Lesson 4

It’s Dangerous Over ThereSuffering & Persecution

Missions: The Church’s Marching OrdersOur Lord Jesus gave the church global “marching orders” which involves each one of us. It is precisely because this mission is world-encompassing that it has local implications. Know this global mission well in order to understand the commission graciously given to Proclamation and my particular role in it.

1.The Real Problem – The Real Solution2.The End Game – The Objective of Missions3.Common Ground? The Challenge of Unbelief4.It’s Dangerous Over There! Suffering and

Persecution5.You Will Receive Power! The Holy Spirit and

Missions6.Mission of Mercy – Justice and Poverty7.Something More? Scripture as a Guide8.Missions in our DNA - The Global Church 9.Does the Church Need Missions? Summary

1. Suffering and the Fall• Eden: No sin – no suffering• We “Sinned in him and fell with him”

Romans 8:23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

2. Suffering and Sanctification

1 Peter 4:12 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.

3. Suffering unto Glory

Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

• “Looking unto Jesus” – The Pattern

4. Sharing the Sufferings of Christ

Philippians 3:10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death

“The FORM of Christ’s resurrection power in this world IS the fellowship of his sufferings as the cross-conformed sufferings of the church.”

Persecution: Targeted Suffering

• Persecution from the Fall• Satan the Persecutor• “God meant it for good”• Two Persecutors– The Beast– The Harlot

Implications

• The church IS the suffering church• Solidarity with a suffering creation• Suffering is a given• Surprised!!!?• Suffering as authentication• Suffering together