LESSON 7 Coping with Persecution and Trials

OPENING PRAYER

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT REVIEW

COPING WITH PERSECUTION AND TRIALS • “Why did God allow James to die, but not Peter?” • “Why does God allow good Christian people to suffer, undergo persecution?” • See Psalm 73

PERSECUTION IN THE OLD TESTAMENT • Luke 11:47-51 • 1 Kings 19:1-3 • Jeremiah 26:7-15

PERSECUTION IN THE NEW TESTAMENT • John 15:20-21 • Matthew 5:10-12 • Matthew 24:9-14 • Luke 21:12-19 • John 16:2 • 1 Corinthians 4:11-14 • 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16 • 2 Thessalonians 1:4-5 • 2 Timothy 3:12 • 1 Peter 4:12-16

WHY DO PEOPLE PERSECUTE CHRISTIANS? What is it about the Christian message that causes people to hate Christians? Discuss.

• See 2 Timothy 4:3

WHY DOES GOD ALLOW IT? Two false assumptions:

Three reasons God allows it:

• James 1:2-4 • Romans 5:3-5 3. ____________________________________________________ • Matthew 13:20-21 • 1 Peter 1:6-7

HOW SHOULD CHRISTIANS REACT TO IT?

• Matthew 5:44 • 1 Peter 2:20-22 • Romans 12:18-21

• 2 Thessalonians 1:6 • Romans 8:18

CONCLUSION • Hebrews 12:1-11

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