THE JOY OF PERSECUTION? (3 OF 4)
by Jeff Strite
Scripture: Philippians 3:8-11
This content is part of a series.
The Joy Of Persecution? (3 of 4)
Series: Unity In Christ
Jeff Strite
Philippians 3:8-11
An extremely nervous patient came for root canal surgery. He was made comfortable in the reclining dental chair a numbing agent was injected around the tooth, and then the dentist left the room for a few minutes while the medication took hold. When the dentist returned, the patient was standing over a tray of dental equipment and in his shock he asked ''What are you doing there?''
The man didn't even look up, ''I'm taking out the ones I don't like.''
(Paula Fontaine Reader's Digest 2/02)
Today we're going to talk about something most folks would rather not talk about. Suffering for our faith. In our text this morning, Paul tells us that because of Christ ''I have SUFFERED the loss of all things''. He also wrote that he hoped that: ''I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his SUFFERINGS.''
Now, I got to tell you, that does not seem logical. It wouldn't make any sense that I would want to suffer as a Christian. And yet... that's what Paul seems to be saying here. In fact, the Bible repeatedly tells us that we are going to suffer!!!
Jesus said ''In this world YOU WILL HAVE TROUBLE. But take heart because I have overcome the world.'' John 16:33
Paul wrote: ''For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that WE WERE TO SUFFER AFFLICTION, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know.'' 1 Thessalonians 3:4
And Peter wrote: ''in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, WHEN YOU ARE SLANDERED, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.'' I Peter 3:15-17
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said: ''Blessed are those who are PERS ...
Series: Unity In Christ
Jeff Strite
Philippians 3:8-11
An extremely nervous patient came for root canal surgery. He was made comfortable in the reclining dental chair a numbing agent was injected around the tooth, and then the dentist left the room for a few minutes while the medication took hold. When the dentist returned, the patient was standing over a tray of dental equipment and in his shock he asked ''What are you doing there?''
The man didn't even look up, ''I'm taking out the ones I don't like.''
(Paula Fontaine Reader's Digest 2/02)
Today we're going to talk about something most folks would rather not talk about. Suffering for our faith. In our text this morning, Paul tells us that because of Christ ''I have SUFFERED the loss of all things''. He also wrote that he hoped that: ''I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his SUFFERINGS.''
Now, I got to tell you, that does not seem logical. It wouldn't make any sense that I would want to suffer as a Christian. And yet... that's what Paul seems to be saying here. In fact, the Bible repeatedly tells us that we are going to suffer!!!
Jesus said ''In this world YOU WILL HAVE TROUBLE. But take heart because I have overcome the world.'' John 16:33
Paul wrote: ''For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that WE WERE TO SUFFER AFFLICTION, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know.'' 1 Thessalonians 3:4
And Peter wrote: ''in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, WHEN YOU ARE SLANDERED, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.'' I Peter 3:15-17
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said: ''Blessed are those who are PERS ...
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