Time is Rewarded

November 18, 2007

Opening Reading:  Matthew 5:10-16

Title:  Time is Rewarded

Text:  II Thessalonians 1:3-10

Propostion:  Faithfulness is noticed by God as is opposition to Himself and His people.

CT:  We must endure through trials with the knowledge that faithfulness is rewarded.

Joe Nuxhall – I’m just going to sit here and root for us to win.  People can call me a homer, I don’t care.

I. The Reality of Persecution

a. Thessalonians experience it (v.3-4)

b. Christianity is explained in it (v.5)

          i.  John 16:33

         ii.  Acts 5:41

        iii.  Types

1.      Comparison – Internal  Pressure

2.      Complaining – Relational Pressure

3.      Confrontational – Full Assault Persecution

c.  God’s justice is demonstrated by their behavior

          i. Matthew 5:38-42

II.  The Rewarded Persecuters

Doug Lewellyn – Don’t take matters into your own hands, you take them to court. 

a.       Repayed – God will settle the debts

b.      Romans 12:19-21