persecution
DESCRIPTION
Persecution. How Christians Survive It. Persecution. Some will die - Acts 7; Rev 2:10; Acts 8:1-3; 9:1-2; 1 Tim 1:12-13. Persecution. Greek : To pursue with ill intent . English : To injure, grieve, or afflict; to surround, hem in & attack with cruelty & evil intent; to harass . - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Persecution
How Christians Survive It
Persecution
• Some will die - Acts 7; Rev 2:10; Acts 8:1-3; 9:1-2; 1 Tim 1:12-13
Persecution
• Greek: To pursue with ill intent.
• English: To injure, grieve, or afflict; to surround, hem in & attack with cruelty & evil intent; to harass.
Persecution
• SURVIVING the pain - Mark 10:28-31
Persecution comes w/the Kingdom
• New churches - Acts 14:22
• Evangelists - 2 Tim 3:10-13
• Be Prepared - 2 Tim 3:14-17
Persecution comes w/the Kingdom
• Pilgrims of the Dispersion - 1 Pet 1:1
• Expect it - 1 Peter 4:12; John 15:18-20
• Faith purifier - 1 Peter 1:6-7; 5:10
Persecution follows Principle & Duty
• The Principle - Matt 5:10-12
• The Duties - Matt 5:1-9
–Not all persecution is blessed - 1 Pet 4:15
–Only persecution “for righteousness’ sake” is blessed - 1 Tim 6:11; 2 Tim 2:22; 3:16; Jer 23:6; 2 Cor 5:21
Persecution followed Jesus
• Governments - Matt 2; Acts 5:29
• Religious leaders - Matt 26:59; 27:1
• Military - Matt 27:27
• Neighbors - Matt 27:40
• Family - John 7:1-5; Matt 10:34-36
Persecution followed Jesus
• Character assassination - John 8:45-48; 10:17-20; 1 Cor 4:12-13
Persecution for Righteousness
• We must be willing to accept extremely difficult circumstances - Matt 13:21
• HOW ARE WE BLESSED? - Matt 5:10
–Giving priority to our souls - Matt 10:27-28
• LET GOD HANDLE IT
He will bless in the end (Luke 23:46; 1 Pet 2:23; 3:9; 1 Sam 25:32, 39)
• REJOICE IN THE REWARD
Heaven’s Glory (Matt 5:12; 1 Pet 4:13; Rom 8:18)
Father’s Glory (1 Peter 4:16, 19)
Christ’s Glory (1 John 3:2-3; Phil 3:20-21)
• PRAY FOR THE PERSECUTOR
Jesus commands it (Matt 5:44-45; Rom 12:14)
The faithful do it (Luke 23:34; Acts 7:60; 2 Tim 4:16)
• PRAY FOR THE PERSECUTOR
Vindication. NOW! (Psa 69:22ff)
Trust the Lord’s wisdom (2 Tim 4:14-15; cf. Gal 6:7-8; Rom 2:6-10)
Persecution
• Identifies us with Jesus (1 Pet 4:13-16)
• Indicates direction (1 Pet 3:14-16: 1:3-6)
• Carries a great promise (Matt 5:12)
Hear : gospel of Christ– Acts 2:14; Rom 10:17
Believe: Jesus is Lord /Christ– Rom 10:9-10
Confess: what is believed– Matt 10:32-33; Acts 8:37
Repent: change of heart– Acts 2:38; 17:30
Baptized: forgiveness of sin– Acts 2:38; 22:16; Mk 16:16