Q1. Persecution

[Pastor Ralph]

Q1. (John 15:18-21a) Why are Christians persecuted even if they haven’t hurt others? What about a faithful Christian’s life threatens non-Christians? Why does Jesus warn his disciples that persecution will come? What happens to our testimony if we give in under mild persecution? What does it say to persecutors when we don’t react to their persecution? Do they see us as weak or as strong?

[SoiKosum]

(John 15:18-21a) Why are Christians persecuted even if they haven’t hurt others? What about a faithful Christian’s life threatens non-Christians? Why does Jesus warn his disciples that persecution will come? What happens to our testimony if we give in under mild persecution? What does it say to persecutors when we don’t react to their persecution? Do they see us as weak or as strong? 

 

Closely related is the contrast in morals and values between disciples and people who have adopted the relative standards of society. If your values become honesty and putting in your full work day in a culture where people take sick days when they're not sick and come in late, you'll make others angry because your good behavior highlights their bad behavior.

 

When worldly people find that Christians can't be seduced and controlled by money, sex, and power, they sense a loss of power themselves. Christians are viewed as "loose cannons" and are hated for it.

 

Being a follower of Christ isn't "safe." Jesus reminds us that they will treat us the same way as they

treated him. Yes, some will come to faith and have their lives transformed, but others will hate and

persecute us, to one degree or another.

 

If we don't react to persecution, our persecutors may come to believe that our faith in our Almighty God is strong. 

[JanMary]

Q1. (John 15:18-21a) Why are Christians persecuted even if they haven’t hurt others?

 

The Anti-Christ spirit is alive in the world today, as it has been since Jesus was born. Satan hates God and his intent is to defeat, derail, depress, despise Christians...to wear us down, to cause us to be isolated or shunned by unbelievers to the end of destroying our faith.

 

 We're the target in Satan's battle against God as he attempts to hurt or defeat God.

 

What about a faithful Christian’s life threatens non-Christians?

 

A life of faithfulness to Jesus may cause non-Christians to feel convicted of their sinful life...even though nothing is directed at them. Their conscience is disturbed when compared to the Christian's life.

 

Why does Jesus warn his disciples that persecution will come?

 

So that we would not be shocked...it's inevitable, and to be expected, so we must be prepared to "Stand" in the face of persecution.

Just as Jesus our Master was hated and persecuted, "the servants are not above the Master".

 

What happens to our testimony if we give in under mild persecution?

 

To give in to mild persecution, says the faith is not solid....may be more "talk than walk".

 

What does it say to persecutors when we don’t react to their persecution?

 

It says they've attacked someone whose faith is genuine...one who loves Jesus more than his or her own reputation or others opinions. It says that their effort to control us or to lower our standards is wasted.

 

Do they see us as weak or as strong?

 

They see us as strong when we stand in faith.

[Delivered]

Q2. Why does Jesus warn his disciples that persecution will come?

Jesus teaching is a lot different from many of the sermons I hear today, sermons that promise health and prosperity, I remember hearing one well know minister say, “God told him to speak only the positive and not the negative”, that would leave out much of the teachings of Jesus, such as “commitment”, “obedience”, and that of “persecution”: This is why we must put on the full armor of God, so we can fight off the darts that Satan, that the world sends our way.

 

Q3. What happens to our testimony if we give in under mild persecution?

There is no testimony to give, if one gives way to mild persecution.
 

Q4.What does it say to persecutors when we don't react to their persecution?

We are to “REACT” to those who persecute us, with the fruits of the Spirit, not out of anger, but out of love, our battle is worth fighting for, I believe the Christian has been turning the other cheek for too long, thereby, giving a foothold to the world, it is time to confront the enemy with the sword of the Word, and not run and hide, If you have enemies, that is good, it means you are standing strong against them. The opposite of love is not hate, it is indifference.

 

Q5. Do they see us as weak or as strong?

They will see us as strong when we stand up against them with the truth of God, it is called, abiding in Him, but, they will think we are weak, when we are not prepared to give to them an answer, separating ourselves from the vine.

 

[Gerbrand van Schalkwyk]

Why are Christians persecuted even if they haven't hurt others?

One part of the answer is that the world will hate us, just as there verses say, a more important part is that because it is good for us.

Through persecutions and troubles we are sanctified. We are made holy, our character is made stronger and better so that we can lead more and more people to Christ. We are formed to become more like Christ and let His light shine, to be the salt of the earth.

What about a faithful Christian's life threatens non-Christians? Why does Jesus warn his disciples that persecution will come? What happens to our testimony if we give in under mild persecution? What does it say to persecutors when we don't react to their persecution? Do they see us as weak or as strong?

[Clarence]

Q1. (John 15:18-21a) Why are Christians persecuted even if they haven’t hurt others? What about a faithful Christian’s life threatens non-Christians? Why does Jesus warn his disciples that persecution will come? What happens to our testimony if we give in under mild persecution? What does it say to persecutors when we don’t react to their persecution? Do they see us as weak or as strong?

 

Jesus warned his disciples that they should expect persecution. He layed it on the line to them (John 15:18-21). Christians will eventually be openly persecuted in this country because the devil hates Christians (Matthew 24:9 and 1 Peter 5:8).

I've heard it said that Christians should not let themselves be (treated like) "door mats". On this note, Paul the apostle spoke out when he was threatened with violence, because he was a Roman citizen (Acts 22:25).

In my country, I do not think that in general Christians are persecuted, perhaps sometimes subtly however, the media ridicule Christianity. It is interesting that they do not dare to ridicule Islam because they could potentially, receive a different reaction from Muslims, than they do from Christians. In my opinion, outsiders see Christians as "fair game" because Christians do not react to ridicule. I think they perceive Christians as being weak. I am not suggesting by any means that Christians react violently to ridicule. Jesus said ..."love your enemies"... (Matt 5:44)-sometimes there is a place for speaking up and making ones views known.

Conversely, some people in society in which I live, have a quiet respect for people who do not morally compromise- and stand firm in their faith.

[blezed]

(John 15:18-21a) Why are Christians persecuted even if they haven’t hurt others?

1.  People are persecuted even if they haven't hurt others because they no longer belong to the world.  The world persecuted Jesus and they will persecute us as well.

 

What about a faithful Christian’s life threatens non-Christians?

2.  Non-Christians are threaten by the life we live and their faith.  When we refuse to go along with their sins they are intimidated by us. They know longer have control over us. 

 

Why does Jesus warn his disciples that persecution will come?

3.  Jesus was trying to prepare his disciple as he is trying to prepare us.

 

What happens to our testimony if we give in under mild persecution?

4.  Our faith is not as strong as it should be.  There is no testimony.

 

What does it say to persecutors when we don’t react to their persecution? Do they see us as weak or as strong?          

5.  When we don't react to persecutors it tells them that we are rooted in the word and they no longer have control over me.  They see us as strong. 

[Gerbrand van Schalkwyk]

 Why are Christians persecuted even if they haven't hurt others?

It is a natural reaction to oppose something that is different from your beliefs or different from yourself. That is where racism comes from.

The world doesn't understand the Kingdom and it is different, thus it will want to wipe it out.

On the other hand, God forms Christians through hardships. Thus God allows us to go through difficult times to improve our character and strengthen our testimonies.

He also gives us opportunity to witness to unbelievers

What about a faithful Christian's life threatens non-Christians?

They don't understand it and it points out weaknesses in their lives

Why does Jesus warn his disciples that persecution will come?

So that they know it is God's will

What happens to our testimony if we give in under mild persecution?

We will not experience God's Power, thus we will not grow and our testimony dies as well.

What does it say to persecutors when we don't react to their persecution?

We act through a higher Authority

Do they see us as weak or as strong? Can be both

They will either see Christ and be saved, or they will think we are stupid and weak

[Jen]

Q1. (John 15:18-21a) Why are Christians persecuted even if they haven't hurt others? What about a faithful Christian's life threatens non-Christians? Why does Jesus warn his disciples that persecution will come? What happens to our testimony if we give in under mild persecution? What does it say to persecutors when we don't react to their persecution? Do they see us as weak or as strong?

 

1) If they hated Christ they will hate us.  

2.) It is a testimony for Christ and against them.

3.) Jesus wants them to know so that they won't be surprised  and discouraged but rather they can be encouraged as they see the persecution as a sign that they are living as an effective witness for their Lord.

4.) It is not an effective testimony

5.)that what they do matters not.  We know in Whom we believe.

 

God Bless!

Jen

Numbers 6:24-26

[hanks]

Q1. (John 15:18-21a) 

Why are Christians persecuted even if they haven't hurt others? 

What about a faithful Christian's life threatens non-Christians? 

Why does Jesus warn His disciples that persecution will come? 

What happens to our testimony if we give in under mild persecution? 

What does it say to persecutors when we don't react to their persecution? 

Do they see us as weak or as strong?

The world hates Jesus because He declared that its works were evil, and this is the same hatred that we as Christians experience. It does not matter even if we haven’t hurt others – it is more about wickedness hating righteousness, hereby also explaining why the world hates the believer. 

Jesus warns us that persecution will come – we will be treated the same way as He was treated. Jesus Himself said that “I have chosen you out of the world”, indicating that believers do not belong to this world. We belong to the kingdom of heaven, and will experience persecution, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:10)”. Non-Christians feel threatened because we expose their evil deeds. There is a sharp contrast between us and the wickedness of the unbeliever. Our good behaviour often puts them in a bad light. We do this unknowingly by the way we behave in the workplace, also by our attitudes to work. At the same time our ethical standards, and life values all expose their works of darkness. Then there is our integrity in speech, and our unwillingness to gossip, our words of kindness and forgiveness, all these will often provoke opposition. So instead of changing their wicked behaviour they seek rather to destroy that which exposes them for what they are. The whole world rebels against God, and has rejected Jesus, and opposition is therefore inevitable – all because of our association with Him. If we give in under mild persecution it does not say much about our Christianity and of our love and faith in our Lord and Saviour. It also indicates that we might be lukewarm Christians at best, and that we have forgotten how He died on the Cross for us! However, we do not react to persecution since it is conformation that we belong to Jesus. "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:11-12). We should grab hold of this life with all of its joys and hardships, rejoicing in our Lord. He is our source for this life and for the one to come. We must remain strong in our faith and love for Jesus and continue bearing fruit for the glory of our Heavenly Father.

 

[quilter]

1.The  world hated Jesus we who follow him can expect the same thing. It tell us this in John 7:7

2.Christians values differ from the worlds.We as followers don't join in their sin. The world follows Satan's agenda and Satan is the enemy of Jesus and his people.

3.Jesus warns through his word that if we love him we will be persecuted  but we still have to stand for Jesus we are to be set apart from the rest of the world and non-believers can't accept this.

4.When we give testimony of our Savior do it proudly and let know one stand in your way. I will testify for Jesus Christ no matter what people say I love my Lord and I want everyone to know it .

5.It shows that we will stand no matter what. their persecution cannot hurt us we have our mighty Jesus who protect us.

6. Being weak or strong depends on how you testify if you testify weak your are looked upon as weak if you testify strong you are strong. I am strong Praise His Holy Name.

[lighthouse2014]

Q1. (John 15:18-21a) Why are Christians persecuted even if they haven’t hurt others? What about a faithful Christian’s life threatens non-Christians? Why does Jesus warn his disciples that persecution will come? What happens to our testimony if we give in under mild persecution? What does it say to persecutors when we don’t react to their persecution? Do they see us as weak or as strong?

Christians are persecuted even if they haven't hurt others because society see's Christians as na-sayers. Christians uphold moral standards and the worldly people don not, they believe not in God or His laws.

A faithful Christian life threatens a non believers life because a Christian works and does things in honesty, worldly people see themselves betrayed because of their dishonesty, it causes them to see their faults.

Our testimony (Christians) is weakened if we give into peer pressure and ridicule from non Christians. Christians must not be swayed into an immoral situation because of their views of us.

Depending on our life style and moral standards, society can see us as weak or strong. Giving into immoral unions and allowing the Church to accept societies standards, we look weak, we become molded into their ways. If we refuse to give into immoral unions and condemn the ways of the world, stand against things they believe right because of political correctness then they see us as strong, because we refuse to bend to their ways. Basically it depends on our stand against society's permissiveness ways, mostly we will be hated by all except our brothers and sisters in Christ. 

[RebeccaMallinson]

I can think of two reasons for persecution of Christians.  The first is that Christians are persecuted for not complying with earthly values and showing people’s bad behaviour up simply by following Christ’s example.  This type of persecution is generally in the form of social ostracism. 

 

The second reason is when there is a clash with another religion, such as Islam, Hinduism or Buddhism.  All these religions see themselves as the ‘true’ religion.  Although the majority of their believers are reasonable people, there are a small number of fanatics who incite religious hatred against Christians.  Christians are often physically persecuted and even killed by these fanatics.  This is very similar to the situation in the early Church where Jews such as Saul and Emperors who insisted on Emperor-worship persecuted Christians. 

 

Jesus warns his disciples that persecution will come so that they will be prepared and not fall away as a result.  If we give in to persecution we are showing a lack of faith and lack of courage.  If we don’t react to persecution it shows strength and commitment to our beliefs.  They will see that we are strong.

[PeteD]

Lesson 27 Question 1

Why are Christians persecuted even if they haven't hurt others?

Christians, followers of Jesus, like him are hated because we  are different from the world, that is, we are called out from the world.

Our allegiance and goals are no longer for money and prestige, hence, the world's leaders cannot control us.

Jesus warns us of persecution so that when it comes we are not surprised. We are less likely to fall away because of persecution - because we know it's coming.

If we do compromise our beliefs, our testimony will be weakened. If we will remain steadfast in the face of persecution it may be positive witness to those who persecute. They will see us as strong.

[haar]

Q1. (John 15:18-21a) Why are Christians persecuted even if they haven't hurt others? What about a faithful Christian's life threatens non-Christians? Why does Jesus warn his disciples that persecution will come? What happens to our testimony if we give in under mild persecution? What does it say to persecutors when we don't react to their persecution? Do they see us as weak or as strong?
 

Because the good conduct of the Christians exposes their bad one. The Christian is also persecuted because of jealousy.

 

Jesus warned the disciples and also warns now to prepare our minds to be ready to face it when it comes.

 

Our testimony as bold followers of Christ will be eroded if we easily give in under persecution. In this case the world will see us as weak Christians

 

 
 

[Stanley Tavaziva]

Q1. (John 15:18-21a) Why are Christians persecuted even if they haven't hurt others? What about a faithful Christian's life threatens non-Christians? Why does Jesus warn his disciples that persecution will come? What happens to our testimony if we give in under mild persecution? What does it say to persecutors when we don't react to their persecution? Do they see us as weak or as strong?
 

 

Christians will get plenty of hatred from the world; from each other we need love and support. Do you allow small problems to get in the way of loving other believers? Jesus commands that you love them, and he will give you the strength to do it.

 

The world, a fallen human system, hates the followers of Jesus. IT is  is revealed in the world's opposition to God, His Messiah, and His people. We believers are one in Christ's love and one in Christ's persecution. Identification with Christ brings peace, joy, and persecution, even death.

 

Because the world hated Jesus, we who follow him can expect that many people will hate us as well.  We can be grateful when life goes well, but we must make sure it is not at the cost following Jesus half heartedly or not at all.

 

Jesus came with the greatest gift ever offered, so why did he often act secretly? The religious leaders hated him, and many would refuse his gift of salvation, no matter what he said or did. The more Jesus taught and worked publicly, the more these leaders would cause trouble for him and his followers. So it was necessary for Jesus to teach and work as quietly as possible. Many people today have the privilege of teaching, preaching, and worshiping publicly with little persecution. These believers should be grateful and make the most of their opportunities to proclaim the Good News.

 

Cain killed his brother, Abel, when God accepted Abel’s offering and not his. Abel’s offering showed that Cain was not giving his best to God, and Cain’s jealous anger drove him to murder. People who are morally upright expose and shame those who aren’t. If we live for God, the world will often hate us, because we make them painfully aware of their immoral way of living.

 

The lost world today wants to persecute believers because (1) we belong to Jesus, who they also persecuted and (2) they do not know God!

[pickledilly]

Christians are persecuted even if they haven’t directly hurt others because the authentic Christian lifestyle is an inherent indictment against the way the lost world thinks and lives.  The Gospel’s core message of love exposes the selfishness and hatred that drives the innate human desire for autonomous power and control without accountability. This is true in societies, governments, religions, and even within the varieties of Christianity that man has fashioned.  The brilliant holiness and principles of Christ are threatening to the dark underbelly of humanity that indulges in pride and self-gratification in all its forms.  When followers of Christ live an honest faithful life of love, purity, and selflessness, it’s like an intense light being shined in your eyes – which naturally causes you to cover your eyes, move away, then try to shut off that light because it is irritating and painful. 

 

Jesus warned those who choose to follow Him that persecution will be inevitable.  The world has always resisted and hated Him/His truth, so anyone who chooses to believe and accept His Word and live according to His mind/heart will naturally be resisted and hated as well.  This is a difficult truth for us, especially when we are only taught a “Cotton Candy Gospel” that is only about comfortable love and yummy blessings and good things coming your way.  That view is all sugar and air, with little substance to hold us firm and stable when strong winds and stormy deluges of persecution begin.  We must be anchored in the substance of weighty Truth with its reality of a hostile response from the world.  We cannot cower and compromise under mild pressure if we are to be valid representatives of the Truth of God with genuine testimonies that can’t be discredited.  We are directed to speak the truth, always with love.

 

I guess that to ignore persecutors is actually to bow to their pressure and give place to their rejection of Truth.  That fuels and strengthens their attacks on God’s Truth and His people.  We’ve certainly seen that progression in America over the past 50+ years as the Godly principles that birthed and shaped our country have been eroded/destroyed in stunning ways that started with a few small but threatening sparks that generally went unchallenged by the Body of Christ.  For generations, the keepers of Truth have largely failed to discern the threat and have ignored the ever-growing intensities of danger as they silently “minded their own business”.  And now those sparks rage like an unrelenting firestorm of open persecution . This failure to live out authentic faith with strength and courage has caused devastating weakness here in my beloved country, which has weakened the entire world.  I know we all feel overwhelmed, but Christ calls us to expect it and to face it – by His Spirit’s power – with courage and conviction.  We are the testimony He has given to the world.  Oh Lord, help us to be faithful.

[royk]

Q1. (John 15:18-21a) Why are Christians persecuted even if they haven't hurt others? What about a faithful Christian's life threatens non-Christians? Why does Jesus warn his disciples that persecution will come? What happens to our testimony if we give in under mild persecution? What does it say to persecutors when we don't react to their persecution? Do they see us as weak or as strong?

 

Are we looking for trouble or following God's will. Here in the Bible belt of  Virginia, my life is not at risk unless it is fate, God's will. So I lost a job due to being too Christian, but maybe that was foolishness on my part and not God's will for me to listen to other wise ones.

IN reality I do not know of any persecution other than my atheist brother disowning me and pulling the family away from me. But in reality this has not worked since I have always spoken lovingly about how he help our blood father who is now 91 years old.

So I have never reacted negatively to his "persecution" and believe that God is really running his life and he is a tiny bit confused, like all of us really are.

 

I am a sinner, and hope not to sin greatly this night, and hope and pray to remain in HIM. Then all will see me as strong in the face of such treatment. In truth all the strength comes from Jesus.

 

[Joe_Applegarth]

Really inciteful questions...

 

Why are Christians persecuted even if they haven't hurt others?  Christianity is the only religion that actively confronts the sin in the world with the truth of Jesus’ message.  When we refuse to simply accept sin and refuse to “go along” with the crowd because it’s easy we make the sinner look bad and feel uncomfortable.  The easiest way for them to feel that they and not God are in control of the situation is to strike out verbally or attack us physically.  At the global level, oppressive governments and/or misguided politicians view us as their enemy so they attempt to control any expression of our Christian faith.  We are, in their perspective, seen as a powerful enemy, antagonistic toward them personally, unreceptive to their political views and a direct challenge to their authority.  These are people who will go to any extreme in an effort to stifle Christian thought and principles simply because we refuse to deny our Christian values that puts God first and foremost and everything else in the world subordinate to Him. 

 

What about a faithful Christian's life threatens non-Christians? The non-Christian, i.e., unrepentant sinner, is at odds with God!  Whether they choose to admit it or not (and most don’t), they feel turmoil and conflict raging deep within because of the sin that they carry with them.  I believe that most people want to live a godly life but Satan is constantly at work in the heart of the unbeliever and so many of us find him impossible to resist.  As Paul wrote in his letter to the Ephesians, “…you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.” Eph. 2:1-2.  Now how’s that for a hard truth?  When facing truth of that magnitude, I can understand their anger but the truth is still the truth and sin needs to be confronted.  When confronted with the truth some people respond angrily while the same truth will bring others to God in repentance. Facing it is pretty scary at best but it can’t be ignored forever and eventually it will require an answer. As for the threat?  To the unrepentant sinner, Christian morality and compassion for others is totally incompatible with, and a direct threat to, his/her immoral lifestyle. Personally, I believe the reason most people won’t come to Christ is simply because they live their lives in darkness and don't want to admit that they are in-fact a sinner.  They’re ashamed because they know that if they do come out of the darkness their sins will be exposed for everyone to see.

                                                                                                                               

Why does Jesus warn his disciples that persecution will come? What happens to our testimony if we give in under mild persecution? What does it say to persecutors when we don't react to their persecution? Do they see us as weak or as strong?  Openly acknowledging and confessing the good news about Christ Jesus incites and enflames contempt and animosity in the world.  Jesus was fully aware that suffering persecution because of Him was the will of His Father.  He knew that by living a godly life we would be (not might be) persecuted; thus His warning.  If you don’t have the courage to stand up for what you believe in how can anyone possibly take anything that you have to say seriously?  When I look at things that way, the one word that comes to mind is integrity and it’s your integrity that will be compromised if you don’t stand up for what you believe.  Those who actively embrace the gospel have nothing to fear from persecution and, if you profess to be a Christian, you simply can’t afford to give in to the fear of criticism or rejection.  When you do, anything that comes out of your mouth afterward won’t be taken seriously and you have failed yourself but more importantly, you will have failed Christ.  I suppose if we failed to react to persecution it could be considered a weakness by those who are doing the persecuting but it’s a definite strength in the eyes of God.  The question is, whose acceptance is more important to you?

[Old Jerry]

Christians are persecuted because they are usually honest and they try to be observe the laws. This makes those that aren’t doing the right things look bad. Jesus was warning them that persecution will come because they are following him. He knew that they would be ridiculed because he was ridiculed. If we give in to their persecution, then they won’t listen to our testimony because they will see us being the same as them. I think when we don’t react to their persecutors it just gets them madder and they will lose all control. They will see us as strong.

[Godswriter]

Q1. (John 15:18-21a) Why are Christians persecuted even if they haven’t hurt others? What about a faithful Christian’s life threatens non-Christians? Why does Jesus warn his disciples that persecution will come? What happens to our testimony if we give in under mild persecution? What does it say to persecutors when we don’t react to their persecution? Do they see us as weak or as strong?

As the Lord states if they hate me they will hate you as well also meaning because we are not of the world anymore we are no longer loved by them. Of course the Christian's actions and beliefs conflict the world's and the nonbeliever's. There is a reason behind it the God don't believe in is why. He warned of it because the world hated Him and would hate them as well.  It would falter. It tells tells them that our faith in God is strong.  Strong of course. 

[Lisema Ralitsoele]

Q1. (John 15:18-21a)

a)   Why are Christians persecuted even if they haven't hurt others? Christians are persecuted because of the name of Christ.

b)    What about a faithful Christian's life threatens non-Christians? When faithful Christians refuse to go along with the sins of non-Christians, we make them look bad.

c)    Why does Jesus warn his disciples that persecution will come? Jesus is trying to prepare them and us so we wouldn’t be surprised when persecution happens; but that we would remember what he told us that we would be persecuted like He was, so that we can resist the temptation to fall away.

d)    What happens to our testimony if we give in under mild persecution? If we give in under mild persecution, our testimony’s veracity falls away.

e)   What does it say to persecutors when we don't react to their persecution? When we stay strong in our faith and unshaken by their acts of persecution, it says to them they should leave us alone to save their pride.

f)   Do they see us as weak or as strong? They see us as stubborn/strong.
 

[Jonathan Edwards]

Christains are depised by the world because they hated Christ and Christ's mission on the outset.  Christains expose by their lives the world's evils and darkness.  World has a natural enmity to God due to original sin.

A true Bible believer threatens unbelievers indeed.   The evil and darkness associated with the world, the flesh and the devil cannot coexist with sanctified Christains (Roman's 12:2; Titus 2:11-12). The world is ignorant of the Christain experience of being born again (Galatians 2:20;  2Corinthians 5:17). Unconverted people get quite uncomfortable around a solid Bible believer; they are ignorant of God as well (John 15:21).

Christ lovingly wanted to prepare them for tough days ahead.  This was not going to be a Sunday walk in the park or a picnic.   Christ was correct in telling them the truth on the onset. The world is at war with Christains (John 16:33; Ephesians 6:12; 1 John 5:4).  Many didn't continue to follow Christ after the Bread of Life discourse.  What a tragedy that a number of Christians apostasized during the Diocletian persecution.   Those that backsliding during the first 300 years of Christain persecution gave bad testimony to the Faith.  Hebrews 6 comes to my mind.   Compromising one's testimony is very sad.   I have repented for anything that I may have said or done that marred my testimony.   Any appearance of evil or a word said that wasn't Christ-like; I have asked God's forgiveness.  We are to be gentle and kind to those who inquire about our faith; we must have the fruits of the Holy Spirit as we interact with the world.

 

[Irmela]

Q1. (John 15:18-21a)

Why are Christians persecuted even if they haven't hurt others?

(Their life-style is supposed to be different to the people living according to worldly standards. This causes jealousy, resulting in opposition or persecution.) 

Christ, our Leader was persecuted and He definitely did no one any wrong. If the Leader is persecuted, the followers can expect the same treatment.

What about a faithful Christian's life threatens non-Christians?

 The difference  (or totally other) in the Christian's life.  The Christian's behaviour ought to be different (Christlike).  This ought to come naturally.  To a worldly person it is natural to please the self. It is easy to come out with excuses and lies, painting a good picture which is not really genuine.  The Christian on the other hand should be honest and strive to live for Christ and doing  his job, as if he is doing it for Christ and so the picture he portrays is not 'painted' but genuine. This genuineness, is what threatens non-Christians.  

When a faithful Christian does his work as doing it for Christ, then his work, his attitude, his actions, will all contrast greatly to the others' .  This will also point out that if the pictures of the lifestyle of the faithful is contrasted with the non-Christian, the faithful would be in much greater demand, so in that way it is a threat to the non-Christian, for promotion in the workplace or being more favoured and thus chosen to complete a task would be granted to the more faithful candidate.

A faithful Christian will not carry out orders, even if it means losing his job, which are contrary to him knowing it to be above board.  In this way the non-Christian boss cannot practice control over him. He cannot make him lie about what is going on.  This too threatens non-Christians, they cannot completely control the faithful Christian. 

Why does Jesus warn His disciples that persecution will come?

Jesus warns His disciples so that they can count the cost beforehand and know what to expect and are not caught unawares.

What happens to our testimony if we give in under mild persecution?

It goes out the window.  We are shown to be hypocrites and not genuine.

What does it say to persecutors when we don't react to their persecution? Do they see us as weak or as strong?

Invariably or initially it will infuriate them even more.  If over time we really remain firm it can even bring the persecutors so far that they inquire about our actions. Then we can testify and open up about Christ and maybe play a part in their ultimately making a decision to follow Christ.