This week we’ll conclude our series in the Beatitudes as we consider the role of persecution in the life of the church. There has never been a lack of persecution in the world, but there is certainly an enormous amount going on around the world. At the same time, Christians in America appear to be on the cusp of paying a far greater social price for their faith than they ever have in the past. What Jesus tells us that this persecution is such an extraordinary blessing that we should rejoice exceedingly at the prospect!
Scripture Reference
Matthew 5: 8
Sermon Audio
Sermon Notes
The Beatitude Explained
- Who’s Blessed? Those persecuted for righteousness.
- Those insulted, slandered, imprisoned, or hurt for their faith, pressured to bend to cultural or political demands, etc.
- For Righteousness’ Sake
- There’s no credit if you’re persecuted for being a jerk
- Jesus IS righteousness, it’s for Him we should expect to suffer
- The Blessing
- The present day Kingdom of Heaven
- Great reward in heaven
Expect Persecution for Christ
- Because we’re different from the world
- If we embrace the Kingdom values we’ve been discussing, we’ll stand out from the world
- The virtues in the Beatitudes are contrary to the values of the world
- How different are you?
- Because Christ was persecuted
- John 15: 18-20 – the world hated Jesus first
- 2 Timothy 3: 12 – we will be persecuted for following Jesus
Embrace Persecution for Christ
- Rejoice and be extremely joyful in the fact of insult, persecution, and slander
- Ours is the Kingdom of Heaven today as followers of Jesus Christ
- Great will be our reward in heaven!