Blessed Are Those Who Are Persecuted Matthew 5:10-12 March 5, 2017

Blessed Are The Persecuted Beatitudes serve as the basic characteristics of the citizens of God’s Kingdom. Beatitudes serve as the basic ingredients of a proper faith.

Blessed are the Persecuted Beginning of Faith Poor in spirit, mourners, meek Growing Faith Hungry and Thirsty Maturing Faith Merciful, Pure in Heart, Peacemakers

Blessed are the Persecuted Now we come to the testing or proving of one’s faith – persecution. Christians should expect this. 1 Peter 1:6-7 Revelation 2:10

Blessed are the Persecuted Blessed are those who are persecuted.

Blessed are the Persecuted Definition Persecuted διώκω – diōkō to put to flight or to drive away

Blessed are the Persecuted Some things are NOT persecution. 1 Peter 4:14-16 Based on Peter’s statement what is NOT persecution:

Blessed are the Persecuted Jesus didn’t mean persecution arising because you are difficult, hard to get along with, or objectionable in conduct Jesus didn’t mean persecution arising because you are weak in faith, immature in your actions, and unwise in the conduct of your life

Blessed are the Persecuted Jesus didn’t mean persecution arising out of fanatical religious belief or behavior Jesus didn’t mean persecution arising for being good in behavior

Blessed are the Persecuted What did Jesus mean? Matthew 5:10-11 2 reasons for persecution given: For Righteousness Sake For My Sake

Blessed are the Persecuted The world has no problem accepting and following a religious leader who permits them to stay in their sins; but they will crucify the man who dares to point them to a narrow gate that leads to a narrow way.

Blessed are the Persecuted Jesus was different, and a world that thrives on conformity cannot tolerate differences. We are children of light, and they are children of darkness. We are alive in the Spirit, and they are dead in sins. We live by faith, and they live by sight. We understand them, but they do not understand us.

Blessed are the Persecuted Consider: John 15:18-21 2 Timothy 3:10-12 Jesus is talking about persecution which comes from having faith in Him.

Blessed are the Persecuted A person who lives the beatitudes WILL be different form the world. Consider the diffrences:

Blessed are the Persecuted Poor in spirit – won’t operate out of pride or arrogance and so will be susceptible to the power hungry of the world Mourners – they mourn over their own sins and sins of others, they do not gladly participate in them

Blessed are the Persecuted The Meek – these are the gentle people who are so often misunderstood and who take a lot of the world’s abuse Those who Hunger and Thirst after Righteousness – they are after an entirely different set of values and behavior

Blessed are the Persecuted The Merciful – these are people who refuse to take revenge, who deal with others in a way different from the world The Pure in Heart — these do not mix with the world, and make every effort not to be stained by the ways of the world The Peacemakers – these are the ones trying to bring about the will of God among the people of the world

Blessed are the Persecuted Blessed are the persecuted. For theirs is the kingdom of heaven

Blessed are the Persecuted Persecution is Proof of faith: Romans 8:35-39 2 Corinthians 4:8-18 Revelation 2:8-10

Blessed are the Persecuted Persecution is Proof of faith for 2 reasons: 1. Of the beatitudes, it is the only one that is not an internal characteristic of the disciple, but one which he or she must endure from others 2. Persecution demands that all the other beatitudes are at work in a person’s life

For Theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven Look at the Great Hall of Faith: Hebrews 11 These are standing at the finish line cheering us on so to speak Hebrews 12:1-2

Blessed are the Persecuted Are you going through persecution? Persecution will prove your faith? Blessed are they which are persecuted for theirs is the kingdom of heaven

Repent - Acts 8:22, Revelation 2:5 Invitation Christians Repent - Acts 8:22, Revelation 2:5 Confess - James 5:16, 1 John 1:9 Pray - Acts 8:24, James 5:16

Invitation Non - Christians Hear – Romans 10:17, Acts 18:8, Believe – Romans. 10:9-10, Hebrews 11:6 Repent – Luke 13:3,5 Acts 17:30 Confess – Acts 8:37, Matthew 10:32 Be Baptized – Acts 2:38, Romans 6:3-5 Be Faithful – Revelation 2:10, Hebrews 10:35