Persecution and Perversion

      Peter’s two letters are among the most practical of the New Testament writings. He addressed the two major problems Christians have always and will always face. I Peter deals with persecution from without and II Peter with perversion from within.

      Paul said in II Timothy 3:12, “All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (ESV). Persecution can range from ostracizing to verbal slander to downright physical attack. Though we may sometimes feel like second-class Christians because we haven’t been through the extremes of persecution, each form carries its own share of fear, distress and discouragement.

      Peter’s basic premise for overcoming persecution is to remember who we are. We are a separate called out people, set apart by God’s mercy to proclaim His excellencies (I Peter 2:9-10). As such, we should not be surprised when the worldly are surprised by our conduct (I Peter 4:4, 12). Instead of being shocked, and therefore discouraged, we should expect it. In fact, what should be truly discouraging is if no one ever persecutes us in any form. Further, we need to love and support one another. It is easy to say we shouldn’t be discouraged, it is another thing to actually avoid discouragement. Thus, we need to have others upon whom we can rely for love, support and encouragement (I Peter 4:8-11).

      Persecution is obvious. Perversion of Christ’s truth from within is not. While II Peter 2 provides a disturbing picture of false teachers, it provides a picture of how they appear to God, not necessarily to us. If false teachers were as obvious as this chapter makes them seem, they probably wouldn’t be much danger to any of us. As it is, they often present themselves as sheep (Matthew 7:15).

      Peter provides one essential point for overcoming false teachers—personal growth. We begin with our faith and we add virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection and love. Further, we are not satisfied with our present status in any of these. Instead we constantly increase them all. Only then will we assuredly be provided with an entrance into God’s eternal kingdom (II Peter 1:11).

      Recognize what this means. We are responsible for our growth. We cannot blame these false teachers if we are led astray. We are responsible to increase our faith, knowledge, etc. We are responsible to be more like Jesus. As Peter concludes the letter, we are responsible to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. But when we do grow, nothing can separate us.

      We must grow and remember who we are. Then we will be unstoppable in Christ’s kingdom.

Edwin L. Crozier