As we walk through the trials that come with standing on God's Word, this portion of Scripture has often served to remind us that we are not alone in our suffering. Indeed, there are many in this world who suffer for doing wrong, and they are rightly judged. Conversely, there are also many who suffer for doing what is righteous and godly, too often at the hands of their brothers and sisters in Christ who have zeal without knowledge. I hope this letter serves to encourage those who have endured persecution for their stand on God's Word regarding marriage.
We will begin by considering a portion of Peter's first epistle. Having endured great trials himself, Peter shares his heart with those receiving the letter and reminds them that the holy and righteous savior, Jesus Christ the Lord, also suffered wrong and patiently endured it. Surely we can agree that much of what we endure truly is momentary, light affliction compared with the public execution of God's only begotten Son.
1 Peter 2 (NASB)
16 "Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God.
18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable.
19 For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly.
20 For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.
21 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, 22 WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH;
23 and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously;
24 and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.
25 For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls."
We see here that, when wrongly accused or persecuted, we are to follow the example of our Savior, to walk in His steps. In some situations, it is easy to respond to accusations with a level head and simply deal with the issue. When one attacks your family and makes a public statement about your motivations, your ability to understand God's Word, or questions your salvation, it is much harder to "be angry, and sin not". This is where the weakness of the flesh again reminds us of the power of the Holy Spirit to help us do the right thing and glorify Christ in our actions even through the fiercest storm.
If we are to share the truth from God's Word in any and all issues, if we desire to show the blessings to a family and society in general from practicing biblical patriarchy, then we will surely be watched in everything we do, the accusers hoping we fall into some sin and thereby give credence to their position. This is not unique to us in this day of social media and instant communication, as the Pharisees often watched Jesus and followed Him closely, hoping to catch Him making a mistake, trying to trip Him up through trickery and misrepresentation and misapplication of the Law. How much more so, as the whole world watches us, should we rely solely on the Lord to be our Defender, our Shield, and our Deliverer rather than falling into the traps laid for us, to be drawn into wrath or reviling.
Surely we are in the sights of the Enemy. He would love to tempt us to justify ourselves rather than humbly confess and repent of our sin when we inevitably falter and stumble. We must be on our guard as wolves will come in among us with false teaching, sowing discord and causing division, to defile the name of Christ and accuse the brethren.
Much ground has already been gained for the destruction of biblical marriage in the churches. Some have partnered with the homosexual agenda in order to gain political favor. We must not partner with evil in order to do good. We must not become single issue Christians, but faithfully obey all the commands of the Lord and proclaim His name throughout the earth. We must let our light shine before men, that they would see our GOOD works and glorify our Father who is in Heaven.
We must heed the call of the author of the letter to the Hebrews, to avoid the sins that are so easy to fall into, and keep our eyes on Jesus. I am encouraged that this cloud of witnesses surely includes those patriarchs mentioned in the preceding chapter: Abraham, Moses, Gideon and more.
Hebrews 12 (NASB)
1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
We are on a perilous journey as we proclaim truth that has sadly become unpopular, we are on a path that will surely cost us the respect and fellowship of many Christian brothers and sisters. They are wrong to despise us for standing on God's truth, but how much more so should we love them and follow the example of our Savior! Surely the Lord comprehends much more so than we do the weight of this matter. It is His body, His church that has been divided by false doctrine, fighting within itself supposing to be purging itself of wickedness. We must remind ourselves that when trials and persecution come, we are actively being conformed to the image of Christ. Though it is painful for a time, we press on toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share with you all. I pray that the body of Christ continues to be glorified in the ministry of God's Word in every aspect, no matter how socially unacceptable the message becomes . Grace and peace to you all in the name of our blessed and precious Savior, Jesus Christ.
