November 6 // Flip the Script week 8
Flip the Script
“God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” Matthew 5:10
What are we supposed to do?
Be informed
Pray
Give
Remember those who are in prison as if you were in prison with them. Remember those who are suffering as if you were suffering with them. Hebrews 13:3
Anyone who belongs to Christ Jesus and wants to live right WILL have trouble from others. 2 Timothy 3:12
PERSECUTION WILL INCREASE MY FAITH.
When the world hates you, remember it hated me first. The world would love you IF you belonged to it, but you don’t. I chose you out of the world. That’s why the world will hate you. No servant is ever greater than his master, so since they persecuted me they will persecute you too. John 15:18 - 20
PERSECUTION BRINGS ETERNAL REWARDS.
“God BLESSES those who are persecuted for doing right, for Heaven will be theirs!” Matthew 5:10
SO HOW DO WE HANDLE OPPOSITION BECAUSE OF OUR FAITH?
DON’T BE SURPRISED.
Dear friends, don’t be surprised or shocked when you go through painful trials that are like walking through fire, as though something unusual is happening to you. 1 Peter 4:12
DON’T BE AFRAID.
If you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it, so don’t be afraid and don’t worry! Instead, worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 1 Peter 3:13 - 16
DON’T BE ASHAMED.
It is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Instead, thank God for the privilege of being called by his name! 1 Peter 4:16
I don’t need other people’s approval to be happy.
Take a firm stand against Satan and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.
1 Peter 5:9
RECOGNIZE THE SOURCE OF THE OPPOSITION.
… The accuser of the Christians. Revelation 12:10b
We’re not fighting against human beings, but against wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly realm . . . Ephesians 6:12a
Stay away from stupid and senseless arguments. These only lead to trouble. God’s servants must never quarrel. Be kind to everyone. . . and be patient. Be humble when you correct people who oppose you . . . they’ve been trapped by the devil, and he makes them obey him, but God may help them escape.
2 Timothy 2:23 - 26
“Father forgive them. They don’t know what they’re doing.” Luke 23:34a
When they hurled their insults at him, Jesus did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to God who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:23
REFUSE TO RETALIATE.
“Blessed are you when men shall revile you and persecute you and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad for great is your reward in heaven, for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Matthew 5:11 - 12
Never pay back evil with more evil… If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Romans 12:17 - 18
RESPOND WITH A BLESSING.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21
“Love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. BLESS those who curse you. PRAY for those who hurt you.
If someone slaps you on the cheek ,turn the other cheek.”
Luke 6:27 - 29
If they made it illegal to be a Christian in America and they threw everybody who followed Jesus in prison, would there be enough evidence to convict you?
What is your faith costing you?
“IF you are ashamed of me and my commands in this godless and sinful generation I will be ashamed of you when I come back in glory with the holy angels.” Mark 8:38