August 4
Mark 3:9-13
Yikes! Anyone who has the idea that once you become a Christian all your problems disappear needs to read these verses! We will be persecuted. Why? Jesus tells us that it is "on account of me." If we associate with Jesus, we can expect to get the same treatment He got. "Do you remember what I told you? A slave is not greater than the master. Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you." (John 15:20 NLT) But these verses are not meant to be discouraging to us, because we know we will never be alone. "Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit." (vs. 11 NIV) "But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative - that is, the Holy Spirit - he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you." (John 14:26 NLT) We are fortunate to live in a country where we are lawfully free to share our faith. However, we also live in a very judgemental country and fear of being rejected or made fun of is something that holds a lot of us back. This lesson should be encouragement to us. The Holy Spirit is always with us to help us know what to say, and to comfort us if it doesn't go so well.
Principle: Opposition is inevitable, but God's Holy Spirit will empower and sustain the believer to the end.
Application:
1. How has the Holy Spirit helped me in my trials, and how have I depended on Him to do so?
2. When I am being persecuted, do my words come from the Holy Spirit of do I defend myself in my own way?
3. What am I doing to spread the gospel to all parts of the world?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
"On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them." Read the story of Paul in the book of Acts, and you will see this fulfilled. My other thought has to do with the Spirit giving us the right words to say when we are on trail for our faith. Some use these words to discount the value of preparation. Anybody who has sat under a preacher who just "wings it" and doesn't study and prepare knows that Jesus can't mean what such preachers think he means. Jesus is talking about what how God helps us when preparation isn't possible. No way could we predict what trumped up charges might be brought against us because of our faith...in those moments the Spirit will give us the right words. But don't confuse being spontaneous with being Spirit led. The Holy Spirit gave Moses the tabernacle plans in advance, and so He does today to preachers and teacher who are planning how to teach his Word.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't on trial or being persecuted but I got to experience the Holy Spirit's power in giving me just the right words at the right time this past week in Brazil. God gave me opportunities to speak to children and three different women about Jesus. It only makes sense when He is doing the talking.
ReplyDeleteWelcome home Lori! What a wonderful gift you gave to those children and ladies. Sounds like alot of seeds were planted :)
ReplyDeleteA long time ago someone told me to be "packed up, prayed up, and ready to go". Now that I am preparing to go and visit friends and family who do not view God's Word as I do, I fear that I will get tongue-tied or not have the courage to speak when the Lord opens the door. Everyone is so "politically correct" in New England that the fear of offending often takes center stage. I know that my job is to go prepared and then God will take it from there. Sounds like a good plan to me! I don’t want to jump out in front of God, and I certainly do not want to miss any opportunity to point others to Him. Again I am grateful for this study which is really helping me to prepare