i. to understand the concept of persecution,
ii. to discuss the causes of persecution and
iii. to comprehend how persecution can cause digression if not well handled.
Fear of persecution is a major distraction on the track of Christian race. Apostle Peter was afraid of being persecuted by the Jews; hence, he resulted into hypocritical attitude, which made Apostle Paul rebuke him without hesitation. The fear of being persecuted has led some Christians into hypocrisy and thereby made them deny their faith and mingled with the world.
1. Briefly narrate the impact of fear in Peter’s ministry according to our text today.
2. Analyse the impact of fear in Num. 13:31-33; 14:1-4 and how can fear of persecution hinder the onward movement in Christian race?
3. Discuss how the fear of being persecuted can cause digression in the gospel of Jesus Christ? Matt 26:73-74; Gal 2:12-13.
4. What are biblical passages for courage when we are confronted with intimidating episodes?Psa. 66:12; Isa 43:1-2; 51:23;
There will always be intimidating experiences in our Christian race. We must always pray for courage to move on with the gospel message to end up the race gloriously.
Beware! Do not be a coward, because the coward dies many times before his death.
Matt 10:28: "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell".