OPPOSITION

WHY DO I SOMETIMES EXPERIENCE OPPOSITION OR PERSECUTION?

2 Timothy 3:12 . . . Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

Living a godly life brings us into conflict with the evil that is in the world.

Matthew 24:9 . . . “Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because of your allegiance to me.”

Devotion to Jesus brings opposition and persecution from those who do not want to believe the Good News.

1 Peter 4:15 . . . If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs.

Sometimes we think we are being persecuted for doing what is right, but in fact we have earned the persecution that we are experiencing.

HOW SHOULD I RESPOND TO OPPOSITION OR PERSECUTION?

Psalm 7:1 . . . I come to you for protection, O Lord my God. Save me from my persecutors-rescue me!

When we experience opposition or persecution, our first response should be to draw near to God and ask him for his help.

Isaiah 53:7 . . . He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led as a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth.

Following Jesus means that we, like him, might have to endure persecution without fighting back.

Matthew 5:44 . . . Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!

1 Peter 3:9 . . . Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you to do, and he will bless you for it.

God calls us to answer persecution by loving, blessing, and praying for those who oppose us.

Matthew 10:23 . . . When you are persecuted in one town, flee to the next.

Sometimes we might have to flee from persecution.

1 Peter 4:19 . . . If you are suffering according to God’s will, keep on doing what is right, and trust yourself to the God who made you, for he will never fail you.

No matter how much opposition or persecution we experience, we must continue doing what is right and trusting in God to take care of us.

PROMISE FROM GOD:

Matthew 5:10-12 . . . God blesses those who are persecuted because they live for God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven.

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