Do Not Be Afraid of Persecution

Introduction:

1. Persecution by Mockery and Reproach (v1-3)

a. Mockery and Reproach

i. Great Anger (v1)

ii. Great Mockery (v2-3)

iii. “Great Distress and Reproach” (1:3, 2:17)

b. How to Respond to Mockery and Reproach – Prayer and Perseverance (v4-6)

i. Prayer (v4-5)

ii. Perseverance (v6)

2. Persecution by Evil Alliances (v7-9)

a. Evil Alliances (v7-8)

b. How to Respond to Evil Alliances (v9)

i. Prayer

ii. Watchfulness

3. Persecution by Multiple, Simultaneous Assaults (v10-12)

a. Multiple, Simultaneous Assaults

i. Internal Discouragements (v10)

ii. External Fears (v11)

iii. Well-meaning Pessimists (v12)

b. How to Respond to Multiple, Simultaneous Assaults (v13-15)

i. Practical Measures (v13)

ii. Prayer (v14)

c. Aftermath (v15)

4. Conclusion: Preparing for Persecution (v16-23)

a. Co-operative Effort (v16-18)

b. Collective Response (v18b-20a)

c. Confident Hope (v20b)

d. Committed Service (v21-23)