Be Ready (Mark 13:9-13)

May 2, 2010

I.     What to expect.
A.     Expect persecution from religious leaders.
     1.     Jesus was rejected and the disciples would face the same.
     2.     What should we expect to experience?
          a.     World religions will stand against Christianity.
          b.     Some "Christians" will oppose faithful believers.
B.     Expect persecution from governing authorities.
     1.     Allegiance to Christ put believers in trouble with Rome.
     2.     Persecution became intense with Nero (AD 64).
     3.     Many modern governments oppose Christianity.
C.     Expect persecution from your own family and friends.
     1.     These types of choices can be some of the most difficult.
     2.     This illustrates the extent of hostility against God.

II.     What to do.
     A.     Be on your guard.
          1.     The disciples were not to resist but to be ready.
          2.     The general flow of Jesus' teaching is readiness.
     B.     Rely on the Holy Spirit.
          1.     Jesus gave specific instructions for times of persecution.
               a.     Don't worry: trust the Holy Spirit.
               b.     The Holy Spirit will provide what you need to say.
          2.     The important issue is to stand firmly for God.
               a.     Suffering and persecution are temporary.
               b.     Persecutors need to hear the good news also.
     C.     Endure to the end.
          1.     Believers who endure to the end will be saved.
               a.     The tribulation will be extremely hard.
               b.     This does not mean we can work our way to God.
               c.     God will faithfully care for those who serve Him.
          2.     All cultures must hear the gospel before Jesus returns.
               a.     This does not mean everyone will turn to God.
               b.     Our task is to serve God the best we can while we can.
Personal Challenges
1.     What are you doing to endure to the end?
     a.     During hard times: What is God trying to teach me?
     b.     Ask God to help you develop trust in Him.
      c.     As you read the Bible look for ways God has shown Himself to be trustworthy.
2.     Do you know God in a personal relationship?