October 5 | Fear of Persecution, “I’m Afraid of Being a Public Witness”

Series | The Overcoming Life

Scripture | Luke 12:4-5, “4 “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.”

Lesson 5 | Fear of Persecution, “I’m Afraid of Being a Public Witness”

The fear of persecution is being afraid of rejection, threats, and possible physical harm by those who oppose the gospel.  On one hand, this kind of fear comes natural to everyone because no one desires to suffer and be mistreated.  Even Jesus, God in the flesh, in Luke 22:42 prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”

On the other hand, like every other fear, the fear of persecution is not of God and can lead to disobedience and rebellion.  For example, when Peter was afraid to confess that he knew Jesus he denied Him three times! Why? Because he feared what the Romans might do to him, John 18:25-27.  However, Jesus had taught Peter, along with all the other disciples, not to fear what man can do to the body but rather fear what God can do to the soul.  Thus, we are to truly fear God because if out of fear we deny Jesus we could spend eternity in hell, Luke 9:26.

Thankfully, Peter was given a chance to repent and reaffirm his love for Jesus, John 21:15-19.  Afterwards, Peter preached the first message of the church in Jerusalem before thousands of people filled with power of the Holy Spirit, Acts 2.  The same Peter that months earlier was afraid to even admit he knew Jesus in front of a servant girl was now able to preach before a whole city without the fear of death- that’s what faith in action looks like! 

Eventually, Peter along with many of the disciples were arrested, flogged, publicly mocked, and even put to death (Peter asked to be crucified upside down because he felt he was unworthy to die how Jesus did).  Now because of the courage of these great disciples we have the expansion of the Word of God growing all over the world, Hebrews 11:36-12:3!

Though the fear of persecution is real, we are to be people of faith and follow all of God’s commands- especially being a public witness, Acts 1:8.  Do not let what people say and do affect your willingness to go in public and preach the gospel.  Always remember what Jesus said in Matthew 5:11-12, “11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Are you afraid of persecution?  If yes, the answer to the fear of persecution is two-fold. First, fear God more than man and second, be filled with the boldness of the Holy Spirit.  If you want to be free from fear pray out loud this prayer from Acts 4:29-30, “29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

     

Reflection | Have you ever had the fear of persecution and allowed it to hide your faith?

Action | (1) Repent of the times you have had the fear of persecution. (2) Ask God to fill you with the boldness of the Holy Spirit. (3) Lastly, fear God more than you fear man and be a public witness for Jesus Christ!  

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Jeremiah 4:19-6:15, Colossians 1:18-2:7, Psalm 77:1-20, & Proverbs 24:23-25. Click here to read online.