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The Persecuted Church Series
Contributed by Larry Thompson on Nov 5, 2003 (message contributor)
Summary: This message was preached during a Month of Missions emphasis and illustrates the need for awareness among evangelicals regarding those who are being persecuted for their faith in Christ.
C. DESTINED FOR THOSE WHO STAND: It is a direct result of our stand for Jesus says the apostle Paul. (2 Timothy 3:12)
2 Tim. 3:12 “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
This stand results in our ultimate Reward: The crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
2 Tim. 4:7-8 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. [8] Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”
Those who live godly lives will be persecuted. It is not an option. (The word "persecution" can mean “the act or practice of persecuting,” especially those who differ in origin, religion or social outlook.)
II. What are the Biblical Examples of Persecution?
A. Daniel and the lion’s den (Daniel 6)
In light of pending persecution, Daniel did not alter his godly lifestyle.
Even when "push came to shove," Daniel persevered; he trusted God in life or death. Reward: "No wound was found on him because he trusted his God." (Daniel 6:23b)
B. The Apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 11:23-27; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
Paul viewed persecution as a constant reminder of his weakness.
Through persecution Paul recognized his utter dependency on God.
Reward: 2 Corinthians 12:8-10.
2 Cor. 12:8-10 “Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. [9] But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. [10] That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
C. The Roll Call of the Faithful (Hebrews 11)
Our focus is to be on the eternal not temporal. (Heb. 11:1-3)
Hebrews 11:1-3 “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. [2] This is what the ancients were commended for. [3] By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.”
Faith in the Lord is the bottom-line of our S.O.P. [Standard Operating Procedure]. (Heb. 11:6)
Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
We are able to desire a "better country." (Heb. 11:16)
Hebrews 11:16 “Instead, they were longing for a better country--a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.”
God is able. (Heb. 11:19)
Hebrews 11:19 “Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death.”
Our Eternal Reward: Hebrews 11:39-40
Hebrews 11:39-40 “These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. [40] God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.”