Serving Christ In the Midst of Persecution

Introduction:
In 1977, renowned German theologian Helmut Thielicke traveled to the United States. During this trip, he engaged with various Christian believers. At the end of his journey, he was asked whether he found any fundamental errors among American believers. Thielicke responded: "You make a mistake by generalizing."

Thielicke's insight is profound. Not only American believers but also many Christians in our midst often misjudge others' beliefs. Despite being well-versed in various blessings and teachings, we often lack deep understanding and reflection, which we urgently need to align with God's will.

Moreover, we risk not only misjudging unbelievers but also harming ourselves. We've spent much time and effort serving as Christian ministers, priests, or evangelists in the church. Even when we are well-informed, we sometimes engage in inappropriate discussions about God's Word.

Paul, the apostle of Jesus Christ, endured significant hardships for his faith. Expecting imminent execution while imprisoned, he wrote a letter to his disciple Timothy. This letter, known as "Second Timothy," addresses Timothy, Paul's faithful companion and a valued ally. In it, Paul shares his wisdom and encouragement with Timothy, highlighting the necessity of being prepared to suffer for Christ.

Paul reminds Timothy that suffering for Christ's sake is an honor and a testament to genuine faith. He exhorts Timothy to remain vigilant, endure hardships, preach the Gospel, and be prepared to suffer for the sake of Christ's mission.

Paul writes to Timothy, urging him to not be ashamed but to embrace the spiritual calling entrusted to him. He encourages Timothy to join him in suffering for the Gospel, empowered by God's grace, and to stand firm in the face of challenges.

Paul's words to Timothy resonate deeply: "For this reason, I also suffer these things; nevertheless, I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day" (2 Timothy 1:12).

In this passage, Paul addresses Timothy and us regarding our duty in the battle. 

1: Understanding the harsh reality of warfare is essential for those committed to serving Jesus Christ. 

Just as I graduated from college with a degree, at that time, according to the law, I had to fulfill a one-year military obligation. This military obligation meant that upon graduation, I would immediately be assigned to a military unit or branch and effectively serve under a commissioned officer. Once we were assigned to a unit, we were immediately issued a uniform and directed to the sergeant instructors for guidance on military drills and practical exercises. We all who had lived in comfort and freedom were forced to submit to a strict system and obey orders from superiors, as well as engage in military activities at the risk of imprisonment or execution. The day started at 9 a.m. and by noon we were in the hot sun on the training ground, joining fifty other students, subjected to rigorous physical exercises and many other essential drills that were very challenging for us. We suffered severe penalties for our negligence. All these principles were applied to us for adaptation, and we became familiar with a genuine military system. You may wonder why you should follow a genuine military order.

While those who have faith in Jesus Christ must indeed be prepared for a fierce battle, it is also necessary to understand that this is a common saying that "sweetness will not be found in war," but rather hardship, obligation, wounds, and even death in combat.
It is said in Hebrews: "They were subjected to severe torture, they were not granted freedom, until the day of resurrection, in which they neither had a good life nor were happy. Some were tortured, even beaten and chained, locked up, killed with swords, and traveled around in sheepskins and goatskins, homeless, persecuted, and tormented for the sake of this world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground. (Hebrews 11: 35b to 38).

It's imperative that we consider the duty of serving Jesus Christ and earnestly contemplate its price. In reality, we and you who are disciples of Jesus Christ will be opposed by an enemy. It is certain that the enemy will try to break us and you. We need to prepare for mental and tactical combat as well. It is also necessary that we are well equipped for the confrontation with the current conditions. If we are not prepared for confrontation, we will fail, become hopeless, lost, and even be separated from our service.



The Hebrews were admonished: "Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth." (Hebrews 11:35b-38).

 Indeed, as soldiers of Christ, we must ready ourselves to confront the ruthless enemy, Satan. In the Word of God, we have not been promised that we will not suffer harm in this battle. 

Jesus Christ, when He prepared His disciples for His ministry, also warned: "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves" (Matthew 10:16-17), and He reminded them that they would be hated because of the Gospel (Luke 21:12-19).

Paul the apostle writes: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,
“For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”'" (Romans 8:35-36).

It's crucial that we, contemplating serving Jesus Christ, also consider it our duty to prepare for this tough battle. We must be prepared for tactical warfare as well. This also means that we shouldn't expect to win every battle, but we should be ready to fight valiantly against our adversaries. If we are not prepared for valiant battle, we will be greatly defeated, become hopeless, lost, and even feel betrayed in our ministry.