Trouble and Trust--Matthew 10:16-3

Nick C, 5/4/25

1) The Promise of Persecution     

Jesus’ promise, “You will be hated by absolutely everybody because of my name,” is one of the handful of sayings in the Gospel handed on to us almost verbatim by all four evangelists (Matt 10:22, 24:9; Mark 13:13; Luke 21:17; adapted in John 15:18–19). It seems to be one of the most historically certain of Jesus’ statements. 

–Dale Bruner 

2) The Purpose of Persecution

2 Corinthians 1:8-9 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. 

Matthew 13:20-21 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. (NIV)

1 Peter 1:6-7 So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. (NLT)

Acts 8:1 And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria…

The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church. 

--Tertullian 

3) Our Posture in Persecution 

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, 12 so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need. (NASB) 

His portrait of sheep among wolves was to impress upon disciple-missionaries that they are vulnerable; his portrait of snakes is to teach them not to be stupidly vulnerable. 

--Dale Bruner 

How not to be afraid during persecution?

       Focus On: 

       1) Our Identity 

       2) God's Sovereignty 

       3) Our Future Eternity 

Application: 

       1) Live out our faith boldly, but gently, even in the midst of a world that hates us. 

       2) Meditate regularly on our identity, God’s sovereignty, and our future eternity. 

       3) Remember the persecuted church around the world, by praying for them regularly. 

Hebrews 13:3 Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.