• 1 Peter 4:12-16
    Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.
     
  • 1 Peter 2:18-23
    Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
    "Who committed no sin,
    Nor was deceit found in His mouth"; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;
     
  • 1 Peter 3:13-14
    And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled."
     
  • 2 Timothy 3:10-12
    But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
     
  • 1 Peter 3:17-18
    For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit,
     
  • 1 Peter 4:19
    Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.
     
  • Matthew 5:10-12
    Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
     
For more scripture references, please see Bible verses for Suffering, for Righteousness' Sake


Resources

The Fifth Seal (Part Two)

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Persecution and martyrdom are not popular topics among Christians, but they are facts. The fifth seal shows the cry of the martyrs and God's response.


What Did Jesus Do?

'Ready Answer' by Staff

We have all seen 'WWJD?' on bracelets, T-shirts, and the like. Perhaps a better question is, "What *did* Jesus do?" because He left us the perfect example.


Persecution (1993)

Sermonette by Martin G. Collins

Christians have been subject to psychological abuse as well as torture. Peter says that persecution is inevitable and is often triggered by good works


Persecution

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Although many have gone through sore trials, virtually no one has gone through the nightmarish persecutions suffered by the early Christians in Imperial Rome.


Wilderness Wandering (Part Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

We share in Christ's suffering, realizing that glory follows suffering. It may involve enduring hardship, deprivation, duress, and outright boredom.


The Beatitudes, Part 8: Blessed Are the Persecuted

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Persecution is a fact of life for a Christian. Jesus Christ says we are blessed if we are persecuted for righteousness' sake — here's why.


Are You Worthy of Your Calling?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Paul encourages the Thessalonians to thank God for their salvation, surrender without complaint, ask God for wisdom, and look for opportunities to serve.


Facing Times of Stress: Forewarned of Persecution!

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Under the best of times, God's people are not immune to persecution. Persecution for righteousness' sake is evidence that God's people have Christ's Spirit.



For more resources, please see the library topic for Suffering, for Righteousness' Sake