Chapter 40

Persecution

Sections

1. The Persecution of God’s People
   1. The Reality of Persecution
      • Following God and Jesus Christ results in persecution . . .
      • . . . It brings all kinds of hardships and suffering
      • Spreading the gospel can result in suffering
      • God’s people are hated
   2. The Antichrist and the Final Persecution
      • 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
      • “Three and a half years” is given for the rule of the antichrist and intense persecution
   3. God’s Care of Persecuted Believers
      • God strengthens his people amidst trials
      • God rescues his people from trials
      • God will ultimately save believers from the persecution of the end times

2. What to Do in Persecution
   1. Be Faithful to God and Endure
      • Remain faithful to God and Jesus Christ
      • Endure persecution
      • Consider and follow Jesus Christ’s example in suffering . . .
      • . . . and share in Jesus Christ’s sufferings
   2. Have Faith in God and Pray
      • Have faith and hope in God
      • Do not be afraid
      • Do not worry about what to say – you will be given what to say
      • Pray to God, asking for help
      • Bless and pray for those who persecute you
   3. Rejoice
      • Rejoice because trials develop Christian character and virtues
      • Rejoice because of rewards for enduring persecution
   4. Blessings for Faithfulness in Persecution
      • Blessings amidst suffering
      • God’s kingdom
      • Eternal life
      • Future glory

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

Pray for persecuted Christians