Text: Matthew 10:28
Jesus gave the twelve disciples a limited commission to “go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 10:6). He told them that not everyone would receive them (Matthew 10:14) and that they would face persecution (Matthew 10:17-18). But He also told them not to fear those who would harm them (Matthew 10:28). Persecution is meant to intimidate Christians into being silent about their faith, or to abandon it altogether. We need to be prepared to handle this.
Who Would Kill Them?
- Those who oppose Christ (Matthew 10:22) – this is a pretty broad answer
- As we look through the NT, who would kill or bring harm to Christians?
- Those who were convicted by the message (Acts 7:51-60)
- Those who found it politically convenient (Acts 12:1-4)
- Those who once praised them (Acts 14:11-19)
- Those who see the gospel as turning their world upside down (Acts 17:4-8)
- Those who profit off of sin (Acts 19:23-28; 16:19-24)
- Those who practice a religion contrary to the way of Christ (Acts 21:27-32; 22:22)
Do Not Fear Them
- Peter admonished Christians facing persecution to not be intimidated (1 Peter 3:14) – this was directly connected to the instruction to be ready to give an answer (1 Peter 3:15); these attacks are meant to intimidate Christians into being silent; we cannot be silent
- However, this does not mean we ignore threats of danger – we must be willing to face persecution (Matthew 10:17), but there may be times when we can avoid/escape it (Matthew 10:23); we are to be wise as serpents in the midst of wolves (Matthew 10:16)
Hope Beyond This Life
- Those who can kill the body can do no more than that – they cannot destroy the soul; this is the part of us that lives on after our life is over (cf. Ecclesiastes 12:7)
- Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us (John 14:1-3) – His resurrection gives us hope for life after death (John 11:25; 1 Corinthians 15:20-23); He will return to bring the faithful home with Him (1 Thessalonians 4:14-18)
Fear God
- He is the one with power “to destroy both soul and body in hell” – He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world (Acts 17:30-31); those who are not pleasing to Him will go away to everlasting destruction (Matthew 25:41, 46)
- What will we do if we fear God?
- Strive to be like our master (Matthew 10:24-25) – suffer with Him and live like Him (1 Peter 2:21-22; 4:1-2)
- Keep speaking the truth (Matthew 10:27) – give an answer despite intimidation (1 Peter 3:14-15)
- Confess Jesus before men (Matthew 10:32-33) – even in the face of persecution (Revelation 2:13)
- Put Christ before family ties (Matthew 10:34-37) – they may turn against us (Matthew 10:21)
- Take up our cross and follow Him (Matthew 10:38-39) – follow Him no matter what the cost
Conclusion
- Persecution is meant to intimidate Bible-believers into being silent about their convictions
- We cannot stop speaking (Acts 4:19-20) – fear only God; do not compromise or abandon your faith
