The Life of Christ – Lesson 7 April 11, 2018 Matthew Chapters 5-7 Luke 6:20-49 The Life of Christ – Lesson 7 The Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 5:10-12 Blessed are the persecuted …

“… For they shall be called sons of God” Because God’s “only begotten Son” (John 1:14; 3:16; 1 John 4:9) is the “Prince of peace” (Isaiah 9:6-7; Ephesians 2:14). We must be peacemakers like God’s only begotten Son.

“… For they shall be called sons of God” How so? Galatians 3:26; John 1:12 In the present … Romans 8:16-17; 1 John 3:1-2 We must continue to prove ourselves to be. Philippians 2:15; 1 Peter 1:14; Jeremiah 16:5

“Blessed are those who have been persecuted …” The kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are willing to suffer for it. Not all suffering is blessed. “For the sake of righteousness.” 1 Peter 4:12-19; 2:19- 20; 3:13-17; Hebrews 10:34 For the Lord’s sake. Luke 6:22; 21:12-17 “Taking up our cross …” – sacrificial persecution or suffering. Luke 9:23

“Blessed are those who have been persecuted …” Jesus specifies 3 forms of suffering (verse 11): Casting insults – reproach, revile. To defame - taunt. (Strong) To mock or ridicule, insult, hold in contempt. Hebrews 11:35-38 Persecution – to make to run or flee, put to flight (Thayer) Acts 26:11. Trouble, harass, or molest. Physical suffering. Hebrews 11:35-38 Saying of all kind of evil falsely. The evil speech is to be false. Acts 26:11; 8:3; 1 Timothy 1:13

“Blessed are those who have been persecuted …” Our response? (verse 12) “Rejoice” - “… cheerful, i.e. calmly happy or well of” (Strong) . “To thrive” (Thayer) “Be glad” - “To jump for joy” (Strong) Acts 5:40-42; 1 Peter 1:6-9; James 1:2-4; Philippians 2:17

Romans 5:3-5 Tribulations (a pressing together) Exulting in tribulations Tribulations (a pressing together) Perseverance (constancy; brave patience) Proven Character (approvedness) Hope (joyful and confident expectation) Perseverance – James 1:3, 12