In the coming days, we will be examining what persecution is and what our responsibility and calling is in this area.  We also hope to move into the Scriptures about what the true Church, ekklesia(1577 Strongs click here), is really all about.  For tonight, we want look at a specific verse that gives us a bit of clarity on who is wise and who is a scoffer; who shows signs of true regeneration and who shows signs of false sheep; who is of the Church and who is not.  This section of Scripture describes those who will or do get mad at us because of truth and those who receive it.  I, like many other true Christ followers, have experienced much anger, slander and hatred for the truth (especially within the so-called church), although, unlike the three hundred million Christians around the world, I have not yet experience the harsh physical, mental, social and economic persecution that is prevalent in over 51 nations where the Bible is illegal.   As we will see in the future, for just the name of Jesus Christ, we who desire to live godly will be persecuted.  Let’s look at today’s passage.

“Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.  Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you.  Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.”

Proverbs 9:7-9

     Do you see where the anger, injury, hatred and persecution comes from?  Look carefully at how many times the scoffer and the wise man are mentioned.  Notice a clear difference between those who are confronted with the truth of the Gospel?  Notice one man is abusive, incurs injury and hates.  Notice the response of the other man.  This is a good section of verses to remember why persecution exists, those who are not what they claim and the obvious response of those who are outside the Church.   May the Word of God richly bless you and reprove you! 

In the grace, mercy and truth of Christ Jesus,

Jeremy Strang

Area Representative for Voice of the Martyrs

Don’t forget, the IDOP is coming Sunday Nov 8th.