2. Persecution & the Christian (Part ii)

3. Preparing For Persecution
“It is my firm conviction that the modern Evangelical church will soon face direct persecution in America…
Though no one prays for martyrdom [,] physical persecution in this country would rejuvenate the witness of the body of Christ…
Looking at the New Testament and the history of the early church, we see that persecution was normative and not unusual.
Mal Couch
Mal Couch, “Preparing for Persecution,” Conservative Theological Journal, CTJ 03:10 (Dec 1999).

4. Review 4 Characteristics of Persecution
Persecution is a characteristic of this world
Satan is the arch-persecutor of God’s people
Agencies of persecution
a) The World (kosmos)
b) Earthly Governments
c) Religious Authorities/Other Religions
d) Family & Friends
4. Believers Should Expect Persecution

5. 2 Timothy 3:12
Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

6. Persecution & the Christian (Part II)
Our Attitude towards Persecution
Our Response towards Persecution

7. I. Our Attitude towards persecution

8. Matthew 16:24-25
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.
“For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

9. 1 Peter 4:12
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you…

10. I. Our Attitude towards persecution
Accept and embrace it

11. I. Our Attitude towards persecution
Accept and embrace it
See it as a blessing

12. I. Our Attitude towards persecution
Accept and embrace it
See it as a blessing
Do not fear it

13. I. Our Attitude towards persecution
Accept and embrace it
See it as a blessing
Do not fear it
Do not be ashamed

14. II. Our Response towards persecution

15. II. Our Response towards persecution
Rejoice in it

16. II. Our Response towards persecution
Rejoice in it
Endure in it

17. II. Our Response towards persecution
Rejoice in it
Endure in it
Flee from it

18. II. Our Response towards persecution
Rejoice in it
Endure in it
Flee from it
Be selfless in it

19. II. Our Response towards persecution
Rejoice in it
Endure in it
Flee from it
Be selfless in it
Be rooted in God’s Word and Prayer

20. Crowns found in the Bible
Reference
Description
The Incorruptible Crown
1 Cor. 9:24,25
For the one who masters the old nature
The crown of rejoicing
1 Thess. 2:19 – 20; Dan 12:3
For the one who leads people to Christ
The crown of life (or crown of Martyrs – Rev 2:8-11)
James 1:12
For those who endure trials, tribulations, and severe suffering, even unto death
The crown of righteousness
2 Tim. 4:8
For those who love and anxiously wait and look forward to the day of His return at the Rapture.
The crown of glory
1 Pet. 5:1 – 4
For those who faithfully teach the flock.

21. I. Our Attitude towards persecution
Accept and embrace it
See it as a blessing
Do not fear it
Do not be ashamed

22. II. Our Response towards persecution
Rejoice in it
Endure in it
Flee from it
Be selfless in it
Be rooted in God’s Word and Prayer