Slaves of No Significance: the Christian Logic and Persecution

John 15:18-26

Persecution is inevitable and only makes sense if we follow Jesus, whom the world hates, yet it is part of the plan of God to advance the great commission.

Sermon Notes

Proposition: 8 surprising facts about persecution that you would have never guessed could be true, but totally are.

The inevitability of persecution (vv. 18-21)

4 logical statements about persecution:

The undeniability of the world’s guilt (vv. 22-25)

2 logical statements about the guilt of the world:

8 surprising facts about persecution that you would have never guessed could be true, but totally are:

1. Persecution is not merely a result of being a Christian, but a design of God to advance the Great Commission.
2. Persecution does not extinguish the church; but rather it enflames the church to greater missionary zeal.
3. Persecution indicates not only that you have the right message, but that you’re getting the right message right.
4. Persecution is a sign of God’s blessing and favor.
5. Persecution is wonderful evidence that your life is godly and righteous.
6. Persecution reveals who is an authentic Christian and who very well might be a counterfeit.
7. The same act that gets you persecuted is the same act that saves your persecutors,
8. Persecution and suffering for Christ increases your reward.

Jerod Gilcher

Jerod is the former College Pastor at Faith Bible Church. He is now the senior pastor at Christ Community Bible Church in Arlington, Texas. He and his wife Sarah have three daughters and he enjoys learning languages, particularly ancient languages. 

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