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) |