How can we endure "mocking and flogging" in our own faith journeys today? \Hebrews 11:36—Faith on Trial\ “Still others endured mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment.” \Why Mocking and Flogging Still Happen\ • The world opposes Christ’s truth (John 15:18–19) • Darkness resists light (John 3:19–20) • Satan seeks to discourage believers (1 Peter 5:8) \Endurance Matters Because…\ • It mirrors the perseverance of Jesus—“For the joy set before Him He endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2). • It produces “an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:17). • It authenticates our witness to a watching world (1 Peter 2:12). \Four Scriptural Keys to Persevering\ 1. Fix your gaze on Christ – Hebrews 12:2: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” 2. Remember the reward – Matthew 5:11–12: “Blessed are you when people insult you… Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.” 3. Rely on the Spirit’s power – Colossians 1:11: “being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have full endurance.” 4. Stand shoulder-to-shoulder with believers – Galatians 6:2: “Carry one another’s burdens.” – Acts 5:41 shows the apostles “rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.” \Practical Daily Steps\ • Saturate your mind with Scripture—Psalm 1:2 • Pray specifically for endurance and joy—Colossians 1:11 • Speak blessing instead of retaliation—1 Peter 3:9 • Encourage someone facing ridicule today—1 Thessalonians 5:11 • Keep a journal of God’s past faithfulness to recall in fresh trials—Psalm 77:11–12 \Biblical Examples That Inspire\ • Joseph—falsely accused, imprisoned, yet faithful (Genesis 39–41) • Jeremiah—beaten and put in stocks (Jeremiah 20:1–2) • Paul and Silas—flogged, sang hymns in jail (Acts 16:22–25) • Early church—“After they had called in the apostles and flogged them…” (Acts 5:40) \Promised Outcomes of Perseverance\ • Spiritual maturity—James 1:2–4 • A compelling testimony—Philippians 1:12–14 • The crown of righteousness—2 Timothy 4:8 \Closing Encouragement\ Hold the line. Every mocking word and every unfair blow is seen by the One who once wore thorns and now wears the crown. “The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:24) |
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