DO NOT BE AFRAID OF THEM
Much of JESUS' address to His disciples is devoted to advice on how to deal with problems they will encounter. the message they proclaim, although iot is about love and right living, will encounter opposition in certain places. infact, said JESUS, they should be prepared for persecution. READ Matthew 10:22 and Hebrews 10:35,36. WHAT IS THE CRUCIAL MESSAGE TO US IN THESE TEXTS? JESUS' reference to perseverance is in the context of persecution. the apostle Paul says, " WE KNOW THAT SUFFERING PRODUCES PERSEVERANCE; perseverance, character; and character, hope"(Rom. 5:3,4,NIV). Likewise, James writes,"the testing of your faith develops perseverance"(James 1:3, NIV). IN WHAT WAYS CAN DIFFICULT TIMES TEST YOUR FAITH? HOW CAN YOU STRENGTHEN YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE SO THAT YOU WILL PERSEVERE IN YOUR FAITH THROUGH THESE TIMES? JESUS tells His disciples that they should not fear the difficult circumstances they will encounter. they will be brought before governo
