Blessed are the Persecuted | Craig Curtis

Matthew 5:10 NIV

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 

John 15:20a NIV

20 Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.

 

2 Timothy 3:12 NIV

12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

 

2 Corinthians 12:10 NIV

10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

  

Matthew 24:9 NIV

9 “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.

 

We have to be prepared for persecution.

 

1 Peter 4:12 NIV

Suffering for Being a Christian

12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

 

On Persecution

I. Don't be shocked.

 

Is your faith the kind of faith worth persecuting?

 

- Live intentionally.

- Live boldly.

- Live generously.

 

1 Peter 4:12 NIV

12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

 

Persecution Today:

- still looks like loss of life.

- may look like the loss of a job or separation from a family member.

- may be not getting a second date because of boundaries that you set.

- may be isolation.

  

1 Peter 4:13 NIV

13 But rejoice in as much as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

 

On Persecution

II. Participate in the suffering.

 

 

On Persecution

III. Cast because He cares.

 

1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

 

- Live less comfortably and more boldly.

- Cast your anxiety on Jesus.

- Know that He cares for you.

 

Psalms 121:1-3 NIV

1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. 3 He will not let your foot slip – he who watches over you will not slumber;