SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES 07-10-2018

RECAP OF OUR LAST STUDY From our last study, entitled “The Law Of Sowing And Reaping”, We learnt that we will reap whatever we sow. How we take God’s word will determine our eternity. The reaping may not be immediate but it is certain. We should not be weary of doing good to all, especially to fellow believers. Moreover, we should beware of seducers who only show the form of religion but lack spirituality. GOD CANNOT NEITHER BE FOOLED OR MOCKED !!!

TODAY’S STUDY: LESSON 713: CHRISTIAN ATTITUDE DURING PERSECUTION MEMORY VERSE: …… “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you” (Matthew 5:11,12). TEXT: 1 Peter 4:12-19

TODAY’S STUDY (continued) INTRODUCTION: Persecution is suffering for righteousness’ sake. We should not think it strange when we pass through trials or persecution: it is the portion of all who will live godly in Christ Jesus (1 Peter 4:12,13; 2 Timothy 3:12). QUESTION 1a: What is persecution? – 1 Peter 4:14 QUESTION 1b: Mention the kinds of suffering that cannot be regarded as persecution – 1 Peter 4:15

PERSECUTORS AND SCOPE OF PERSECUTION 1 Peter 4:12-19 Persecutors are sinners or backsliders inspired by Satan. Persecution can be mild or serious, can be by word, physical attack or even killing. It is to be hated, to be spoken of or denied of rights. We are to follow Jesus who endured, was calm and did not retaliate. QUESTION 2: What are the identifying marks of those who persecute believers? – John 16:3; Galatians 4:29 QUESTION 3: In what ways can the believer be persecuted? – Luke 11:14-16

PERSECUTION: A COMMON EXPERIENCE OF SAINTS 2 Timothy 3:12; Matthew 24:13 Persecution is the lot of every Christian; both Old and New Testament believers had their share of it. Doing the will of God does not exempt us from being persecuted; in fact, obeying God is the very reason for persecution! “Yea, all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). QUESTION 4: Mention some believers in the Bible who experienced persecution – Genesis 37:24-27; Daniel 6:10,16 QUESTION 5: Why are believers persecuted? – John 15:18,19

CHRIST-LIKE ATTITUDE DURING PERSECUTION 1 Peter 4:12-19 When we are persecuted, we should not sin or retaliate. We should submit to God, bless those who curse us, remain prayerful and patiently cleave to the Lord. As we do these, the Lord promises to uphold us: we should not fear man (Isaiah 51:12,13). QUESTION 6: How should believers react to persecutors during persecution? – Luke 6:28; Matthew 5:44

BENEFIT OF SUFFERING PERSECUTION Matthew 16:25; 5:10-12 Persecution has its benefits: the believer who endures persecution with Christ-like attitude will have the Spirit of Christ and glory rest upon him. We should not be ashamed of Christ or fear persecution. Those who do so, compromise their faith. We should also not suffer as evil-doers or foolishly. But when we suffer as Christians, we will receive a crown of life. QUESTION 7: Mention some blessings of enduring persecution with Christ-like attitude – Matthew 5:10-12; Mark 10:30

CONCLUSION To be persecuted is part of our calling. It is to suffer for righteousness’ sake, for the name of Jesus, but not as an evil-doer. We should not retaliate during persecution. Rather, we should pray for our persecutors and endure patiently. The Lord has promised to uphold us and He will give us the grace to glorify Him during persecution. We will enjoy His comfort, protection and provision (Isaiah 43:1,2).