Be Not Dismayed

Text: Philippians 1:21-2:2

 

I.         Jeremiah came in the worse days of Judah’s history

            A.        Corruption was everywhere - Jeremiah 6:13-15

            B.        Jeremiah was told from his youth to preach the truth - Jeremiah 1:4-8

            C.        But that didn’t make it easy. Jeremiah was opposed most of his life

                        1.         After a prophecy in the Temple - Jeremiah 19:14-20:2

                        2.         And Jeremiah condemned him on his release - Jeremiah 20:3,6

                        3.         While Jeremiah showed a strong front, it tore him to his soul - Jeremiah 20:7-18

            D.        Jeremiah knew that God would win and he would be vindicated; yet, he still suffered.

II.        Stand firm, in one spirit and one mind

            A.        Unity in our attitude and teaching

            B.        Do not fear what you will suffer - Revelation 2:10

            C.        Rejoice when persecuted - Matthew 5:10-12

III.       In no way alarmed by your opponents

            A.        Joshua told to follow God and don’t be afraid - Joshua 1:5-9

            B.        It isn’t just external enemies. There will be enemies within the ranks of those who should be God’s people

                        1.         Do not fear the reproach of men - Isaiah 51:7

                        2.         A face like flint - Isaiah 50:6-7

                        3.         Ezekiel told to be tough - Ezekiel 3:4-9

            C.        Fear God instead of men - Matthew 10:28

            D.        No timidity or shame - II Timothy 1:7-8

            E.        Do not be surprised at the ordeal or be ashamed - I Peter 4:12-16

IV.      A sign of destruction for them

            A.        Intimidation boomerangs when the victims are unbowed

                        1.         Consider the effect of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego on Nebuchadnezzar - Daniel 3:16-19

                        2.         Their boldness was a slap in Nebuchadnezzar’s face

            B.        Persecution is an indication of God’s righteous judgment - II Thessalonians 1:5

            C.        Putting the persecutors to shame - I Peter 3:13-16

V.        A sign of salvation for you

            A.        A privilege to suffer for Christ - Philippians 1:29

            B.        Rejoicing after scourging. Worthy to suffer for Christ - Acts 5:40-42

            C.        If we suffer with him, we will be glorified with him - Romans 8:17

VI.      A sign from God

            A.        God rescues - Psalms 68:19-20

            B.        God comforts us. Why be afraid of men? - Isaiah 51:12

            C.        God values you, so do not be afraid - Luke 12:4-7

            D.        God is my helper. I will not fear - Hebrews 13:8

            E.        I will trust God - Isaiah 12:2

VII.     The righteous contends with the wicked - Proverbs 28:4

            A.        Not denying the Savior - Matthew 10:32-33

            B.        Not ashamed of the gospel - Romans 1:16