The Path to God through Imperfection
Week 5-Picked On and Put Down
Matthew 5:9-10
Handling Opposition to Your Faith
“Anyone who belongs to Christ Jesus and wants to live right will have trouble from others.”
2 Timothy 3:12
WHAT TO REMEMBER…
- Opposition can make me more like Jesus.
“When the world hates you, remember it hated me first. The world would love you IF you belonged to it, but you don’t. I chose you out of the world. That’s why the world will hate you. No servant is ever greater than his master, so since they persecuted me, they will persecute you too.” John 15:18-20
- Opposition will deepen my faith.
“These troubles will prove that your faith is genuine. Just as gold is purified by fire and heat, so your faith, which is far more precious than gold, must also be purified by fire so it may endure. Then you’ll receive praise and glory and honor on the Day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” 1 Peter 1:7
- Opposition will give eternal rewards.
“God blesses those who are persecuted because they live for God: the Kingdom of Heaven will be theirs! You will be blessed when people insult you, and persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:10-12
WHAT TO DO…
- Don’t be surprised.
“Dear friends, don’t be surprised or shocked when you go through painful trials that are like walking through fire, as though something unusual is happening to you.” 1 Peter 4:12
- Don’t be afraid.
“If you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it, so don’t be afraid and don’t worry! Instead, worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.” 1 Peter 3:14-15
- Refuse to retaliate.
“Never pay back evil with more evil . . . If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. And never avenge yourself. Leave that to God, who has said, ‘I’ll be the judge and I’ll take care of it.’” Romans 12:17-19 (NLT)
- Respond with goodness.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 6:9
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21