How can we prepare for persecution as described in John 15:21? Setting the Scene: What Jesus Said in John 15:21 “ ‘But they will treat you like this on account of My name, because they do not know the One who sent Me.’ ” Why Persecution Comes • It is “on account of My name”—opposition to Christ Himself, not merely to personal preferences (John 15:18–19). • Those who persecute “do not know” the Father; spiritual blindness fuels hostility (John 16:3). • All who desire to live godly lives should expect it (2 Timothy 3:12). Heart Preparation: Strengthening Our Inner Life • Abide daily in Christ’s words (John 15:4–7). The more His truth saturates us, the steadier we stand. • Store Scripture in memory—promises such as Psalm 56:3–4; Isaiah 41:10; Romans 8:31–39. • Cultivate joy now: “Rejoice and be very glad, because great is your reward in heaven” (Matthew 5:12). Joy practiced in ease endures in trial. • Settle convictions before the heat rises. Daniel purposed in his heart (Daniel 1:8) long before the lions’ den. Relational Preparation: Strengthening Our Connections • Deep fellowship with believers—“encourage one another daily” (Hebrews 3:13). Isolation weakens courage. • Honor earthly authorities while obeying God first (Acts 5:29; Romans 13:1–7). Respectful conduct silences slander (1 Peter 2:12). • Bless persecutors (Romans 12:14). Practicing forgiveness now prevents bitterness later. Practical Preparation: Walking Wisely in a Hostile Culture • Live above reproach (1 Peter 2:15). A blameless life leaves only our allegiance to Christ to attack. • Hold possessions loosely; early believers “joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property” (Hebrews 10:34). • Equip family with truth—teach children Psalm 119:11; Ephesians 6:10–18, arming them for future pressure. • Develop habits of discreet generosity and hospitality; closed doors may be opened for those in need (Hebrews 13:1–3). Eternal Perspective: Fixing Our Eyes on the Reward • Suffering now cannot compare with “an eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17). • Martyrs’ crowns await the faithful (Revelation 2:10). • Christ suffered first; sharing His sufferings affirms our union with Him (1 Peter 4:13). Encouragement from the Early Church • After flogging, the apostles “left the Sanhedrin rejoicing that they had been counted worthy to suffer disgrace for the Name” (Acts 5:41). • Stephen’s vision of Jesus standing (Acts 7:55–56) shows the Lord’s intimate presence with the persecuted. • Paul, imprisoned yet unashamed, saw chains advance the gospel (Philippians 1:12–14). By anchoring our hearts in Christ, uniting with His people, living above reproach, and fixing our gaze on eternity, we stand ready for the persecution Jesus foretold. |
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