Ref: Pet.1:5-9; 4:12-19
Persecution is unfair or cruel treatment given to a person or group of people on account of their belief. Such treatment is meted out to the people involved not because of any criminal act, but because of their faith or beliefs. The history of Christianity was punctuated with persecutions and marginalization. One can experience persecution in the family, places of work, communities, market places etc. Persecution exists in various forms like harassment, physical torture, rejection, denial of rights, victimization etc.
(a) THANKSGIVING FOR THE HOPE OF SALVATION
(1 Pet.1:3-6)
In addressing Christians living in the gentile world on Christian life and persecution, Peter began with prayer of thanksgiving to God. The wordings of his prayer show appreciation to God for the hope of salvation for the believers. He noted that by the mercy of God, we have been born new to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and to an inheritance which is perishable, undefiled and unfading.
(b) CHRISTIAN ATTITUDE TO PERSECUTION
(1 Pet.1:7-17; 4:12-19)
Peter disposed Christians of the possible persecutions and trials they will encounter as a result of their faith. He enjoined them to rejoice when such happens knowing that it is a test of their faith. They should be sober and set their hope upon the coming of Christ.

(c) PERSECUTION AS A PRIVILEDGE OF SUFFERING FOR CHRIST
(1 Pet.4:1-19)
Peter enjoined Christians who undergo various kinds of persecution to regard it as sharing in the suffering of Christ. They should rejoice if they suffer on account of Jesus, for they will be glad when the glory of Jesus would be revealed.
On the other hand, Peter warned them against suffering for criminal offences such as murder, theft, wrong doing and mischief- making. Peter charged Christians to remain awake for the time has come for judgment to begin with believers; he wondered what will be the fate of those who do not obey the gospel of God. He called on Christians to live a righteous life, since “he who called them is holy”.
(d) JESUS MESSAGES ON LOVE OF ENEMIES
(Mtt.5:38-48)
Jesus taught his followers a new standard of living which parted from the provisions of the law. One of such teaching is on revenge. He taught the disciples to be ready to endure sufferings, insult and humiliation from others. Jesus taught his disciples to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. This instruction is against the old provision of the law which enjoined one to love one’s neighbor and hate his enemy.
This according to Jesus would make them sons and daughters of God, who never discriminate, but love all, and made his sun and rain to rise and fall on both the righteous and unrighteous. If Christians are in love those who love them, and greet only their brothers and sisters as tax collectors do, they have not done anything extra. He urged them to aspire to perfection, just as their heavenly father is perfect.
(e) THE PERSECUTION OF CHRIST
The birth, life and death of Jesus Christ were designed for the redemption of man. Jesus suffered innocently in the hands of the Jews who tried to kill him even before the appointed time. When Gods own time came, he was arrested, tried and tortured by his fellow country people. He went through human law courts and experienced the injustice therein. They all found him guilty of the wrongs he never committed and condemned him to death. Jesus suffered many torture before he died on the cross in the midst of two notorious robbers. He was buried but on the third day, he rose from the death, he became the first fruit from the death. This is out hope, that if we are to witness to Christ with our lives, endure the persecutions for his sake, we will be assured that we will share in his glory on the last day.
(f) SUFFERING AND THE CHRISTIAN FAITH
Accepting of faith in Jesus Christ means also readiness to share in his cross so as to enjoy his glory at the end of time. Persecution is part of Christian life; Christians are persecuted even here in Nigeria especially in the northern part of the country. The persecution range from killing, harassment, arrest, imprisonment without trial, physical torture, rejection, victimization, denial of rights, discrimination, denial of land to build churches bombing and destruction of churches, properties of worship and bombing.
In all these, Christians are to hold fast their faith and endure to the end.

CLASSROOM EXERCISE
1. What do u understand from the message of Jesus gave on the Love of our Enemies?
2. What is the reason for saying the Thanksgiving Prayer?