CHRISTIANS, TO THE LIONS! (Acts 21:27-39)
Dennis Kreiss, February 15, 2020Part of the Acts - The Spreading Flame series, preached for Growing Together Radio
CHRISTIANS, TO THE LIONS!
The Deadly Danger of Persecution
Acts 21:27-39
The Heart of the Matter
Ninety-five percent of all Christians worldwide suffer some form of persecution. More Christians are being martyred for their faith today than at any other time in the history of the church! We must pray for all those in authority so that we may live a quiet and peaceable life. We must understand that persecution is an insidious spiritual attack against the kingdom of God.
Background of the Book
Paul has been in the Temple for almost 7 days. Some Jews from Asia stirred up the crowd, assuming that “his lack of respect for Jewish traditions” led him to bring Gentiles into the Temple. Paul was just about to be dragged out of the temple and stoned when, in the nick of time, the Roman legion from the fortress of Antonia saved him.
Teaching Points
? Persecution is stirred up by a few under false pretenses 27…
A ______ Jews from Asia stirred up the whole crowd
They did it by shouting __________ accusations
They led the crowd to believe that Paul was against the law
They said Paul brought Gentiles into the Holy Temple
False accusations are the stock and trade of persecution. Therefore, the tool of our trade must be the truth
? Persecution flares into mob mayhem 30…
In a matter of minutes entire city was ready to riot
Paul didn’t receive a trial or defense. He was at the mercy of a mob
? Persecution is vicious and often fatal 32…
30 - They ruthlessly dragged him from the temple
32 – They were viciously ___________ him
33 – He was bound in chains as though he were the criminal
35 – to get him out of reach, the soldiers put him on their shoulders
? Persecution is saturated with false information 37…
Paul was _______________ was under the blood and bruises
28 - He was accused falsely
34 - The multitude shouted conflicting accusations
38 - The commander thought he was an Egyptian
False accusations misrepresented Paul as a dangerous insurrectionist
What should we do about persecution?
#1 _____________ our persecuted brethren. Heb 13:3
#2 ________ for the safety of our brothers 1 Timothy 1:1-4
#3 __________ up for them Proverbs 24:11-12
The Bottom Line
We must Never Forget our suffering brethren, reminding the world of their plight and petitioning the Lord for their safety. We must look back at 9.11.01 and lift the cry, “9-11, Never again!” 9-11 was not just about a terrorist act against the United States. It was part of a large and sinister wave of persecution against the “Christian” West. Every day the reality of suffering, inflicted by angry hands, comes home to scores of Christians. Until his kingdom of peace comes to this earth, let us pray for the freedom to spread the good news of Eternal life without fear of persecution.
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