2Tim 3:12-13 Persecution is Normal for Christians to experience

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Sermon outline

Introductory Story

What is persecution?

In the Bible, there are two Greek words which are trans. by persecute.

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Diwkw is the first word, it has two main definitions:
               1. Run after something or run toward something (Phil 3:14,
                  1. Positive meaning (2Tim 2:22, 1Pet 3:11, Heb 12:14)
                  2. Negative meaning (Mt 23:34)
                  3. Scriptural Examples: Elijah (1Ki 17:1-2, 18:9-10, 19:2)
               2. This word is also used to mean “To harass someone” (Jer 20:1-3, 26:8, 37:1ff, 38:1ff, 1Cor 4:12-13, Gal 5:11)
            2. Thlipsis is the second word, it means “affliction” (Heb 10:32-33, Mt 13, Mk 13:19-20

What was the early church’s experience with persecution?

1. 1. 1. 1. The early church believed that their suffering was a sharing in Christ. (2Cor 1:5, Jn 15:20, Col 1:24)
         2. Because of this suffering was not to be avoided, but to be expected. (Jn 16:33, 2Cor 1:8, Act 14:22)
         3. Persecution/Suffering are normal and part of God’s discipling of his people (2Cor 4:17, Rom 5:3-4, 12:12)
         4. From the very beginning persecution was part of the story of the NT Church (Act 20:23, 11:19)

How does persecution occur today on the global scene?

How does persecution occur today in our context?

How should Christians respond to persecution?

1. 1. 1. 1. Pray (Mt 5:44, Eph 6:12)
         2. Draw close to God (1Pt 2:23)
         3. Be salt and Light, don’t shrink back (Mt 5:13-16)

Conclusion