Becoming a Stronger Disciple

HOW A DISCIPLE WATCHES

(The Persecution)

Being Ready for the Lord’s return is going to involve some persecution – but that’s OK!

(Mark 13:9-13) “You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of Me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. All men will hate you because of Me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

1. Retribution

A. Once we tell the whole world about salvation in Jesus, the Lord will return!

(9b-10) “On account of Me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them.

And the gospel must first be preached to all nations.”

(Matthew 24:14) “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations,

and then the end will come.”

B. With growing intensity, we will be punished for talking about Jesus.

(9) “You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged...”

(13a) “All men will hate you because of Me...”

(Matthew 24:9) “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated

by all nations because of Me.”

C. Those who DO NOT follow Jesus are increasing their retribution against those who DO follow Jesus.

(I am certain) that the reason there is so much shallow living – much talk but little obedience – is that so few are prepared to be, like the pine on the hilltop, alone in the wind for God. (Amy Carmichael)

2. Inspiration

A. The Lord promises to give us the courage and words we need to talk to folks about Him.

(11b) “Do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time,

for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.”

B. We just need to be willing to talk to folks about the Lord.

3. Determination

A. Determination:

· The tool we use to defeat discouragement.

· The tool we use to crawl out of the hole.

· The tool we use to overcome limitations.

· The tool we use to starve our doubts and feed our faith.

· The tool we use to succeed – no matter what!

(12) “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents

and have them put to death.”

(Matthew 24:9b-10) “You will be hated by all nations because of Me. At that time many will turn away from the faith

and will betray and hate each other.”

B. As persecution increases, some will abandon their faith to save their necks.

(13) “All men will hate you because of Me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

C. Genuine disciples will remain determined until the very end – no matter what!