Jesus promised persecution roughly two millennia ago. ◦“Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” (Jn 15:20). ◦“The time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service” (Jn 16:2). Paul: “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Tim 3:12).

We cannot put trust in government. ◦Daniel. ◦Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Yet, Paul appealed to rights. ◦He appealed to his rights to keep from being beaten (Acts 22:22-29). ◦He appealed to Caesar (Acts 25:1-12).

God reigns in majesty!

Because “God reigns in majesty,” His people can thrive regardless of the environment. ◦Examples:  Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.  Church began with only 120 people.  Paul preached among idols in Athens. ◦While we might be troubled about current moral decline, God’s people can thrive in a pagan environment.

Because “God reigns in majesty,” His church grows under persecution. ◦Paraphrase Tertullian: “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” ◦Justin: “However much such things [persecutions] happen, by so much more many more persons become believers and worshippers through the name of Jesus. It is like someone who cuts off the fruit-bearing parts of a vine with the result that other parts shoot up and produce flourishing and fruitful branches; the same is true with us. For the vine planted by God and Christ the Savior is his people.”

Scripture confirms that truth. ◦Acts 4:1-4. ◦Acts 8:1-4.

Because “God reigns in majesty,” His people do not retaliate when they are persecuted.

Why did the early church grow in the midst of persecution? Three reasons

One: The early Christians would share the truth with their captors and fellow prisons. ◦Phil 1: ◦“All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household” (Phil 4:22). ◦“I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains” (Philem 10).

Two: The early Christians never retaliated. ◦Not a single example in the first two centuries of Christians retaliating. ◦Thus, they demonstrated how radically different the way of Jesus is. Three: The early Christians preached in times of persecution. ◦When Paul was cast into prison, others began preaching (Phil 1:15-18). ◦The gospel left Jerusalem because of persecution (Acts 8:1-4).

We must not retaliate for evil. ◦Matt 5: ◦Rom 12:17-21.

Because “God reigns in majesty,” His people are separated from the chaff in times of persecution. ◦Mk 4: ◦Matt 13:24-30.

Because “God reigns in majesty,” God shall have the final victory. ◦That is the message of Revelation.  The book begins with John’s persecution and ends with a vision of the church victorious.  “These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful” (Rev 17:14).

Because God will have the final victory, He executes judgment upon those who persecute His people. ◦“It is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you” (2 Thess 1:6). ◦“Rejoice over her [Babylon the Great], O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her!” (Rev 18:20).

Because “God reigns in majesty,” God shall always have a remnant. ◦Since the Day of Pentecost, the Lord’s church has always been in existence. ◦There has always been a faithful remnant.  Dan 2:44.  “I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him” (1 Ki 19:18).  “At this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace” (Rom 11:5).

God reigns in majesty!

One: We start with prayer. ◦If we are persecuted, we must pray.  Daniel.  Jesus. ◦ “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matt 5:44, ESV).  Jesus prayed for His enemies at the cross (Lk 23:34).  Stephen prayed that same prayer (Acts 7:60). ◦ “Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath” (Matt 24:20). ◦ “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Matt 26:39). ◦Early church prayed in persecution (Acts 4:24-31).

We still do right. ◦Many throughout the centuries have needed to go underground to avoid martyrdom.  Nothing wrong in seeking to preserve life & property.  “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves” (Matt 10:16).

We cannot change truth for anyone. ◦We must speak truth.  Acts 18:9-10.  Eph 6: ◦We must practice truth.  The church is not a democracy; Jesus is King!  “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).  Obedience to Jesus is not optional. ◦ Matt 7:21. ◦ Matt 7:24-25.

Are you obeying the Lord?