Be not Dismayed

[RETIREDFAN1]

Be Not Dismayed

 

Jeremiah lived in the worst days of Judah’s history. There was corruption everywhere.

Jeremiah 6: 13 - 15

 

Jeremiah had been told by God from his youth to preach only the Truth.

Jeremiah 1: 4 - 8

 

That didn't make it easy for him, though. After prophesying in the temple one time, the High Priest beat him and had him put in the stocks. 

Jeremiah 19: 14 - 20:2

 

Jeremiah condemned him on his release.

Jeremiah 20: 3, 6

 

Jeremiah showed a strong front on the outside, but it tore him up to his very soul. 

Jeremiah 20: 7 - 18

 

He knew that God would win, and he would be vindicated, but he suffered all the same. 

 

Jeremiah taught us a valuable lesson. We should stand firm in one spirit and in one mind. We should stand united in our attitude and in our teaching. We should never fear what we will suffer while doing this.

Revelation 2: 10

 

We should actually rejoice and celebrate when we are persecuted, because we have a great reward awaiting us. 

Matthew 5: 10 - 12

 

We also learn that we should in no way at all be alarmed by our opponents. Joshua was told to follow God and to not be afraid. 

Joshua 1: 5 - 9

 

This goes not only for external enemies. There will be enemies within the ranks of those who should be God's people. There will be those who claim to be Christians, yet they teach lies and falsehoods and error. We must not be alarmed or afraid to confront them about these things, and if they refuse to repent, we must not be afraid to disfellowship them. 

 

We are told not to be afraid of being reproached or reviled or hated by men. 

Isaiah 51: 7

 

We are to maintain a face like flint, and not allow anyone to get to us. We are to stand firm and uncompromising when we teach the Word of God. 

Isaiah 50: 6 - 7 

 

Ezekiel was told to be tough, and we should be just as tough. 

Ezekiel 3: 4 - 9

 

We ought to remember to fear God instead of men. 

Matthew 10: 28

 

Men can do no more than kill us. That is a release for us if we are truly faithful to God. Knowing this, we should never be timid. We should never be ashamed of doing the Will of God. We should never be afraid of teaching His Word. 

II Timothy 1: 7 - 8

 

We should not be surprised when we are this bold that we will face many ordeals. This should not make us feel shame, either. 

I Peter 4: 12 - 16

 

Their treatment of us is a sign of eternal destruction for them. Intimidation boomerangs when the intended victim refuses to BE intimidated. Consider the effect Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego had on Nebuchadnezzar. 

Daniel 3: 16 - 19

 

Their boldness and refusal to be intimidated was a slap in the face to Nebuchadnezzar. Persecution is an indication of God's righteous judgment. 

II Thessalonians 1: 5

 

Their persecution of us is to their eternal shame.  

I Peter 3: 13 - 16

 

Persecution is a sign of salvation for us. It is a privilege that we get to suffer for Christ. 

Philippians 1: 29

 

The first century Christians rejoiced after being beaten. They were happy because they were found worthy to suffer for Christ. 

Acts 5: 40 - 42

 

They knew, like we should know, that those who suffer with Christ, will also be glorified with Him. 

Romans 8: 17

 

Persecutions we may suffer are a sign from God. God will rescue and deliver us from our tormentors. 

Psalm 68: 19 - 20

 

God provides us comfort. Since this is a fact, why should we be afraid of mere humans? 

Isaiah 51: 12

 

God places a very high value upon His children, so we should never be afraid. 

Luke 12: 4 - 7

 

God is our helper, we should never fear. He does not change. Once He has said something, that remains forever. 

Hebrews 13: 8

 

Since this is the case, we should always trust God.

Isaiah 12: 2

 

The righteous are always to strive against the wicked.

Proverbs 28: 4

 

In doing so, we should never deny the Savior. We should never compromise the Truth.

Matthew 10: 32 - 33

 

Compromising with someone over something God has said is Truth, shows shame for the Word. We should never be ashamed of the Gospel. 

Romans 1: 16 - 17

 

When we face persecution, whether it be in the form of something from other people, or whether it be in the form of our own temptations, we should always rejoice, because this is a test of our faith. We will not always pass these tests. In fact, we will often fail more than we ever pass. We may never pass a single one. However, as long as we remain faithful, we will be forgiven for our failures. We are not righteous in ourselves. God makes us righteous as long as we remain faithfully obedient to Him, even when we fail Him. 

I John 1: 5 - 10

 

Don't give up. Once you have obeyed the Gospel, you are a child of God. He knows our struggles and our trials. He will be there for us as long as we allow Him to. Always remain faithful to Him.