Renewing Your Mind Podcast Summary Episode: Persecutions
Release Date: March 16, 2025
Host/Author: Ligonier Ministries
Speaker: R.C. Sproul (as Speaker A)
Duration: 25:54 minutes

Introduction

In the episode titled "Persecutions," R.C. Sproul delves deep into the theme of persecution as outlined in Matthew's Gospel, particularly focusing on chapter 10, verses 16 through 23. This sermon is part of a short series exploring the Gospel of Matthew, aimed at helping Christians understand and apply the teachings of Jesus to their lives amidst challenges and opposition.

Context: Matthew 10:16-23

Sproul begins by setting the stage with Jesus' instructions to His apostles. He reads Matthew 10:16-23, where Jesus warns His disciples about the impending persecutions they will face as they carry out their mission. The passage emphasizes the dual nature of the apostles' mission and the challenges they will encounter.

"Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves."
— Speaker A [00:28]

Jesus' Commission to the Apostles

Sproul underscores that it is Jesus Himself who initiates the missionary enterprise, not the apostles. He emphasizes the personal nature of Jesus' directive:

"I am the one who is sending you."
— Speaker A [01:19]

This highlights the authority and purpose behind the apostles' mission, distinguishing it from any human-initiated effort.

The Nature of Persecution

A significant portion of the sermon is dedicated to understanding the types of persecution the apostles would face:

1. Social and Legal Persecution:

   • "They will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues."
     — Speaker A [01:19]

2. Political Persecution:

   • "You will be brought before governors and kings for my sake as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles."
     — Speaker A [01:19]

3. Internal Family Strife:

   • "A brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father, his child, and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death."
     — Speaker A [01:19]

4. Universal Hatred:

   • "You will be hated by all for my name's sake."
     — Speaker A [01:19]

Sproul draws parallels between the apostles' experiences and those of Jesus Himself, illustrating that persecution was a central aspect of the Christian mission from its inception.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

One of the cornerstone messages of Sproul's sermon is the reliance on the Holy Spirit during times of persecution:

"Do not worry about how or what you should speak, for it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak, for it is not you who speak, but the spirit of your Father who speaks in you."
— Speaker A [01:19]

Sproul explains that while Christians today may not face physical threats akin to ancient persecutions, the spiritual challenges and societal opposition remain. The Holy Spirit equips believers with the necessary wisdom and words to navigate these difficulties.

Modern Application

Sproul transitions the ancient text to contemporary applications, addressing why the message of the Gospel might not resonate as powerfully today:

"The gospel is not gospel to people today because they're not looking for good news, they're looking for good advice."
— Speaker A [00:00]

He contrasts the secular pursuit of advice on personal matters—such as relationships and career success—with the profound truth of the Gospel that addresses eternal realities like sin, righteousness, and the need for salvation through the cross.

"If God is holy, and he is, and if God has wrath, and he does, and if God is concerned about righteousness and justice, and he is, then we need the cross."
— Speaker A [00:28]

Sproul emphasizes that the centrality of the cross is often diluted in modern Christianity, leading to a perception of the faith as merely a source of practical advice rather than the transformative power of the Gospel.

Perseverance and Endurance

A recurring theme in the sermon is the necessity of perseverance amidst trials:

"He who endures to the end will be saved."
— Speaker A [01:19]

Sproul references the early Church, highlighting stories of martyrs and the challenges faced by believers like the Apostle Paul. He warns against complacency and urges believers to remain steadfast in their faith, even when faced with opposition or societal indifference.

"If you want to take away the cross from Christianity, you've taken Christianity itself away."
— Speaker A [24:26]

This powerful statement serves as a call to maintain the integrity of the Gospel message, ensuring that the sacrifice of Christ remains at the forefront of Christian teaching and practice.

Notable Quotes and Attributions

• On the Gospel's Reception Today:

  "The gospel is not gospel to people today because they're not looking for good news, they're looking for good advice."
  — Speaker A [00:00]

• On the Necessity of the Cross:

  "If God is holy, and he is, and if God has wrath, and he does, and if God is concerned about righteousness and justice, and he is, then we need the cross."
  — Speaker A [00:28]

• On Persecution and Divine Guidance:

  "Do not worry about how or what you should speak, for it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak..."
  — Speaker A [01:19]

• On Maintaining the Integrity of Christianity:

  "If you want to take away the cross from Christianity, you've taken Christianity itself away."
  — Speaker A [24:26]

Conclusion

R.C. Sproul's sermon on persecution in the "Renewing Your Mind" podcast serves as a profound reminder of the challenges inherent in the Christian mission. By drawing from biblical texts and historical examples, Sproul encourages believers to remain faithful, rely on the Holy Spirit, and uphold the centrality of the cross in their faith. The message is clear: True Christianity is inseparable from the sacrificial love of Christ, and enduring faith amidst trials is essential for salvation.

For those seeking to deepen their understanding of Matthew's Gospel, Sproul invites listeners to request his hardcover expositional commentary through a donation, offering resources to further explore and apply biblical truths.

This summary captures the essence of the "Persecutions" episode, highlighting the key themes, discussions, and insights shared by R.C. Sproul. It serves as a comprehensive overview for those who have not listened to the episode.