It is not a popular study to go through so many verses that warn us about how the world hates Jesus Christ, and in turn hates us because of our association with him. We see persecution so infrequently here in the states, that when it is revealed through a news story, it is almost unbelievable. Then, we are reminded, in our Bible reading, how common persecution was in the years following the resurrection of Christ.
Jews were always the brunt of government purges and persecutions at the hands of the Romans, and when Christians came on the scene, they were persecuted by the Roman government and the Jews. Persecution is common occurrence everywhere in the world, but here, in the USA. But, it is coming! Being attacked for your faith is a by-product of a close faithful fellowship with Christ, walking in the Spirit.
Next Sunday we will tackle the issue of “spiritual training” in v.14-18 and following, and why it is important to stay fit and ready to stand firm in our faith! “Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer