prepare for persecution (i peter 4:12-16)

11.23.2025

This message was preached by Pastor Jesse Boyd on November 23, 2025 to New Testament Christian Fellowship in Conover, NC. It exegetically addresses 4:12-16 in the larger exposition of the Epistle of I Peter by the shared teaching of the NTCF Elders.

This message was preached by Pastor Jesse Boyd on November 23, 2025 to New Testament Christian Fellowship in Conover, NC. It exegetically addresses 4:12-16 in the larger exposition of the Epistle of First Peter by the shared teaching of the NTCF Elders.

In these dark days when “the end of all things is at hand” (I Peter 4:7), Christians can prepare for persecution beforehand with joyful anticipation instead of meeting it with surprise upon arrival. Rejoice in the comraderie persecution and rejection breeds with Christ (4:12-13). Rejoice in the Holy Spirit’s confirmation that accompanies reproach (4:14). And rejoice as a CHRISTIAN (4:15-16)! The American definition of a Christian is meaningless. “Christian” is a Bible word, and there is no such thing as a Christian who doesn’t believe the Bible and look to it for the biblical definitions of biblical words. A Christian according to the Word of God is one who takes up his cross and follows Jesus. What that ain’t is suffering that consequences of being a busybody in other men’s matters. What it is mirrors the unfolding use of the word “Christian” in the New Testament where what was originally an outside label (Acts 11:26) of reproach became an insider’s badge of honor for those who turned the world upside down by their witness (I Peter 4:16).