Persecution Is a Promise: How to Arm Yourself for Success

Sermon outline

Arm yourself with the knowledge that persecution is part of the package for every godly believer, so that when trials come you think it not strange, make up your mind, and swallow your challenges like bread.

1. Love God for who He is, not for what He gives

   Some serve a 'sugar candy God' and throw in the towel when prayers are not answered in a few weeks or months. Often you are simply in the pit, a prophet or priest in training, and jumping out early means revisiting the place. Mature believers keep the same song when the wallet is empty and the mountain is in front of them.

   “It's easy to sing when the wallet is full.”

   • Job 13:15
   • Philippians 4:19

2. Persecution is a promise: think it not strange

   All who live godly in Christ will suffer persecution, so expect it and rejoice when it comes. When a fiery trial knocks at the door, open it and say 'What took you so long?', because passing the test takes you to the next level. Speak well of your job, since God put you there so your light may shine, and at work the boss may be over you but you are in charge in the spirit.

   Illustration: After singing 'Oh, I love Jesus' in church, a bill arrives at home, and the question is whether you can still say you love Him now.

   “Persecution to a Christian is a promise.”

   • 2 Timothy 3:12-17
   • 1 Peter 4:12-14
   • 1 John 4:4
   • Proverbs 18:21
   • Matthew 5:16
   • Matthew 18:18
   • John 8:23

3. A hundredfold now in this time, with persecutions

   Jesus promised that no one who leaves home, family or lands for His sake will fail to receive a hundredfold in this life, including houses and children, but the hidden words are 'with persecutions'. He defines persecution as harsh treatment, being compelled to comply, undue punishment, hatred, abuse of authority and isolation. Yet believers belong to a higher kingdom, with angels and the Comforter, so they must not let people manipulate or control them.

   Illustration: When you are newly saved, God seems to feed you a bottle every time you cry, but after a while He expects you to grow up. He also warns that a relationship God has not ordained must be cut off even under emotional pressure: a pinprick is better than amputation.

   “But the Bible does not exempt persecution.”

   • Mark 10:28-30
   • John 18:36
   • John 17:14-16
   • John 14:16
   • Hebrews 13:5

4. Prosperity is a state of mind

   Prosperity is not tied up in things; it is resting in God's promises and having His peace, and houses and cars are only by-products. The man without Christ may have the biggest house and still not sleep at night. He shares that behind the scenes he faces godly persecution too, and has learned that pressure is the secret of power.

   Illustration: You could be in the bush, but with a prosperous mind you'll soon have a castle; you can speak to three shirts and get a wardrobe full.

   “We follow the vision. The provision follows us.”

   • Matthew 6:33
   • Psalm 60:11

5. The measure of persecution equals the measure of training

   In the fire you learn to encourage yourself and are trained to reign, and what once made you want to quit later hardly affects you. Leaders must discern the seasons in people's lives and not play Lord over them: point them to the Word and let them cry out to God, the only source. The Holy Ghost is the true pastor of the church, and pastors are under-shepherds.

   Illustration: If one of Joseph's brothers had pulled him out of the pit too early, he would never have reached Egypt to save Israel. He quotes T.L. Osborn: contrary winds drive the roots deeper.

   “The measure of persecution equals the measure of training in your life.”

   • Genesis 37:23-28
   • Jonah 1:17

6. Arm yourself: it will come from those close to you

   Jesus warned that believers would be betrayed by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and it will turn to a testimony. So when a brother does you down in church or in a business deal, don't stop coming to church, because that person never purchased your salvation. Don't trust the crowd; keep your eyes on Jesus and His Word, which is a safety net.

   Illustration: He says Muslims, Hindus and atheists never persecuted him and were kinder to him than many Christians. He tells of a well-known TV preacher who, whether praised or mocked on the street, heard God tell him to keep on walking.

   “The people that persecuted me the most were fellow Christians.”

   • Luke 21:7-16
   • Daniel 3:25
   • Daniel 6:22
   • Exodus 14:16
   • Matthew 21:9
   • Matthew 27:21-23

7. Make up your mind and swallow your challenges

   Jesus resolutely set His face towards Jerusalem, and Isaiah set his face like a flint; once you make up your mind, no one can change it. Joshua and Caleb said the people of the land were bread for them, so speak to your challenge in the name of Jesus instead of letting the mountain speak to you. We do not deny that problems exist; we deny their power, because the Spirit who raised Christ lives in us, the anointing breaks every yoke, and forgiving others keeps that power flowing.

   Illustration: He uses a chair as a volunteer's 'challenge' and speaks to it: 'You are bread for me. I will eat you for lunch.' Paul and Silas praised God at midnight in prison: the power was in the Spirit and the praise was the trigger.

   “We do not deny the existence of mountains. We deny its power over our lives.”

   • Luke 9:51
   • Romans 8:31
   • Isaiah 50:7
   • Hebrews 13:8
   • Numbers 14:5-9
   • 2 Timothy 1:7
   • Mark 11:23
   • Romans 8:11
   • Isaiah 10:27
   • 1 Samuel 17
   • 1 Corinthians 2:16
   • 2 Corinthians 5:17
   • Acts 16:25-26
   • Hebrews 1:14