Kingdom Principle: Jesus has stood up to the Pharisees and for this they hate him. In this world we will encounter hatred and hostility if we speak the truth of Jesus Christ. We should expect this. How are we to respond in faith and not in fear when we encounter this hatred from the world?
The Setup
The Pharisees hate Jesus and this hatred will soon be manifested in them calling for his crucifixion. Although their hatred is being suppressed now, it will soon become evident.
Subsequent Lesson
Do not entertain sin, even for a second. Sin will grow, and it will overtake you.
James 1:14–15 (ESV) — 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
Main Lesson
How should we respond when we face hostility in this world?
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We should NOT respond in ____________________________
Luke 12:4 (ESV) — 4 “I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do.
We should not respond in fear because this world’s power has limited power over us. The can kill the body, but cannot kill the soul.
The real problem, is not even our fear of those who might persecute us. Our fear, is a fear to lose that which merely pertains to this world.
“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”
–Jim Elliot
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We Should respond in _____________________________
Luke 12:5 (ESV) — 5 But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!
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The Father Loves Us
Luke 12:6–7 (ESV) — 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. 7 Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.
“There is no attribute of God more comforting to His children than the doctrine of divine sovereignty. Under the most adverse circumstances, in the most severe troubles, they believe that Sovereignty has ordained their afflictions, that Sovereignty overrules them, and that Sovereignty will sanctify them all. There is nothing for which the children of God ought more earnestly to contend than the dominion of their Master over all creation—the Kingship of God over all the works of His own hands—the throne of God, and His right to sit upon that throne.
The sovereignty of God is the pillow upon which the child of God rests his head at night, giving perfect peace.” –Charles Spurgeon
Responding to hostility in faith and not fear, looks like trusting God in the face of that hostility. Knowing first of all that God ordains all things according to his perfect will, and that God is with us in the midst of that hostility, directing all parties for his glory and our ultimate good.
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The Son Accepts Us
Luke 12:8–12 (ESV) — 8 “And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God, 9 but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God.
What Jesus is getting at here is that the reason you should not be afraid when you are persecuted, and even killed for your faith in this world, is that you have a greater hope in the world to come. In that day, Jesus will accept you and he will commend you to his Father.
