| -- End Ad Box ---> | | | | make some of those who call themselves |
| Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is | | | | Christians speak evil of him. Let not the Christian |
| your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they | | | | imagine that fiery trials are an evidence of |
| the prophets which were before you | | | | God’s disapproval. Rejoice, and be |
| (Matthew 5:10-12). | | | | exceeding glad. Not only are the afflictions that |
| The words of Christ in John 15:19-20, have never | | | | faithfulness to Christ involves to be patiently |
| been repealed:If ye were of the world, the | | | | endured, but they are to be received with joy |
| world would love his own: but because ye are not | | | | and gladness. This we should do for three |
| of the world, but I have chosen you out of the | | | | reasons. (1) These afflictions come upon us for |
| world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember | | | | Christ’s sake; and since He suffered so |
| the word that I said unto you, The servant is not | | | | much for our redemption, we ought to rejoice |
| greater than his lord. If they have persecuted Me, | | | | greatly when we are called upon to suffer a little |
| they will also persecute you; if they have kept | | | | for Him. (2) These trials bring us into fellowship |
| My saying, they will keep yours also. | | | | with a noble company of martyrs, for to meet |
| The world’s hatred manifests itself in | | | | with afflictions associates us with the holy |
| derision, reproach, slander, and ostracism. May | | | | prophets and apostles. In such company, reproach |
| Divine grace enable us to heed this word: But | | | | becomes praise and dishonor turns to glory. (3) |
| if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, yet take it | | | | We who suffer persecution for Christ’s |
| patiently, this is acceptable with God (1 Peter | | | | sake are promised a great reward in heaven. |
| 2:20). | | | | Verily, we may rejoice, however fierce the |
| The Lord Jesus here pronounced blessed or | | | | present conflict may be. Having deliberately |
| happy those who, through devotion to Him, would | | | | chosen to suffer with Christ rather than enjoy |
| be called upon to suffer. They are blessed | | | | the pleasures of sin for a season (Hebrews 11:25), |
| because such are given the unspeakable privilege | | | | we shall also reign with Him, according to His own |
| of having fellowship in the sufferings of the Savior | | | | sure promise (Romans 8:17). Remember Peter |
| (Philippians 3:10). They are blessed because such | | | | and John, who departed from the presence of |
| tribulation worketh patience; And patience, | | | | the council, rejoicing that they were counted |
| experience; and experience, hope: And hope | | | | worthy to suffer shame for His name (Acts |
| maketh not ashamed (Romans 5:3-5). | | | | 5:41). |
| They are blessed because they shall be fully | | | | So, too, Paul and Silas, in the Philippian dungeon |
| recompensed in the great Day to come. Here is | | | | and with backs bleeding, sang praises unto |
| rich comfort indeed. Let not the soldier of the | | | | God (Acts 16:25). We are told that others |
| cross be dismayed because the fiery darts of the | | | | took joyfully the spoiling of [their] goods, |
| wicked one are hurled against him. | | | | knowing in themselves that they had in |
| Rather let him gird on more firmly the Divinely | | | | heaven a better and an enduring substance |
| provided armor. Let not the child of God become | | | | (Hebrews 10:34). |
| discouraged because his efforts to please Christ | | | | |