Jesus, the OT prophets & the apostles all faced opposition
Jesus warned that opposition is inevitable. (Bible:John+15:18-20)
Paul called his readers to face suffering for the gospel bravely. (Bible:2Timothy+1:8-9)
Barnabas Fund publicises the persecution of Christians today, so we can pray for them.

Where do you meet opposition in your life?

• “Laïcité” ; Mockery; Trying to make you sin; “Jesus” as a swearword; False values; Pressure to conform, At work, Family pressures, Time pressures, Materialism…..

How to deal with opposition?

• Remember God is with you through his Holy Spirit
• Remember the examples of Jesus & the saints
• “Watch & pray so that you will not fall into temptation” (Mark 14v38) – you are in a battle between good & evil
• Make God your first priority – Ask what will please him
• Stand up for this with love
• Aim to be faithful
• Find a prayer partner
• Trust that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8v28)
• Ask forgiveness when you fail
• “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6v27-28)
• Pray for others – see www.barnabasfund.org

Questions to consider

1. "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” ( John 15v18-19) In what ways are you different to those around you who are not Christians? Why might this provoke opposition?

2. What opposition do you face as a Christian? To your faith? To your values?

3. How can we be better prepared & strengthened to face opposition?

4. What examples from the bible of people facing opposition can you call to mind? What lessons do they teach? How can these stories help you?

5. How can we support each other in the face of opposition? Is there anyone with whom you can share your challenges, and who can pray for you?

6. How should we react to opposition?

7. Do you pray for Christians facing persecution? How about using the prayers overleaf this week? How about registering with www.barnabasfund.org to receive their regular material?

8. Read Revelation 2v1-7. How can we stand firm for God without losing our love for God & those who oppose us?
(The Nicolaitans seem to have taught that what we do with our bodies doesn’t matter, because it’s only our spirits that are important, so they compromised with paganism by taking part in social/religious activities which the author of Revelation condemns. This may have led to sexual laxity.)