Pastor Matt talked about how Christians should expect to be persecuted for identifying with Jesus – and what to do when it happens.
MY STORY
What are some common antagonistic insults about Christians that some people in the church might call "persecution" ... but really aren't?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
"Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
"A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household." (Matthew 10:16-25)
What contrast was Jesus making when he said, 'Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves'? How can you be both, without being two-faced?
Why do you think God would send out His disciples as sheep in the midst of wolves, especially when wolves could obviously harm the sheep?
What were the disciples to expect in terms of the pressure that would be put upon them for identifying with Jesus?
Why would it be especially painful to find out who would betray them?
What does God want us to hear? Based on the passage and the questions above, what "takeaways" do you think God has revealed to you?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO?
Describe a time when you said something profound, and had no idea from whence those words came.
How do we reconcile these instructions with those 1 Peter 3:15, where we're told to "always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you"? What different types of "persecuting circumstances" could these two sets of guidelines be addressing?
What practical things can we do to cultivate a resilient and enduring spirit to face the persecution that God says is coming for those who believe in Him?
What does God want us to do? Flowing out of our reading and interpretation, what action does this passage or the Spirit's leading, call us to?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?
If we delve deep into God's word, the Holy Spirit will bring those words to mind when we need them. Look for ways this week to increase your exposure to the truths of Scripture.
In the past 50 years, there has been more persecution of Christians, and the execution of believers combined than in all of church history.
Reflect on ways you personally can aid the persecuted Church, whether through prayer or financial support. Look into authenticated aid groups and research what other ways you can help your brothers and sisters in Christ who are being actively targeted for their faith in Jesus.
What does God want ME to do? What is the personal application and action step God is calling you, personally, toward?
Message Notes
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