1. Comes with the Territory
Persecution
Comes with the Territory

2. Persecution defined… Greek: To pursue….
English: To injure, grieve, or afflict; to surround, hem in & attack with cruelty & evil intent; to harass.

3. Persecution followed…
Paul: 2 Tim 3:10-13
Protect yourself
2 Tim 3:14-17

4. Persecution followed…
“Dispersion”: 1 Pet 1:1
Not unusual
1 Pet 4:12; 1 Pet 5:9; John 15:18-21; Acts 14:21-22
Faith purifier
1 Pet 4:12; 1 Pet 1:6-7; 1 Pet 5:10

5. Persecution response…
Rejoice, be glad: Matt 5:10-12
Glorify God, Commit to Him: 1 Pet 4:13-19

6. Persecution response…
Pray for persecutors: Matt 5:44-45; Rom 12:14; e.g., Luke 23:34; Acts 7:60; 2 Tim 4:16
For personal vindication?
Psa 69:22-28
For God’s vindication!
2 Tim 4:14-15; Gal 6:7-8; Rom 2:6-10

7. A Christian’s response to persecutions shows trust in the Lord’s oversight of this world. 1 Peter 2:23; Romans 2:6-10