Embracing Persecution: A Call to Spiritual Growth

Devotional

Day 1: God's Eternal Promises to Israel

God's promises to Israel are not just historical but have profound implications for the future, including the return of Jesus. As believers, we are called to bless Israel and live lives that reflect the beauty of Yeshua HaMashiach, drawing others to Him through our example. This means actively praying for Israel, supporting Messianic Jews, and understanding the role of Israel in God's redemptive plan. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's heart and His eternal purposes.

The significance of Israel in God's plan is evident throughout the Bible. From the covenant with Abraham to the prophetic promises of restoration, Israel holds a unique place in God's heart. As we bless Israel, we participate in God's unfolding plan for the world, which ultimately leads to the return of Jesus. Our lives should be a testimony of God's faithfulness to His promises, drawing others to the beauty of Yeshua HaMashiach. [08:16]

Isaiah 62:6-7 (ESV): "On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have set watchmen; all the day and all the night they shall never be silent. You who put the Lord in remembrance, take no rest, and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it a praise in the earth."

Reflection: How can you actively bless Israel in your daily life? Consider ways to pray for, support, and reflect God's heart for His chosen people today.

Day 2: Persecution as a Divine Gift

Persecution is both a demonic attack and a divine gift meant to enhance our spiritual growth. We are called to rejoice in our sufferings, understanding that they are part of God's plan to refine us and prepare us for eternity. This perspective transforms our trials into opportunities for growth and deeper intimacy with God. By embracing persecution with joy, we align ourselves with the experiences of Jesus and His disciples, who faced hatred and opposition for their faith.

Understanding persecution as a divine gift helps us to see beyond the immediate pain and discomfort. It is a tool that God uses to shape our character, deepen our faith, and draw us closer to Him. As we endure persecution, we are reminded of our spiritual identity as "sons of the resurrection," both persecuted and blessed. This identity empowers us to stand firm in our faith, knowing that our sufferings are not in vain but are part of God's greater plan for our lives. [54:20]

1 Peter 4:12-13 (ESV): "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed."

Reflection: In what ways have you experienced persecution for your faith? How can you shift your perspective to see these trials as opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper intimacy with God?

Day 3: Intimacy with God

Intimacy with God is essential for enduring persecution and walking in joy amidst trials. This intimacy is the antidote to falling under great pressure and is crucial for our spiritual empowerment. By cultivating a deep, personal relationship with God, we are equipped to face the challenges of life with strength and resilience. This intimacy involves regular prayer, worship, and meditation on God's Word, allowing His presence to fill and sustain us.

The importance of intimacy with God cannot be overstated. It is the foundation of our faith and the source of our strength. When we are deeply connected to God, we are able to endure persecution with joy and confidence, knowing that He is with us and will never leave us. This intimacy also empowers us to live out our faith boldly, drawing others to the beauty of Yeshua HaMashiach through our example. [01:06:06]

Psalm 27:4 (ESV): "One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple."

Reflection: How can you cultivate deeper intimacy with God in your daily life? Consider specific practices such as prayer, worship, and meditation on God's Word that can help you draw closer to Him.

Day 4: Understanding God's Timeline

Understanding God's timeline, which includes creation, the fall, redemption, and consummation, helps us navigate life's challenges with a kingdom mindset. This perspective shifts our focus from temporary gains to eternal rewards, reminding us that our citizenship is in heaven. By keeping our eyes on God's overarching plan, we are able to endure trials with hope and confidence, knowing that our ultimate reward is with Him.

God's timeline provides a framework for understanding the events of our lives and the world around us. It reminds us that we are part of a larger story, one that began with creation and will culminate in the return of Jesus and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. This understanding helps us to prioritize our lives according to God's purposes, living for eternal rewards rather than temporary gains. [01:11:33]

2 Peter 3:8-9 (ESV): "But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."

Reflection: How does understanding God's timeline change your perspective on the challenges you face? What steps can you take to live with a kingdom mindset, focusing on eternal rewards rather than temporary gains?

Day 5: Living for Eternal Rewards

Our citizenship is in heaven, and we are called to live for eternal rewards. This involves cultivating intimacy with Jesus, understanding the biblical perspective on persecution, and fostering deep relationships with wholehearted believers. By living with an eternal perspective, we are able to prioritize our lives according to God's purposes, seeking to please Him above all else.

Living for eternal rewards means making choices that reflect our heavenly citizenship. It involves investing in our relationship with Jesus, supporting the persecuted church, and encouraging young believers in their faith. By doing so, we store up treasures in heaven and prepare ourselves for the eternal rewards that await us. This perspective helps us to navigate the challenges of life with hope and confidence, knowing that our ultimate reward is with God. [01:28:08]

Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take to live for eternal rewards today? Consider how you can invest in your relationship with Jesus, support the persecuted church, and encourage young believers in their faith.

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we gathered to lift up Israel in prayer, recognizing the significance of God's promises to His chosen people. These promises are not just historical but have profound implications for the future, including the return of Jesus. We are called to bless Israel and live lives that reflect the beauty of Yeshua HaMashiach, drawing others to Him through our example.

We also celebrated the achievements of our young men graduating high school, praying for their future endeavors and encouraging them to put God first in all things. This milestone is a reminder of the journey of faith and the importance of growing deeper in our relationship with God.

The core of today's message focused on our spiritual identity as "sons of the resurrection," both persecuted and blessed. We explored John 15, where Jesus speaks about abiding in Him and the inevitable persecution that comes from being His disciples. Jesus prophesied that the world would hate His followers because they hated Him first, and this hatred stems from the world's ignorance of God.

Persecution is both a demonic attack and a divine gift, meant to enhance our spiritual growth. We are called to rejoice in our sufferings, understanding that they are part of God's plan to refine us and prepare us for eternity. Intimacy with God is essential for enduring persecution and walking in joy amidst trials. This intimacy is the antidote to falling under great pressure and is crucial for our spiritual empowerment.

We also discussed the importance of understanding God's timeline and plan, which includes creation, the fall, redemption, and consummation. This understanding helps us navigate the challenges of life with a kingdom mindset, focusing on eternal rewards rather than temporary gains. Our citizenship is in heaven, and we are called to live for eternal rewards, knowing that our resurrected bodies will be both physical and spiritual.

Finally, we emphasized the need to prepare young believers and support the persecuted church, both locally and globally. This preparation involves cultivating intimacy with Jesus, understanding the biblical perspective on persecution, and fostering deep relationships with wholehearted believers.

###

Key Takeaways

1. BzA&t=496s'>[08:16]
2. Persecution as a Divine Gift: Persecution is both a demonic attack and a divine gift meant to enhance our spiritual growth. We are called to rejoice in our sufferings, understanding that they are part of God's plan to refine us and prepare us for eternity.

3. Intimacy with God: Intimacy with God is essential for enduring persecution and walking in joy amidst trials. This intimacy is the antidote to falling under great pressure and is crucial for our spiritual empowerment.

4. Understanding God's Timeline: Understanding God's timeline, which includes creation, the fall, redemption, and consummation, helps us navigate life's challenges with a kingdom mindset. This perspective shifts our focus from temporary gains to eternal rewards.

5. Living for Eternal Rewards: Our citizenship is in heaven, and we are called to live for eternal rewards. This involves cultivating intimacy with Jesus, understanding the biblical perspective on persecution, and fostering deep relationships with wholehearted believers.

### [08:16]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[08:16] - Praying for Israel
[09:47] - Blessing Messianic Jews
[29:41] - Worship and Praise
[33:47] - Blessing Graduates
[35:49] - Announcements
[38:36] - Supporting Cuba
[48:12] - A Joke and Transition
[50:03] - Intimacy with the Father
[52:19] - Our Spiritual Identity
[54:20] - Persecution and Growth
[56:37] - Living in the Kingdom
[58:32] - Pride and Persecution
[60:29] - Divine Gift of Persecution
[62:22] - Standing Up for Jesus
[64:12] - Rejoicing in Suffering
[66:06] - Intimacy Prepares for Persecution
[68:16] - The Heart of the Father
[69:57] - God's Plan and Timeline
[71:33] - Creation, Fall, Redemption, Consummation
[73:19] - The Marriage Proposal
[76:04] - Jewish Wedding Tradition
[78:06] - The Return of Jesus
[79:36] - The Book of Revelation
[80:22] - Defending Your Faith
[82:58] - Sons of the Resurrection
[84:38] - Radical Life Shift
[87:38] - Citizenship in Heaven
[90:22] - Eternal Rewards
[92:20] - More Will Be Given
[93:14] - Responding to Persecution
[94:27] - Arm Yourself to Suffer
[95:51] - Cultivating Intimacy
[97:27] - The Two Witnesses
[99:31] - Preparing Young Believers
[100:16] - Supporting the Persecuted Church
[101:25] - Worship and Offering
[104:16] - Ministry and Prayer
[113:53] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to John 15:18-21, why does the world hate Jesus' disciples? ([54:20])
What does Philippians 1:29 say has been granted to believers for the sake of Christ?
In 1 Peter 4:1, what are believers instructed to do in light of Christ's suffering?
How does the sermon describe persecution as both a demonic attack and a divine gift? ([01:00:29])

Interpretation Questions

How does understanding that persecution is part of God's plan change a believer's perspective on suffering? ([01:02:22])
What does it mean to "arm yourself" with the same way of thinking as Christ, according to 1 Peter 4:1? How can this be practically applied in daily life? ([01:34:27])
How does intimacy with God prepare believers for enduring persecution, as discussed in the sermon? ([01:06:06])
Why is it important to understand God's timeline of creation, fall, redemption, and consummation in navigating life's challenges? ([01:11:33])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you faced opposition or persecution for your faith. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? ([54:20])
The sermon emphasizes the importance of intimacy with God. What specific steps can you take this week to deepen your relationship with Him? ([01:06:06])
How can you support and encourage young believers in your community to prepare for the challenges of living out their faith? ([01:39:31])
In what ways can you bless Israel and live a life that reflects the beauty of Yeshua HaMashiach, as mentioned in the sermon? ([08:16])
How can you cultivate a kingdom mindset that focuses on eternal rewards rather than temporary gains? What practical changes can you make in your daily life to align with this perspective? ([01:28:08])
The sermon discusses the importance of understanding persecution from a biblical perspective. How can you educate yourself and others about the biblical view of persecution and its role in spiritual growth? ([01:00:29])
Identify one area in your life where you feel pressure or persecution. How can you apply the principles from John 15 and the sermon to find joy and strength in that situation? ([01:06:06])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "I wholeheartedly believe that today's message will be the most important message I've given today because I think what it does is shrink wraps everything I've said for the last two, three years, four years and presents it on a platter that's easy to understand and it's really a testament to John 15 itself. Today's session is called our spiritual identity as sons of the resurrection both persecuted and blessed." [52:19](

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2. "Jesus prophesied that the world would hate disciples and he points out three reasons why. First is because the world hated and persecuted Jesus. He says that in verse 18 and 20. Second is because his disciples are no longer of the world verse 18 and third because they do not know God." [54:20](

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3. "Persecution is both a demonic attack to hinder our spiritual growth but it's also a divine gift to enhance spiritual growth. God grants and appoints for his people to endure persecution. First Thessalonians 3:3 says this do not be shaken by these afflictions know that we are appointed to this." [01:00:29](

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4. "Our citizenship is in heaven. We have access to God's throne, right? Ephesians 2, in heavenly places, being seated with him. Primary rewards are reserved for us in heaven. 1 Peter 1.4. See? And this is where I'm getting to this. We have to see the realm that we belong to is the invisible and the internal. Not the visible and the temporal." [01:27:38](

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5. "Matthew 5, 11, 12. Blessed are you when they revile you, for great is your reward in heaven. See, the thing about rewards, people don't talk about. I hate saying that, people don't talk about, because people don't. There are rewards for the age to come, and it's all over this book. It's everywhere." [01:32:20](

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### Quotes for Members

1. "I believe with my whole heart, I've poured out my whole heart with anybody that I've ever talked to, with anybody I've ever come in contact with, of what I believe is the core of his heart. And that is that intimacy is essential to being empowered to walk in joy in the midst of persecution, in the midst of difficult times. It prepares us for eternity. To me, I call it the antidote to falling, to not failing under great pressure. And here's the beauty of all that. Jesus says the same thing." [01:06:06](

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2. "Jesus over and over in the gospels, and then Paul, he takes it on from there. Over and over, attempt to try to make our hearts understand that the only way to love like he and the father loves is by laying down one's life and surrendering to the only source of sacrificial love, right? His heart, the father's heart. This message of the heart of the father is so integral to everything that we do." [01:08:16](

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3. "Our spiritual identity changed radically. When we came into relationship with Jesus. When we identify as Jesus, our savior, we become part of his family. The bride of Christ, Ephesians 532. And in Luke 20, 36, it says, and we become sons of the resurrection. So the title today, I didn't just make up that word. That's scriptural. We become sons of the resurrection." [01:22:58](

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4. "We must live for eternal rewards since we understand and know that we will have a resurrected body. Our resurrected body will not be a natural body. It will be 100% physical and 100%. It will be spiritual. Jesus demonstrated, right? I can't demonstrate it because if I do, I'm going to knock myself out. But he walked through walls." [01:29:19](

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5. "Responding to end-time prophecies of persecution, what are three applications with that heart? Application number one, to arm ourselves to suffer. The Bible doesn't say to pick up a sword and pick up a gun with a couple grenades and 16 pounds of flour. The Bible says to arm yourself. Paul Peter says, almost like a military call. He says this, since Christ suffered for us in flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind." [01:34:27](

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