International Day of the Persecuted 2013 – The Family of Believers
Comfortable Adelaide
1) Persecution… Should we expect it?
John 15:18, “If the world hates you, keep in mind it hated me first”.
John 15:20, “No servant is greater than his master’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also”
“if they obey my teaching, they will also obey yours”.
Acts 5:17 … arrested and put in gaol.
Acts 5:33 …wanted to put the apostles to death
They responded… Acts 5:41 … they rejoiced … counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the gospel of Jesus Christ.
2 Tim 3:12, “in fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted”
Gal 6:12, “Those who wanted to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid persecution for the cross of Christ.”
Heb 12:4, “in their struggle against sin they have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood”
2) When others are persecuted
a) Letter writing
b) A Christians focus
Galatians 6:2 … do good and bear one another’s burdens
Gal 6:10, “have opportunity to do good to all people but then it adds especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
Fellow Christians will miss out unless we direct our support to them in particular.
3) When we are persecuted
Stand firm and hold fast to the truth of God’s word
2 Tim 4:1-8, “preach God’s word in season and out of season”
… “people will not put up with sound doctrine”
… “endure hardship”
… Paul’s probable death
The cost of obedience in Australia …
Two thoughts
– As you are able, how are you going to do good to those who are persecuted, especially to the family of believers
– How are you going to stand firmly and obediently to the word of God?