Saturday, June 18, 2011

Persecution and Perseverance


Matthew 10: 16-26

Story & Lessons

The Lord Jesus left His disciples under no illusion about the cost of following Him.

There were weak and frail, but He chooses to use those whom the world considers weak.

"Behold, I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves." (16)

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Like the disciples, we too go as sheep among wolves.

We too face opposition and all kinds of danger.

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We need plenty of wisdom, discernment, common sense and gentleness.

"Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves" (16).

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Jesus warns us that we will be hated by all kinds of people for His sake.

Persecution will come from those who are religious, from the state, and even more hurtful and distressing, from within our own families.

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The Holy Spirit is with us and will help us and we do not need to fear those who hate us.

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Christ's disciples must follow His example and live out His teaching; like Him they will be accused of belonging to Satan.

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We must not be daunted by persecution and our Master encourages us not to fear the enemies of the gospel.

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When early Christians were forced to flee from one city, they went to another and spread the gospel.

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If Christians were attacked and imprisoned where you live, would you stand up and be counted?

Would you refuse to deny the Lord Jesus who died to save you from your sins?

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The gospel must first be preached in all the world before the end comes.

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Persecution will come in every age.

But we must continue to follow him and persevere in our work for Him.

2 comments:

  1. Of course, "The Wolves" - that Yahshua was talking about were within the power structure of His own churches, organizations, and fellowships.... Don't ever forget that!

    ReplyDelete
  2. But Jesus said, "Blessed are the persecuted because of their righteousness, for they will see the kingdom of God" :)

    ReplyDelete

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