2. Responding to Persecution:
Be submissive
Be filled with the Spirit
Be courageous in seizing opportunities

3. Facing Persecution
Part 2 Acts 4:23-31 January 6, 2019

4. Responding to Persecution:
Be obedient to God at all costs

5. 1 Peter 2:13-17 (ESV)
Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

6. Responding to Persecution:
Be obedient to God at all costs
Be committed to fellowship
Be thankful

7. Romans 8:28 (ESV) And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.

8. Responding to Persecution:
Be obedient to God at all costs
Be committed to fellowship
Be thankful
Be desirous of great boldness

9. Implications & Applications:
Expect persecution.

10. Matthew 24:3-6 (ESV) As He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.

11. Matthew 24:7-11 (ESV) For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.

12. Matthew 24:12-14 (ESV) And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

13. Implications & Applications:
Are you ready to make a defense?
When persecution comes, be:
Obedient to God
Committed to fellowship
Thankful
Bold