Expect Persecution
Series: Code Red: The Coming Storm Message 15 – Expect Persecution (Part 1) John 15: 20; 16: 1-4 INTRODUCTION: In recent days, we have been reminded what can happen when cultural values and Christian values clash. I am referring to the case of Kim Davis, a Rowan County Kentucky clerk who has been jailed for her defiance of a court order to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Regardless of what you believe about the situation, it is evident that there is conflict between two differing value systems. It is that type of conflict that generates hostility (sometimes on both sides!) that then gives rise to persecution. We now arrive at one of our main targets of the Code Red series – persecution. Some of the previous material in this study has focused upon projected changes in our culture in the future (20-30 years). These changes will produce a greater divide between culture and Christianity. Persecution is evident in America but not as common as in some countries in the world (Slide with Voice of the Martyrs Prayer Map). From verbal harassment to hanging, persecution for professing faith in Christ is as old as Christianity itself, often comingling with ethnic violence and geo-political conflict. In the 20th century, Christians in formerly Communist countries went underground with their faith, eventually gaining support and advocacy from missionary Brother Andrew and his Open Doors USA. Today the nonprofit compiles an annual list of the world’s worst persecutors of Christians; Muslim countries with stringent Shari’ah law comprise 8 of the top 10 worst. Christianity Today
In His Upper Room Discourse (John 13-16), Jesus included a section (John 15: 18-16: 4) on persecution as He warned his disciples of a coming storm of opposition they would face in the future. In John 15: 20; 16: 1-4, he stated the intent in addressing this subject: John 15: 20 HCSB 20 Remember the word I spoke to you: ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will also keep yours. John 16: 1-4 HCSB 1 “I have told you these things to keep you from stumbling. 2 They will ban you from the synagogues. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering service to God. 3 They will do these things because they haven’t known the Father or Me. 4 But I have told you these things so that when their time comes you may remember I told them to you. I didn’t tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you. (HCSB) We need to speak the truth and WARN future generations about the possibilities in America (and elsewhere). We also need to equip (train) We will attempt to answer four questions as we address the subject of persecution: ● WHAT IS IT? ● WHAT CAUSES IT? ● WHY DOES GOD ALLOW IT? ● HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND TO IT?
WHAT IS IT? A. Defining persecution: 1. What it is NOT: a. It is NOT when someone disagrees with you (conflict of views) b. It is NOT when people ask you to “back off” when you press them too hard to become a follower of Christ. c. It is NOT the consequences of doing something incredibly stupid. 2. What it is: In John 15: 20, Jesus uses the word (Greek word dioko – de-o-ko - translated persecuted) to describe what would happen to his disciples (Upper Room Discourse). This word means “To flee, to pursue, to run after, to put to flight, to harass.” a. Jesus used this word on a number of occasions in His teaching. b. He used it three times in the Sermon on the Mount (Life in the kingdom) B. It’s normal: Expect it. NOTE: Believers living in countries where persecution is common come to understand that it comes with being a follower of Christ. 1. Jesus (John 15: 20) NOTE: This section on persecution (John 15: 18-16: 4) was part of Jesus’ Upper Room Discourse designed to prepare His disciples for their coming storm. John 15: 20 HCSB 20 Remember the word I spoke to you: ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will also keep yours.
2. Three of Christ’s disciples addressed the subject of persecution in their writings. Two of them were sitting around the table the evening in the Upper Room would later pass the message along to others: a. Paul (2 Timothy 3: 12) 2 Timothy 3: 12 HCSB In fact, all those who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. b. Peter (1 Peter 4: 12) 12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you as if something unusual were happening to you. c. John (1 John 3: 13) 1 John 3: 13 HCSB 13 Do not be surprised, brothers, if the world hates you.
In His Upper Room Discourse (John 13-16), Jesus included a section (John 15: 18-16: 4) on persecution as He warned his disciples of a coming storm of opposition they would face in the future. In John 15: 20; 16: 1-4, he stated the intent in addressing this subject: John 15: 20 HCSB 20 Remember the word I spoke to you: ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will also keep yours. John 16: 1-4 HCSB 1 “I have told you these things to keep you from stumbling. 2 They will ban you from the synagogues. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering service to God. 3 They will do these things because they haven’t known the Father or Me. 4 But I have told you these things so that when their time comes you may remember I told them to you. I didn’t tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you. (HCSB) We need to speak the truth and WARN future generations about the possibilities in America (and elsewhere). We also need to equip (train) We will attempt to answer four questions as we address the subject of persecution: ● WHAT IS IT? ● WHAT CAUSES IT? ● WHY DOES GOD ALLOW IT? ● HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND TO IT?
WHAT IS IT? A. Defining persecution: 1. What it is NOT: a. It is NOT when someone disagrees with you (conflict of views) b. It is NOT when people ask you to “back off” when you press them too hard to become a follower of Christ. c. It is NOT the consequences of doing something incredibly stupid. 2. What it is: In John 15: 20, Jesus uses the word (Greek word dioko – de-o-ko - translated persecuted) to describe what would happen to his disciples (Upper Room Discourse). This word means “To flee, to pursue, to run after, to put to flight, to harass.” a. Jesus used this word on a number of occasions in His teaching. b. He used it three times in the Sermon on the Mount (Life in the kingdom) B. It’s normal: Expect it. NOTE: Believers living in countries where persecution is common come to understand that it comes with being a follower of Christ. 1. Jesus (John 15: 20) NOTE: This section on persecution (John 15: 18-16: 4) was part of Jesus’ Upper Room Discourse designed to prepare His disciples for their coming storm. John 15: 20 HCSB 20 Remember the word I spoke to you: ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will also keep yours.
2. Three of Christ’s disciples addressed the subject of persecution in their writings. Two of them were sitting around the table the evening in the Upper Room would later pass the message along to others: a. Paul (2 Timothy 3: 12) 2 Timothy 3: 12 HCSB In fact, all those who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. b. Peter (1 Peter 4: 12) 12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you as if something unusual were happening to you. c. John (1 John 3: 13) 1 John 3: 13 HCSB 13 Do not be surprised, brothers, if the world hates you.
