August 10, 2025
Assigned Scripture
1 Peter 4:12-16, 19
12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.13 Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.
14 If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God[a] rests upon you.[b] 15 If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. 16 But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!
Matthew 5:10-12
10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way
Group Response
According to Jesus, persecution, whether great or small, is inevitable. Rather than resisting it, he tells us to embrace it (“rejoice and be glad”), as a prophetic act that helps to establish the kingdom of God.
Discussion Questions
1. What examples of persecution in America can you give? Is it still happening? What does it look like?
2. Think of a time when you felt alienated because of your loyalty to Christ. How did you handle it? Based on today’s message, what might you have done differently?
3. What is one thing you would encourage a friend to remember when persecuted?
4. Spend time today praying for those who are invisible on the margins.