Easter 2009 Message Life in Christ Bible Church LICBC Headquarters, 154 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. Sierra Madre, CA 91024, USA http://www.licbc.org ********************************************************************************************** PERSECUTION AND THE TRIAL OF FAITH Matthew 5:10-12; I Peter Persecution is the common experience of all believers. Persecution is generally from unbelievers and sometimes from some believers who allow themselves to be used of the devil. But from whatever source, our attitude and faith can turn darkness into light and bring blessing and a “weight of glory” from the persecution. 1. PERSECUTION OF THE OLD TESTAMENT SAINTS Genesis 49:22,23,24; Hebrews 11:25-27,33-38; Job 12:4,5; Psalm 34:19; 56:5; Proverbs 29:27; Jeremiah 18;18; 20:8; Acts 7:52; James 5:10. There are times when our persecutions are caused by our immaturity or the ignorance and jealousy of others. Sometimes much physical suffering comes upon members of the Church through ignorance of the Truth and unbelief. 2. PERSECUTIONS OF JESUS Psalms 2:1-5; Isaiah 53:2,3; Matthew 12:14,24; Mark 3:1-6,21; Luke 11:53 John 5:16; 7:17,19,20,30,32; John 8:40,48,52,59; John 10:20; 15:18-25; Hebrews 12:2,3. The religious society hates and has always hated anyone who walks contrary to the tradition of elders.’ The compromiser can easily be accommodated and tolerated by traditionalists. But let a man break away from tradition and stand for the Truth – then the world will rage! 3. PERSECUTIONOF THE EARLY CHURCH Acts 4:16-20; 8:14; 28:22; Galatians 4:29; I Thessalonians 1:6 See that tree whose roots go deep down into the ground, whose branches shoot nigh in fruitfulness, whose leaves blossom for beauty! How did it develop to such a magnificent size? The rain, the storm, the wind, light, darkness, etc had their important to roles make the tree what it is God’s Church grew amidst persecution. 4. PERSECUTION OF PAUL I Corinthians 4:9-13; 2 Corinthians 4:8-10; 6:4-10; 11:23-27; 2 Corinthians 12:1-10; Philippians 1:12-14,28,29. Let not man think that Paul was persecuted so much because he had persecuted the Church so much. Never! God had forgiven him and God does not bear grudge after forgiving anyone. His message destroyed the tradition and theology of the Jews, so the Jews persecuted him. His message revealed the foolishness of idolatry, so the unbelieving Gentiles persecuted him. Yet God stood by him and helped him through. 5. PERSECUTION OF BELIEVERS TODAY Matthew 5:10-12; John 15:18,19; 16:1,2,33; John 17:14; 2 Timothy 3:12; I John 3:1,13. There is a difference between suffering for righteousness’ sake and suffering because of sin, unbelief or ignorance. Being sick because of sin or unbelief, being jobless because of laziness or unfaithfulness, being punished because of lawlessness, are not part of the believer’s persecution – I Corinthians 11:23-30; Romans 13:1-7; Judges 16:13-21; 2 Samuel 13:1-19; I Kings 3:16-22; 2 Kings 4:38-41; 2 Chronicles 20:35-37. These are NOT ‘trials of faith; they are chastisements for sin. Hebrews 12:5-17. 6. ATTITUDE IN PERSECUTION Psalm 119:161; Matthew 5:12,44; Matthew 13:9,11-13; Luke 6:22,23; John 16:33; Acts 5:40-42; 8:1-4; I Corinthians 13:3; Revelation 2:3-5; I Thessalonians 2:2,14,15; 2 Thessalonians 1:4; 2 Timothy 1:8,12; 2: 9-13; Hebrews 10:34; Hebrews 12:2-4; I Peter 3:14-17; 4:3,4,12,19. We must maintain our love, peace, joy and faith during persecution. “The fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-25) should be conspicuously manifested in the believer’s life every moment all through his life. Hold on to your integrity and faith will bring the victory. 7. DIVINE HELP DURING PERSECUTION Isaiah 51:12,13; Daniel 3:14-30; 6:16-23; I Corinthians 10:13; Acts 16:19-26, 2 Timothy 4:16,17. Love and faith will open the door of any dungeon and open the windows of heaven for God to pour overflowing blessing upon you.
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