“Persecution?”

Revelation 2:8-11
 

I. Recognize What Is Worth Suffering For

	A. Some causes are not worth fighting for.

	B. These are worthy of suffering:

		1. Real riches, found only in Christ

		2. The truth of the gospel

		3. The cause of Christ

II. Realize God Is Aware Of Our Suffering

        A. He knows our tribulation.

	B. He allows the devil to persecute His people.

	C. He sets the limits of persecution.

III. Reach For The Crown of Life

	A. The crown is victory in every area of life.

	B. God gives a crown which can never be taken away.

	C. Reaching for the crown allows us to look beyond persecution.

IV. Rejoice In Eternal Security

        A. Persecution may threaten physical harm.

        B. The ‘second death” is the great tragedy of the lost.

	C. Realization of eternal security allows us to understand nothing can really harm us.