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Bless Those Who Persecute You
// Sermon Application //
1. The whole aim of the Christian life is summarized by one word - love. God's love for us and our love for Him and others in response. People often make this a challenge -- especially our selves. We are a trial to our own Christian life. In what ways are you presently struggling to love the Lord and love others in your life (be specific).
Are there currently any relationships in your life where your love for another person is not reciprocal? Modestly describe. What is the Lord calling you towards in those relationships?
2. Persecution is a universal reality for all Christians. Describe the various forms of persecution that Christians face in this life:
- Simple mockery
- Being maligned
- Ostracism
- Threats
- Plundering of property
- Exile & imprisonment
- Death
• Have you faced any of these? Describe.
• Are you presently facing any of these? Describe.
• How are you doing in light of these pressures (how are they affecting you)?
3. Many people stop pursuing and living for the Lord on account of persecution (eg. parable of the soils). Are there ways presently that you are not doing well as you encounter "peer-pressure" (exclusion from the "cool group")? Since persecution is not primarily a "problem," but an "opportunity" -- what opportunities is the Lord giving you as you face this form of persecution? How is the Lord calling you to "bless and not curse" those who are persecuting/excluding you? What might this look like in the coming days/weeks? How might you "go the extra mile" towards your current enemies?
4. When we suffer persecution and respond in love, it often "heaps burning coals onto the heads" of those who persecute you. Describe your understanding of this truth. How is this a comfort and help to you?
5. When you display Christ in the midst of persecution, it often leads to others salvation (eg. centurion at the cross). In what ways can you display Christ in the midst of persecution and who are you presently burdened for, who might see your love and glorify your Father in heaven? Spend some time praying for them together!
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By Immanuel// Sermon Application //
1. The whole aim of the Christian life is summarized by one word - love. God's love for us and our love for Him and others in response. People often make this a challenge -- especially our selves. We are a trial to our own Christian life. In what ways are you presently struggling to love the Lord and love others in your life (be specific).
Are there currently any relationships in your life where your love for another person is not reciprocal? Modestly describe. What is the Lord calling you towards in those relationships?
2. Persecution is a universal reality for all Christians. Describe the various forms of persecution that Christians face in this life:
- Simple mockery
- Being maligned
- Ostracism
- Threats
- Plundering of property
- Exile & imprisonment
- Death
• Have you faced any of these? Describe.
• Are you presently facing any of these? Describe.
• How are you doing in light of these pressures (how are they affecting you)?
3. Many people stop pursuing and living for the Lord on account of persecution (eg. parable of the soils). Are there ways presently that you are not doing well as you encounter "peer-pressure" (exclusion from the "cool group")? Since persecution is not primarily a "problem," but an "opportunity" -- what opportunities is the Lord giving you as you face this form of persecution? How is the Lord calling you to "bless and not curse" those who are persecuting/excluding you? What might this look like in the coming days/weeks? How might you "go the extra mile" towards your current enemies?
4. When we suffer persecution and respond in love, it often "heaps burning coals onto the heads" of those who persecute you. Describe your understanding of this truth. How is this a comfort and help to you?
5. When you display Christ in the midst of persecution, it often leads to others salvation (eg. centurion at the cross). In what ways can you display Christ in the midst of persecution and who are you presently burdened for, who might see your love and glorify your Father in heaven? Spend some time praying for them together!