Robert McLaughlin Bible Ministries
You will be persecuted when you speak the truth and live in the truth.
Sunday, November 30, 2003
Satan and the kingdom of darkness will do what it takes to try to hinder you and stop your momentum in the spiritual life.
HEB 10:38 “If any man turns back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.”
Every time God is able to bless a believer on earth in the devil’s world, it is greater than what He did for Adam and the woman in the garden.
JOH 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.
ROM 8:17 If indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
JOH 8:32 “and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
JOH 8:36 “If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.”
GAL 5:1 It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.
GAL 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
The earthly overseer of this new movement was in Rome in prison.
Rather than say “pray for my release” or “pray that I may endure this horrible injustice,” Paul turns the issue upside down and says “do not lose heart – persecution is glory.”
He was in prison because he spoke the truth regarding the new order of the Kingdom, the inheritance of the Gentiles and the unifying of the Jews and Gentiles through TLJC.
He was also imprisoned because he compromised his doctrinal convictions.
In this failure in 58 A.D., in a moment of emotional irrationality, Paul made a sentimental journey to Jerusalem contrary to the will of God. This was his fifth trip, ACT 21:10-14.
To make matters worse, Paul offered a legalistic vow in the temple in order that he might have a better reception for the Gospel among the Jews.
Rather than being popular, Paul chose to be truthful.
Paul stood up for this truth that was beyond his comprehension and was put in prison as a result of his faith.
Truth is what truth is and sometimes we are imprisoned when we speak the truth.
TLJC builds a spirit of power in His followers and that spirit results in deep convictions that are not swayed by cultural forces.