G12 Victorious Life Series 4
“PERSECUTIONS”
LESSON 2 : VICTORIOUS LIFE SERIES
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If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on
you.
1 Peter 4:14a
I. WHO WILL UNDERGO PERSECUTION?
1. Those who live godly lives in Christ Jesus
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In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
II Timothy 3:12
Christians who love the world will be loved by the world, but those who follow Christ will be persecuted
(John 15:18-19).
2. Those who live according to the word
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But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the
word, he quickly falls away.
Matthew 13:21
3. Those who walk with the Holy Spirit
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If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests
on you.
I Peter 4:14
II. SHOULD ALL BELIEVERS UNDERGO PERSECUTION?
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Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me,
they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.
John 15:20a
Jesus said that just as he underwent persecution, we, his followers will be persecuted too. Apostle
Paul also said that all believers will be persecuted by those who do not know God (2 Timothy 3:12; I
Thessalonians 3:4).
III. WHY ARE THERE PERSECUTIONS?
1. We have spiritual enemies
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Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to
test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will
give you the crown of life.
Revelations 2:10
The devil uses people who will persecute Christians in order to drive us away from God.
2. Depravity of the unbelievers’ mind
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"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would
love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.
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That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his
[a]
master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will
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obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who
sent me.
John 15:18-21
G12 Victorious Life Series 5
The ungodly twist the truth and believe it. They have not yet received the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians
2:16).
IV. WHAT DOES JESUS CALL THOSE WHO ARE PERSECUTED?
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"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you
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because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they
persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:11-12a
V. WHAT KINDS OF PERSECUTION CAN WE EXPERIENCE?
Insult (Matthew 5:11), malicious speech (1 Peter 3:16), false accusations (Matthew 5:11), disownment
by family and loved ones (Matthew 10:35-36), beatings (Acts 8:3), and death (Matthew 24:9) are
possible consequences of following God.
VI. WHAT MUST WE DO WHEN PERSECUTED?
1. Understand that persecution is part of your life as a follower of Christ..
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"A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the student to be
[a]
like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebub,
how much more the members of his household!
Matthew 10:24-25
2. Guard your heart against hatred and bitterness, instead, let love prevail.
3. Bless, pray, and do good to people who persecute you.
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bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
Luke 6:28
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Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.
Romans 12: 17
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On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing
[a] 21
this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with
good.
Romans 12: 20-21
4. Rejoice for being part of the sufferings of Christ
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But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is
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revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of
God rests on you.
1 Peter 4:13-14a
APPLICATION:
1. Have you experienced persecution because you followed Jesus? If not, are you ready to face it when
it comes?
