Persecution Will Come

Announcements

This Month's Topic: Evangelism

Scripture Reference: Matthew 10:16-23

Discussion Objective: Just because we follow Christ it doesn't mean will won't be mocked and ridiculed, but that doesn't release us from the responsibility of evangelism

Opening

Read and unpack along the way:

  1. And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction.
  2. The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
  3. Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;
  4. Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
  5. These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans,
  6. but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
  7. And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’
  8. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.
  9. Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts,
  10. no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food.
  11. And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart.
  12. As you enter the house, greet it.
  13. And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.
  14. And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town.
  15. Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.

Put yourself in the shoes of the disciples while listening to verses 16-18 - what are you thinking?

16. “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
17. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues,
18. and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles.

V16-18: Comments and/or follow up questions

You've been told you will be persecuted, now you are told that the answers will come to you in real time. What are the dangers of knowing too much ahead of time?

19. When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour.
20. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

V19-20: Comments and/or follow up questions

What is your reaction to verse 23 at it relates to your personal evangelism efforts?

21. Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death,
22. and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
23. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

V21-23: Comments and/or follow up questions

What are your personal barriers for approaching someone about the gospel?

Pastor Notes

Notes from same book of the bible

File Chapter Resource
1_Luke Overview - Bible Book Overview
The Miracle of Christmas Shepherd Evangelism 2 Teaching
Simeon Waiting for Jesus 2
  • Discussion
Jesus Tempted 4 Discussion
Jesus Call the Disciples Fishers of Men and Their Response in Following 5
  • Discussion
Unpacking the Parables Specks and Planks 6 Teaching
Disabled Woman 13 Teaching
Persistent Widow 18 Discussion
Jesus Saves Zacchaeus and His Response in Giving 19
  • Discussion
A Biblical Leader is One Who Serves 22 Discussion
Jesus' Personal Prayer Time 22 Discussion
Proclaim His Name to All Nations 24 Discussion
Telling Plainly What Happened 24 Discussion