Insults = Blessings?

TODAY’S SPECIAL: I Peter 4:12-19

TO CHEW ON: "If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you." I Peter 4:14

Which of these things has happened to you because you are a Christian?
- called names
- left out
- teased
- made fun of

It’s not fun going through things like that. But it shouldn’t surprise us. People in the past were insulted and persecuted because they trusted in God:

"Goliath" - Artist unknown

"David" - Artist Unknown

• David’s older brother made fun of him when David came to the battlefield and started asking questions about why no one was challenging Goliath when he insulted God. (1 Samuel 17:28)

• Nehemiah was teased by Sanballat and Tobiah when he began rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem. They made fun of his work, joking, “..if even a fox climbed up on it, he would break down their wall of stones.” (Nehemiah 2:19; 4:3).

• Jesus said that his followers would be arrested, persecuted, even killed (John 15:20).

Which statements below are True? Which are False (if you’re not sure, read Luke 21:12-16 and Revelation 2:10)

1. ____ Jesus’ followers will be arrested and in this way have a chance to tell kings and governors about Jesus.

2. ____ Christians should worry about and plan what to say when questioned by those who arrest them.

3. ____ Christians will be betrayed only by strangers, never by family, friends or relatives.

4. ____ Jesus will give a crown of life to those who are faithful to Him through persecution.


PRAYER: Dear Jesus, help me to stay Your loyal friend no matter what. Amen

MORE: Have You Been Persecuted?
Write about a time you or someone else was treated badly for believing in Jesus.

ANSWERS

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.