Sermon Tone Analysis
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Introduction
We’ve had some big storms come through lately and as sometimes happens our power went out.
It does that from time to time.
I’ve learn to report it as soon as possible.
The power went out just as Margaret and I were getting ready to prepare dinner so it was an easy decision to head out for dinner.
At dinner I check my ComEd app which said they expected the time for the power to be restored was 2 AM.
AH!
I have sleep apnea and don’t sleep well without my Bi-pap machine.
I wasn’t prepared.
I am now.
I ordered a battery.
What is your attitude in preparing for a disaster?
A healthy attitude is expect the best, prepare for the worst.
There are two main attitudes about preparing for a disaster.
Ignore it.
Prepare for it.
Why do you think people don’t prepare for disasters?
Fear, apathy, laziness or ignorance
Why do people prepare for disasters?
Naturally more cautious
They’ve been through a disaster
They believe the warnings
No one ever regretted preparing for a disaster.
Many have regretted not preparing.
We are in a series entitled Understanding Adversity.
In one respect it is all about preparing for spiritual difficulties which could fit into the categories of disasters.
Today’s message is about is about the adversity of persecution.
I think it may be more important to prepare for persecution than any of the other types of adversity.
This is because this persecution can be the most painful of all adversity.
Let’s start with our definition.
Definition: Persecution is to inflict suffering on a person or group, because of faith in Christ.
It includes social, emotional, financial, judicial, and physical oppression and harassment including martyrdom.
Bottom line: We have the ability as Christians to endure through, rejoice during and benefit from persecution.
God allows persecution to remind us this world is not our home and to reward us for trusting Him.
1. Types of Persecution
Emotional -
insults Matthew 5:11, Hebrews 10:32-33, Galatians 4:28-29, shaming us 1 Peter 4:16, pressuring us to blaspheme and deny Jesus Acts 26:11, chasing us Matthew 10:23, Matthew 23:33-35
Social -
separating us from family and friends John 12:42; 16:2 , imprisoning us Acts 8:3, 9:1, stirring up others against us Acts 13:49-50
Financial -
confiscating property Hebrews 10:34
Judicial -
taking us before authorities Luke 21:12
Physical -
flog Matthew 23:33-35, kill Luke 11:46-49, John 5:16-18
On Handout put a check box: I have experienced this kind of persecution for my faith?
Emotional
Social
Financial
Judicial
Physical
2. Reasons for Persecution
Persecutors don’t know God.
John 16:2-3
They think they are serving God but they’re not they are serving their god.
They reject Jesus and persecute you because they see Jesus in you.
John 15:20-21
They are really persecuting Jesus.
You, like the prophets and apostles are following the footsteps of Jesus Acts 7:52, Matthew 23:33-35.
They are trying to destroy the Church Galatians 1:13 , 23 .
They reject you because of your godly living.
Matthew 5:10
This includes believing the Word Matthew 13:21, that you are not doing things the way the religious leaders do things John 5:16.
All the godly will be persecuted 2 Timothy 3:10-12
3. Responses to Persecution
Flee! Matthew 10:23
It’s okay to run and hide from those persecuting you.
God allows persecution and often makes a way to avoid it.
Part of our preparation is to be wise enough to have an escape plan.
If you are in a work situation that is spiritually hostile, start looking for another job.
If you have family members that make your life hard because of your faith, figure out a way to avoid them.
Don’t curse them but bless them.
Romans 12:14
This is hard.
Control your tongue.
How is this possible?
Only by the grace of God.
Remember that those who are persecuting you are doing it from spiritual blindness.
They believe they are doing the right thing.
Frankly they need our pity and our blessing.
If they don’t change they have an eternity of torment ahead of them.
Love your persecutors and pray God blesses them by opening their eyes.
Matthew 5:44
Wow, it’s getting harder.
We are to love our persecutors.
Remember it’s okay flee so you can love them from afar!
What does loving them mean?
Specifically to pray for them.
Pray for their salvation every time they come to mind.
Endure it.
Don’t give up. 1 Corinthians 4:12, 2 Timothy 3:11 .
God gives us grace 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 and will rescue us 2 Timothy 3:11.
Our goal in persecution is to get through it with God’s help.
God will give you what you need to get through it.
Whatever that may be, patience, self-control, the ability to endure pain or whatever you need will be a gift from God. Paul calls it God’s grace.
Ultimately God will rescue you from the persecution.
Rejoice! 1 Peter 4:13.
Don’t let it get you down!
Matthew 5:12 Don’t feel ashamed. 1 Peter 4:16
I don’t know why it is that we feel shame when we are hurt or abused by others.
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