Warning #3: Betrayal

“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

Matthew 10:21-22

Betrayal from a trusted source is one of the greatest hurts that humans can experience.

Betrayal from those we love can be excruciating. For those who reject world religions and believe in Christ, the threat of betrayal from family members is real.

Jesus warns his disciples that they will be hated because of him. Family members will not only betray them but have them put to death.

His two-word solution sounds simple. Stand firm.

The challenge is not necessarily in the standing but making sure that what you are standing on is firm.

Those who stand on the rock of Christ and rest firmly in his promises will be saved. There is nothing on earth that can separate us from the love of God nor remove us from the inheritance of heaven. With this eternal perspective, there is nothing that believers ought to fear when they stand firm on Christ’s promises.

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

Matthew 10:28

As we begin to wrap up lesson one, consider the following question:

Agree or disagree:  Evangelism is more difficult today than it was two thousand years ago?

Take Action: Make your notes on page 3 of the study guide.