PERSECUTION KEY 2 (21 OF 22)
by Steve Jones
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-16
This content is part of a series.
Persecution Key 2 (21 of 22)
Series: Keys of the Kingdom
Steve Jones
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-16
Series Summary: This is an expository sermon series through I Peter. Jesus gave to Peter the ‘‘Keys of the Kingdom’’ (Matthew 16:19). ‘‘Keys’’ will be the uniting theme for the series.
Sermon Summary: We prepare for persecution when we 1) True Up Our Expectations, 2) Don’t Waste Our Suffering, 3) Suffer Well.
INTRODUCTION: Peter’s many references to suffering and persecution is one of the reasons the letter is dated between A.D. 64-67. The Christians in Rome at that time were facing considerable and imminent persecution. Historical study shows us that this began in earnest with the Roman emperor Nero, in connection with the great fire that destroyed most of Rome in July of A.D. 64. The people blamed Nero and Nero, to divert attention from himself, blamed the fire on the Christians and inaugurated a cruel and horrific persecution against them.
The Roman historian Tacitus records these events thus (in his Annals, 15:44, found online at http://sacred-texts.com/cla/tac/a15040.htm): ‘‘Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. Accordingly, an arrest was first made of all who pleaded guilty; then, upon their information, an immense multitude was convicted. Mockery of every sort was added to their deaths. Covered with the skins of beasts, they were torn by dogs and perished, or were nailed to crosses, or were doomed to the flames and burnt. Hence, even for criminals who deserved extreme and exemplary punishment, there arose a feeling of compassion; for it was not, as it seemed, for the public good, but to glut one man’s cruelty, that they were being destroyed.’’
So, Peter writes to EQUIP his readers to handle suffering and in so doing he PREPARES us to do the same. Let’s note six ways to prepare for persecution.
I. TRUE UP OUR EXPECTATIONS
I Pt. 4:12 ‘‘ ...
Series: Keys of the Kingdom
Steve Jones
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-16
Series Summary: This is an expository sermon series through I Peter. Jesus gave to Peter the ‘‘Keys of the Kingdom’’ (Matthew 16:19). ‘‘Keys’’ will be the uniting theme for the series.
Sermon Summary: We prepare for persecution when we 1) True Up Our Expectations, 2) Don’t Waste Our Suffering, 3) Suffer Well.
INTRODUCTION: Peter’s many references to suffering and persecution is one of the reasons the letter is dated between A.D. 64-67. The Christians in Rome at that time were facing considerable and imminent persecution. Historical study shows us that this began in earnest with the Roman emperor Nero, in connection with the great fire that destroyed most of Rome in July of A.D. 64. The people blamed Nero and Nero, to divert attention from himself, blamed the fire on the Christians and inaugurated a cruel and horrific persecution against them.
The Roman historian Tacitus records these events thus (in his Annals, 15:44, found online at http://sacred-texts.com/cla/tac/a15040.htm): ‘‘Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. Accordingly, an arrest was first made of all who pleaded guilty; then, upon their information, an immense multitude was convicted. Mockery of every sort was added to their deaths. Covered with the skins of beasts, they were torn by dogs and perished, or were nailed to crosses, or were doomed to the flames and burnt. Hence, even for criminals who deserved extreme and exemplary punishment, there arose a feeling of compassion; for it was not, as it seemed, for the public good, but to glut one man’s cruelty, that they were being destroyed.’’
So, Peter writes to EQUIP his readers to handle suffering and in so doing he PREPARES us to do the same. Let’s note six ways to prepare for persecution.
I. TRUE UP OUR EXPECTATIONS
I Pt. 4:12 ‘‘ ...
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