Be a Snake-Bird
Matthew 10:16-31
1. The Life of a Christian is a Sent Life. (Matthew 10:16a, Acts 1:8)
Acts 1:8, But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
2. The Life of a Christian is a Persecuted Life.
a. Persecuted for Religion. (Matthew 10:17)
b. Persecuted by Government. (Matthew 10:17a, 18)
c. Persecuted by Family. (Matthew 10:21)
d. Persecuted by Society. (Matthew 10:22)
3. The Life of a Christian is a Preserved Life.
a. Preserved in the Spirit. (Matthew 10:19-20)
b. Preserved in Truth. (Matthew 10:26-27, Proverbs 9:10)
Proverbs 9:10, The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
c. Preserved in Hope. (Matthew 10:23)
d. Preserved in Power. (Matthew 10:28, 2 Timothy 1:7)
2 Timothy 1:7, For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.
e. Preserved in Victory! Live as a Snake-Bird! (Matthew 10:16b, 23, 31, 2 Corinthians 5:17-18)
2 Corinthians 5:17-18, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come! Everything is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.