SATURDAY- 14^TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME –A

Gospel: Matthew 10: 24-33: Do not be afraid of those who kill the body.

I Reading: Isaiah 6:1-8: I am a man of unclean lips, and my eyes have looked at the king, the Lord of hosts.

The Messiah’s Encouragement Not to Fear Persecution, Mt 10:24-33

Believers are often persecuted. This has been experienced from the very beginning of the birth of Christianity. This passage is a great encouragement to the believer in facing persecution. Jesus said three times, “Do not be afraid” (v.26, 28, 31). He was encouraging his disciples not to fear persecution. They must expect persecution, for he himself was persecuted.

1.     The fact of persecution (v.24-25)

a.     A warning: you are not above persecution

b.     A privilege: you are to share the suffering of Christ

c.      A surety: you are more likely to suffer persecution than Christ was

2.     Do not fears persecutors (v.26-27)

a.     The truth will be revealed

b.     The message must be preached

1)    Message given by Christ: in secret

2)    Message is urgent

3.     Do not fear men who kill the body (v.28)

a.     They are unable to kill the soul

b.     God alone can destroy the soul and body

4.     Do not fear- God cares – supremely so (v.29-31)

a.     He cares for the common sparrow

b.     He knows every injury to  each sparrow

c.      He cares for every detail of your life

d.     He values you more than sparrows

5.     The conclusion: Loyalty is essential (v.32-33)

a.     Confess Christ and he will confess you

b.     Deny Christ and he will deny you

Thought: Believers will be vindicated. We are not fear the damage of our character and reputation by people.

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