The Blessing of Persecution

I. Crossing the Rubicon                                                                                          (Introduction)

II. What is normal

"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."                            1 Peter 4:12

III. Expanding our understanding of blessing

     A. Reality of persecution

"Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on My account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."   Matthew 5:11-12

But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed .Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,  1 Peter 3:14

"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him."              James 1:12

B. Better gain

C. Pressing deeper

"He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;
and as one from whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.   Surely He has borne our griefs   and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken,
    smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions;
    He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
    and with His wounds we are healed."                                     Isaiah 53:3-5

IV. Prepared                                                                                                      (Application)