📖 Sermon 151 – Persecution Foretold
Date: [no date given]
Text: Luke 21:12–19
Introduction
Before the destruction of Jerusalem, and throughout the age of the church, Christ’s disciples would face persecution, opposition, betrayal, and hatred for His name’s sake. Yet these trials would become a testimony for the Gospel, and Christ promises sustaining grace to all who endure.
A. “They shall lay their hands on you”
Arrests, threats, and violence.
B. “Delivering you up to synagogues and prisons”
Legal and religious opposition combined.
C. “Brought before kings and rulers
for My name’s sake”
High-level testimony given through suffering.
A. “It shall turn to you for a testimony”
Trials open doors for witness.
B. “Settle it therefore in your hearts
not to meditate before
what ye shall answer”
Depend not on human preparation
but on divine help.
C. “I will give you a mouth and wisdom”
Christ Himself speaks through His people.
A. “Ye shall be betrayed
by parents, brethren, kinfolk, and friends”
Suffering may come from those closest.
B. “Some of you shall they cause to be put to death”
The cost of discipleship can be high.
C. “Ye shall be hated of all men
for My name’s sake”
The world resists Christ and His Gospel.
A. “There shall not an hair of your head perish”
Ultimate safety in God’s hands.
B. “In your patience possess ye your souls”
Endurance is the fruit of faith.
C. Eternal life outweighs temporal suffering
Conclusion
Christ does not hide the cost of following Him. But He gives strength, wisdom, and eternal reward to those who remain faithful. Persecution becomes a platform for the Gospel, and endurance brings the salvation of the soul.
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