The Life of Christ – Lesson 7 April 25, 2018 Matthew Chapters 5-7 Luke 6:20-49 The Life of Christ – Lesson 7 The Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 5:10-12; 13-16 Blessed are the persecuted … You are the salt of the earth … the light of the world.

“Blessed are those who have been persecuted …” Why are we “calmly happy” and “leaping for joy” over our persecutions? First, because “… theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Our citizenship in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ should mean a great deal. 2 Thessalonians 1:3-6; Philippians 3:20-21; Ephesians 2:19 Inclusion at the beginning and end indicates all are required for citizens in the kingdom.

“Blessed are those who have been persecuted …” Why are we to rejoice over our persecutions? Second, because “Your reward in heaven is great” – Psalms 58:11; 19:9-11; 2 Chronicles 15:7; Isaiah 49:3-4; Hebrews 11:6, 26; 10:35. Our reward is not worthy to be compared … Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Obedience and Service to God Reward Love Fear Duty

“Blessed are those who have been persecuted …” Why are we to rejoice over our persecutions? Third, because “… in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you …” – How does this help us rejoice? We see God’s “approval”; “commendation” (ESV) of those who endured. Hebrews 11:2, 39; James 1:12; 2 Timothy 2:15 – (John 1:32-34; 5:31-39)

“Blessed are those who have been persecuted …” Why are we “calmly happy” and “leaping for joy” over our persecutions? Because … “Theirs is the kingdom of heaven” “Your reward in heaven is great” “In the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you …”

“Blessed are those who have been persecuted …” What should we pray for? That our faith and strength will be greater than our trials and tribulation – not the opposite. Luke 22:31-32; Acts 14:22; 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5 That we will remain bold. Acts 4:29 (verses 24-30) Ephesians 6:18-20 That we never lose focus on the outcome of our faith. Hebrews 11:13-16 Acts 26:11; 8:3; 1 Timothy 1:13

“Blessed are those who have been persecuted …” What should we pray for? That our persecution may bring glory to God and bring about growth. Philippians 1:12; Luke 21:13; Acts 8:1-4 That we’ll never be ashamed. 2 Timothy 1:7-12 That we’ll trust God and His grace. Psalms 31:14-15ff; 2 Corinthians 12:9-12; Psalms 142:5-6 Acts 26:11; 8:3; 1 Timothy 1:13

“Blessed are those who have been persecuted …” What should we pray for? Pray for deep spiritual roots. Matthew 13:20-21; Isaiah 37:31(27:6) Don’t forget to pray for the one doing the persecuting. Matthew 5:44; Romans 12:14; 1 Corinthians 4:11-12 Acts 26:11; 8:3; 1 Timothy 1:13

Salt of the earth and lights of the world – Matthew 5:13-16 Jesus shifts the discussion from qualities we are to have to the impact or influence we are to have. Acts 26:11; 8:3; 1 Timothy 1:13