The New Testament Witness to Christ and His Kingdom, Mentor's Guide, MG13

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T H E N E W T E S T A M E N T W I T N E S S T O C H R I S T A N D H I S K I N G D O M

2 Tim. 3.11-12 - my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. [12] Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 1 Pet. 2.21 - For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. Highlight this significant spiritual truth as you discuss with the students their reaction to the devotional. It should not surprise you if you get a great variation of responses and opinion from your students concerning the inevitability of suffering and opposition in the Christian life. Depending upon the spiritual diet they are accustomed to, students may respond, on the one hand, to this as a no-brainer, a clearly articulated truth that lies at the very center of the Word of God’s testimony about any who affiliate with the Messiah. On the other hand, if the diet of the students tend toward “health-wealth” cuisine, then such teaching will not be seen as helpful. It may even be seen as mildly dismissive of the victory won for us by Christ, and at worst even heretical. Regardless of the initial reaction, it is important to make certain that the students understand the central role that this teaching plays in Jesus’ teaching, as well as the clear model he provides in his own life. The opposition that believers must endure is intrinsic to their allegiance to Messiah. All those who hate him will instantly hate them as well, and they must be prepared for this onslaught and rejection from those who do not know him.

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For a thorough and comprehensive treatment on these groups and others that made up the milieu and social environment of Jesus, the following texts may be helpful.

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Elwell, Walter A. and Robert W. Yarbrough. Encountering the New Testament . Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1998.