Main Idea: Jesus the King sends his messengers into persecution with purpose and with promises.

I. The King's messengers should expect opposition.

- a definition of persecution: deliberately hostile treatment because of you identification with Christ.

II. Persecution serves the Lord's purposes.

III. God promises to equip and to rescue his messengers.

IV. Jesus suffered first for us, and he is coming back.

Questions to consider:

- Does the prospect of persecution worry you? what kinds of persecution are you most inclined to fear? What are you most afraid of losing through being identified with jesus?

- Reflect on 1 Peter 1:3-9. Are you confident in his promise of your eternal inheritance in christ? How does earthly comfort compare with the inner joy (present) and everlasting glory (future) these verses describe?

- pray for your persecuted brethren.