Topical Bible: Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Commit Themselves to God

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Persecution has been a persistent reality for the followers of Christ since the inception of the Church. The Bible provides numerous accounts and teachings on how believers are to respond to suffering and persecution, emphasizing the importance of committing themselves to God during such trials.

Biblical Context

The early Church faced significant persecution, as recorded in the New Testament. Jesus Himself warned His disciples of the trials they would face, saying, "If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first" (John 15:18). The Apostle Paul, who experienced extensive persecution, wrote to Timothy, "Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Timothy 3:12).

Commitment to God in Suffering

The Bible encourages believers to entrust themselves to God amidst persecution. In 1 Peter 4:19, Peter exhorts, "So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should entrust their souls to their faithful Creator and continue to do good" . This verse highlights the dual response of trust and continued righteous living, even in the face of adversity.

Examples of Faithful Endurance

The Scriptures provide numerous examples of saints who committed themselves to God during persecution. Daniel, when faced with the threat of the lions' den, continued his practice of prayer, demonstrating unwavering trust in God (Daniel 6). The Apostles, after being flogged for preaching the Gospel, rejoiced "that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name" (Acts 5:41).

The Role of Faith and Hope

Faith and hope are central to enduring persecution. Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Faith Chapter," recounts the accounts of those who suffered for their faith, yet remained steadfast, "looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God" (Hebrews 11:10). This eternal perspective empowers believers to endure present sufferings.

The Example of Christ

Christ is the ultimate example of committing oneself to God amidst suffering. In His crucifixion, Jesus entrusted His spirit to the Father, saying, "Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit" (Luke 23:46). His obedience and trust in God’s plan serve as the model for all believers facing persecution.

Encouragement and Assurance

The Bible assures believers that God is with them in their trials. Jesus promised, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). Paul, writing to the Romans, declared, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life... nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39).

Prayer and Support

Prayer is a vital resource for those enduring persecution. The early Church prayed fervently for Peter when he was imprisoned, resulting in his miraculous release (Acts 12:5-7). Believers are encouraged to pray for one another, seeking God’s strength and comfort in times of trial.

Conclusion

While persecution is a challenging aspect of the Christian journey, the Bible provides clear guidance and encouragement for believers to commit themselves to God, trusting in His faithfulness and sovereignty. Through faith, hope, and prayer, saints can endure suffering, knowing that their ultimate reward is with their Creator.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 4:19
Why let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as to a faithful Creator.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Calvin -- Enduring Persecution for Christ
... be to us to have less zeal in suffering for the ... this in regard to the greater part;
for persecution is a ... 13), that the death of the saints is precious in His ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/calvin enduring persecution for.htm

Persecution in the First Centuries.
... same path of humiliation, reproach, and suffering which their ... Persecution ceased,
and in its stead were substituted the ... Jesus, and even of Mary and the saints. ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /2 persecution in the first.htm

Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness ...
... These are experiences through which the saints also pass, and ... by schismatics and
heretics, in persecution by tyrants ... in his doing and his suffering, his living ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/third sunday after trinity humility.htm

Persecution in the First Centuries
... same path of humiliation, reproach, and suffering which their ... Persecution ceased,
and in its stead were substituted the ... Jesus, and even of Mary and the saints. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 2 persecution in the.htm

The Ignatian Epistles and their Claims. The Internal Evidence.
... 2] The Scriptures represent the most exalted saints as shrinking instinctively from
suffering. ... those who offer themselves to persecution, seeing the ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter iii the ignatian epistles.htm

Go Teach all Nations
... work the disciples would have to meet persecution through the ... In every one Christ's
long-suffering love, His holiness ... given to the people of the saints of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 86 go teach all.htm

The Era of Persecution
... the opportunity and in the endurance of suffering are not ... The brunt of the persecution
which took place in the ... fury of the heathen against the saints, and the ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/iii the era of persecution.htm

Quotations from Athanasius' Defense of his Flight. '
... be ashamed of their persecution, than reproach ... take his clothes.' [497] The saints
therefore knowing ... by hungering and thirsting and suffering other afflictions ...
/.../chapter viii quotations from athanasius defense.htm

An Appendix to the Beatitudes
... to be pure in heart, to suffer persecution for righteousness ... That suffering is not
grievous which leads to a crown ... The saints shall not so much be under commands ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/an appendix to the beatitudes.htm

Of the Decrees of God.
... Hath the Lord appointed you to suffer persecution and tribulation ... yoke he puts on,
of duty or suffering, to take ... in one mind,"to gather the saints, to build ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xiv of the decrees.htm