How Should We Deal with Persecution? // While We Wait - Ben Davis
Jun 5, 2024
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Ben Davis discusses the challenges of facing persecution as a Christian, emphasizing the importance of standing firm in faith despite hostility and opposition. He explores the benefits of enduring trials, developing character, and living boldly for Jesus, drawing parallels between physical exercise strengthening muscles and facing opposition strengthening one's faith.
Prepare for persecution by understanding its inevitability and historical context.
Choose faith over immediate comfort, emphasizing perseverance and dedication to Jesus even amid persecution.
Deep dives
Dealing with Resistance and Opposition for Faith
One of the tough subjects discussed in the podcast is how individuals can handle resistance, opposition, and persecution for their faith. The speaker highlights the challenge of wanting to be liked by others and the tendency towards people-pleasing. Examples such as struggling with people-pleasing behaviors like overpaying in social situations are given. The podcast emphasizes the need to prepare for persecution, drawing examples from historical and biblical contexts to illustrate the inevitability of facing resistance for faith.
Perseverance and Endurance in Faith
The importance of perseverance in faith despite facing opposition is another key theme in the podcast. It mentions the Thessalonians' reputation for persevering and remaining faithful despite persecution. The parallel is drawn between long-term perseverance and habit-building, using the analogy of drinking coffee to demonstrate the value of enduring faith over giving in to immediate comfort. The idea of choosing to follow Jesus even when faced with persecution is highlighted as essential for strengthening one's faith.
Living Boldly and Blessing Others Amid Persecution
The podcast discusses living boldly and standing firm in one's faith, even in the face of strong opposition. Examples of individuals who bravely lived out their faith, such as a couple who served in Haiti and faced persecution, are shared. The concept of blessing those who persecute you and responding with love and compassion, as Jesus teaches, is highlighted as a counter-cultural but crucial aspect of dealing with persecution. The importance of relying on God's strength and presence to navigate through challenges is emphasized throughout the discussion.