IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

Fieldwork Instructions (ii)

Date: Apr. 28, 2021

Passage

Matthew 10:16-25

Persecution Will Come

16 “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 17 Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. 19 When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. 20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, 22 and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 23 When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.

Daily Bread

Key Verse: Matthew 10:22b

22 and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

1. Persecution for Christ is to be expected

In sending out his Twelve, Jesus forewarned of persecutions from religious authorities (17), government officials (18), and family members (21). Those who hate Jesus will hate those who are faithful to him, but whoever stands firm in their faith in Jesus will be saved (22). When persecuted they were to flee. Jesus would come soon to their rescue.

2. Stand firm and don't worry

Jesus gave counsel to his followers who would be persecuted: be shrewd like snakes, but innocent like doves (16); be on guard (17); don't worry, for the Holy Spirit will give you words (20); stand firm to the end (22). Why are Christians persecuted? Jesus said: 'On my account,' and, 'because of me.' It's an honor to suffer with and for Jesus and for the gospel (24,25).

Prayer: Lord Jesus, may I count it an honor to suffer for you. Help me to stand firm.

One Word: Don't worry, stand firm for Jesus

Daily Bread

We Are Your Sheep, Lord

Psalm 79:1-13

Key Verse: 79:13

But we your people, the sheep of your pasture,
will give thanks to you forever;
from generation to generation we will recount your praise.

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