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Nov 30, 2008

Fearlessness in Suffering

Passage: Acts 9:23-31

Preacher: Tim Badal

Series:The Amazing Change

Summary:

A Study of Paul's Conversion Part 8 Acts 9:23-31 "Fearlessness in Suffering" "The ‘essence' of persecution consists in ‘subjecting a person to injury or disadvantage on account of his opinions.' It is something more than meeting his opinions by argument, which is always right and proper; it is inflicting some injury on him; depriving him of some privilege, or right; subjecting him to some disadvantage, or placing him in less favorable circumstances, on account of his sentiments." -- Albert Barnes •1. The reality of persecution. •2. The reasons for persecution. Persecution: •a. Is the destiny of many Christians. •b. Happens because of our doctrine. •c. Is a sinful response to Christ-like dedication. •3. The varied reactions to persecution. Acts 9 describes three common reactions: •a. We can become fearful of trusting others. •b. New friendships can be created. •c. Our fearlessness can grow in spite of opposition. •4. The results of persecution. Positive results can include: •a. Enjoying times of peace. •b. Experiencing empowered ministry. •c. Seeing explosive growth. Negative results can include: •a. Extreme pain and suffering. •b. The end of our life. •5. The biblical response to persecution. 1 Peter 3:13-17 suggests five ways in which we ought to respond to persecution. We should: •a. Cheer up. •b. Buck up. •c. Lift up. •d. Speak up. •e. Shape up.

Detail:

A Study of Paul's Conversion

Part 8

Acts 9:23-31

"Fearlessness in Suffering"

"The ‘essence' of persecution consists in ‘subjecting a person to injury or disadvantage on account of his opinions.'  It is something more than meeting his opinions by argument, which is always right and proper; it is inflicting some injury on him; depriving him of some privilege, or right; subjecting him to some disadvantage, or placing him in less favorable circumstances, on account of his sentiments."  -- Albert Barnes

                                                                                                           

•1.     The reality of persecution.

•2.     The reasons for persecution.

Persecution:

•a.     Is the destiny of  many Christians.

•b.     Happens because of our doctrine.

•c.      Is a sinful response to Christ-like dedication.

•3.     The varied reactions to persecution.

Acts 9 describes three common reactions:

•a.     We can become fearful of trusting others.

•b.     New friendships can be created.

•c.      Our fearlessness can grow in spite of opposition.


•4.     The results of persecution.

Positive results can include:          

•a.     Enjoying times of peace.

•b.     Experiencing empowered ministry.

•c.      Seeing explosive growth.

Negative results can include:

•a.     Extreme pain and suffering.

•b.     The end of our life.

•5.     The biblical response to persecution.

1 Peter 3:13-17 suggests five ways in which we ought to respond to persecution.  We should:

•a.     Cheer up.

•b.     Buck up.

•c.      Lift up.

•d.     Speak up.

•e.     Shape up.