12. Persecution Displays Christ as Supreme Over All and Life Itself. Philippians 3:8 "Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ." I think it wise to remember the context of such a verse. Paul is imprisoned for the Gospel. His life is on the line. He has literally suffered the loss of all things - and he speaks of joy 16 times in this epistle! For Paul, to live was truly Christ, and to die was truly gain because he would finally be with Christ! Do what you will with Paul, and he will find some way to rejoice - how? Christ was everything to him!

13. Persecution is Meant for the Glory of God. 1 Peter 1:6-7 "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith-more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire-may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." As believers, we know that fundamentally everything that occurs in this life will somehow, someday work to the glory of God. However, that fact is especially hard to grasp, believe, and remember when one is enduring unusually difficult circumstances. What a precious revelation for us when under the heavy hand of persecution! The suffering, the perseverance, the sanctification, the witness under fire - it all works together for the glory of God. There is a unique and glorious way in which the persecuted will shine for the glory of God!

14. Persecution Increases Condemnation of the Persecutors. Acts 9:4-5 "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" And he said, "Who are you Lord?" And he said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting." While aimed at the believer, persecution is ultimately against the One in whom we believe. When the Body is inflicted, the Head takes it into account! Believers are given a measure of comfort in knowing that God will bring about justice for those who have caused so much pain. Imagine how the hardened heart of the unbeliever must melt when under the realization of Christ as the Persecuted and as Lord!