This document discusses persecution of Christians throughout history and how mankind is often encouraged by Satan to control others. It notes that Saul was persecuting Christians in Damascus until he had a vision of Jesus, showing that persecution of God's people is nothing new. It then suggests that mankind's lust for power is fueled by Satan, the defeated enemy, as people often love darkness rather than light. The document encourages finding victory through waiting on and having faith in Jesus Christ.

2. I> Persecution of God’s People is
Nothing New- vs. 1-2

3. I> Persecution of God’s People is
Nothing New- vs. 1-2
Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder
against the disciples of the Lord, went to the
high priest and asked letters from him to the
synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found
any who were of the Way, whether men or
women, he might bring them bound to
Jerusalem.

4. Genesis 4:6-8
So the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you
angry? And why has your countenance
fallen? If you do well, will you not be
accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies
at the door. And its desire is for you, but you
should rule over it.” Now Cain talked with
Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when
they were in the field, that Cain rose up
against Abel his brother and killed him.

5. Mark 14:1
After two days it was the Passover
and the Feast of Unleavened Bread.
And the chief priests and the
scribes sought how they might
take Him by trickery and
put Him to death.

6. 1 Peter 4:12-13
Beloved, do not think it strange
concerning the fiery trial which is to
try you, as though some strange thing
happened to you; but rejoice to the
extent that you partake of Christ’s
sufferings, that when His glory is
revealed, you may also be glad with
exceeding joy.

7. II> Man’s Lust for Control is
Encouraged by an Already Defeated
Enemy - vs. 3-4

8. II> Man’s Lust for Control is
Encouraged by an Already Defeated
Enemy - vs. 3-4
As he journeyed he came near Damascus,
and suddenly a light shone around him
from heaven. Then he fell to the ground,
and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul,
Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

9. Proverbs 12:15
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
But he who heeds counsel is wise.

10. Genesis 3:4
Then the serpent said to the woman,
“You will not surely die.

11. John 3:19
And this is the condemnation, that the
light has come into the world, and men
loved darkness rather than light,
because their deeds were evil.

12. Ephesians 6:12
For we do not wrestle
against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the
rulers of the darkness of this age, against
spiritual hosts of wickedness in the
heavenly places.

13. 1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be vigilant; because your
adversary the devil walks about like
a roaring lion, seeking whom he may
devour.

14. Victory is Found
in Jesus

15. Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait on the Lord Shall
renew their strength; They shall mount up
with wings like eagles, They shall run
and not be weary, They shall walk and
not faint.

16. I Cor 15:57
But thanks be to God, who gives us
the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.