Chapter 40

Persecution

Sections

1. The Persecution of God’s People
   1. God’s People Face Persecution
      • Following God and Jesus Christ results in persecution . . .
      • . . . It brings all kinds of hardships and suffering
      • Spreading the gospel can lead to opposition . . .
      • . . . and spreading the gospel can result in persecution
      • God’s people are hated
      • God’s people may face plots against them
   2. Types of Persecution
      • Ridicule
      • Verbal abuse
      • Lies and slander
      • Ostracism and expulsion
      • Imprisonment
      • Beatings and violence
      • Threat of death . . .
      • . . . and even death
      • Further forms of persecution
   3. The Antichrist and the Final Persecution
      • Scripture speaks of the coming of an antichrist
      • The antichrist will be of Satan and opposed to God
      • The antichrist will have great authority and be worshiped
      • Persecution of God’s people will increase in the end times – especially due to the antichrist . . .
      • . . . Martyrdom will be prominent
      • “Three and a half years” is given for the rule of the antichrist and intense persecution
      • The end of the antichrist
      • The contrasting outcomes for submitting and not submitting to the antichrist
   4. God’s Care of Persecuted Believers
      • God’s all-surpassing purpose, work and love for his people – despite adversity
      • God and Jesus Christ strengthen their people amidst trials
      • God and Jesus Christ will rescue their people from trials . . .
      • . . . Examples of God and Jesus Christ rescuing believers from trials
      • God will ultimately save believers from the persecution of the end times
      • Note: God will take vengeance on those who persecute his people

2. What to Do in Persecution
   1. Be Faithful to God and Endure
      • Remain faithful to God and Jesus Christ
      • Continue to do what God wants
      • Endure persecution and suffering
      • Endure persecution and suffering patiently
      • Consider and follow Jesus Christ’s example in suffering . . .
      • . . . and share Jesus Christ’s sufferings
      • Note: Be on your guard against persecutors and avoid persecution when appropriate
   2. Have Faith in God and Pray
      • Have faith and hope in God and Jesus Christ . . .
      • . . . Faith enables one to endure persecution and suffering
      • Do not be afraid of persecutors or suffering
      • Do not worry about what to say – you will be given what to say
      • Pray to God, asking for help
      • Pray for and bless those who persecute you
   3. Rejoice
      • Rejoice because trials develop Christian character and virtues
      • Rejoice because of rewards for suffering and enduring persecution . . .
      • . . . and look forward to these rewards
      • Other reasons to rejoice in persecution and difficulties
      • Further examples of rejoicing during persecution and difficulties
   4. Epilogue: Blessings for Faithfulness in Persecution
      • Blessings amidst suffering and in the present life
      • The future rewards of: eternal life; . . .
      • . . . God’s kingdom; and glory
      • Other blessings in the afterlife . . .
      • . . . Blessings for “one who conquers”

 ➜Major headings in: 40. Persecution (and all of Unit H)

Pray for persecuted Christians