By Rev. D.

Adam Culp Facing Persecution 2018

2 Ti 3:12-13 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, ESV

The desire to follow God is going to bring a reaction from this world; resistance and persecution. It is inevitable.

Jn 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation.
But take heart; I have overcome the world." ESV

In this life, we are assured tribulation but along with it we also have peace in Christ. Our victory is in him.

1 Jn 5:4-5 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has
overcome the world— our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is
the Son of God? ESV

When we were born again we were born into victory. As long as we believe that Jesus is who he says he is, that
he will do what he says he will do, [Heb. 11:6] and that we are who he says we are; we win. We cannot be
defeated.

2 Ti 3:12-4:5 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil people
and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

Deception is not going away and deceived people are not going away. It will get worse and worse.

14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned
it

Our job is to continue in the Word.

15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise
for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for
reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be competent, equipped
for every good work.

And to be ready to preach the word.

4 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his
appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and
exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound
teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and
will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5 As for you, always be sober-minded,
endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. ESV

How did the Early Church deal with trials and tribulation?

1. When Jesus left them and they felt like orphans. They obediently waited for ten days in an upper room
until his promise of the Holy Spirit and empowerment came to pass. [Acts 1:4]
By Rev. D. Adam Culp Facing Persecution 2018
2. When people in the Church were suffering financially, those who had assets sold them and met the
need. [Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-35]
3. When Peter and John were arrested for doing a miracle and preaching, they were told to stop. [Ac 4:19-
20] It is for you to say if it is right in the eyes of God to give attention to you more than to God: 20 For
it is not possible for us to keep from saying what we have seen and have knowledge of. BBE Their
response was that it was not possible because what they had seen and heard had affected them so
deeply.
4. When they felt intimidated and hesitant to preach the Word, they came together to pray and laid their
burden on the Lord. In response the building was shaken and they were once again filled with the Holy
Spirit and boldness. [Acts 4:23-31]
5. When all of the Apostles were arrested, God sent an angel to release them. After their release they went
right back to preaching and when told to stop, they responded “we must obey God rather than men.”
[Acts 5:17-29]
6. When they were beaten and told to stop preaching they started rejoicing that they had the honor of
suffering for Christ and started teaching and preaching every day without ceasing. [Acts 5:41-42]
7. When the first division and dispute came into the Church arising from racism and prejudice, they didn’t
ignore but instead dealt with it by seeking answers from God.[Acts 6:1-7]
8. What do you do when it looks like tragedy has hit and the devil has won? Stephen’s Stoning [Acts 7]
a. Preach the word without compromise
b. Keep your eyes on Jesus [v.55-56]
c. Leave your life in His hands [v. 59]
d. Love your enemies [v.60]
9. When persecution is greatest and it looks like everything is lost, wherever you find yourself; preach.
[Acts 8:1-4]

Mk 16:20 And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the
word through the accompanying signs. Amen. NKJV