THE BITTER- SWEET EXPECTATION OF SUFFERING Matthew 5: 1-12

Matthew 5:1-12 (Message Bible) When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down [2] and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said: [3] "You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. [4] "You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

Matthew 5:1-12 (Message Bible) [5] "You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought. [6] "You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat. [7] "You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'carefull,' you find yourselves cared for. [8] "You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

Matthew 5:1-12 (Message Bible) [8] "You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world. [9] "You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family. [10] "You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.

Matthew 5:1-12 (Message Bible) [11] "Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. [12] You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.

Points to Ponder In some parts of the world discipleship means brutal treatment, incarceration and even death. Suffering: Sooner or later I'll take it on the chin for Jesus. It is a reality Jesus made clear to his followers: Expect it! Even in my little corner of the world I'd probably feel more harassment if people knew how much I love Jesus and see him as God's way to joy and heaven.

Lord Jesus, help me be a bold witness for you, even if it means loss of friendships, employment opportunities or worse. Commitment

Freedom for Steve Centanni and Olaf Wiig Two FOX News journalists were released by their kidnappers, nearly two weeks after they were taken hostage in the Gaza Strip.

Freedom for Steve Centanni and Olaf Wiig "We were forced to convert to Islam at gunpoint," Centanni told FOX News. "Don't get me wrong here. I have the highest respect for Islam, and I learned a lot of good things about it, but it was something we felt we had to do because they had the guns, and we didn't know what was going on."

Thinking Through Some Larger Issues… Besides forcing the conversion of the two to Islam, they made them play dress-up and recorded a degrading video of the pair denouncing the West in Arabic robes. Centanni and Wiig played along with the demands. They were not asked to denounce Jesus. But, if they had been… what would you have done?

THE PREDICTABILITY OF PAIN Matthew 10:22 All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. Matthew 10:39 Whoever finds his life will lose it and whoever loses his life for my sake will lose it. I Cor 4:10 We are fools for Christ's sake!

BAD REASONS TO SUFFER AS A CHRISTIAN: For being obnoxious and over-bearing I Peter 2: 20 (suffering for doing wrong) For being judgmental, critical or condescending For expecting others to accept your conclusions without study and time You go begging for a fight.

HOW TO AVOID THE PAIN OF REJECTION, PERSECUTION OR MARTYRDOM: Deny that you have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It worked for Peter! Go with the flow, even when it includes immorality, mocking Jesus or living contrary to his teachings.

HOW TO AVOID THE PAIN OF REJECTION, PERSECUTION OR MARTYRDOM: Consider that the approval of others is more important than the approval of God. Let others know that all paths to God are of equal value and that, after all, truth is relative. In other words, be a double agent. Just keep quiet about your faith, after all, it is your own business.

Film Clip Jesus is an example of suffering. He did not avoid the consequences of the faith. Judas sided with the persecutors. An “easier” path, so he thought. Bottom line: The “difficult” way of Jesus brought life. The “easy” way of Judas brought death.

Jesus suffered and was victorious. Judas took another direction and suffered defeat.

Confession: Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Jesus is my Lord and Savior.

ENCOURAGEMENT FROM THE SCRIPTURES: Acts 5:40 Early Christians "rejoiced that they were worthy of suffering". Romans 8:17 Paul reminds us "if we share in his sufferings we share in his glory". Hebrews 11:25 Moses "hose to suffer with the people of god than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time".

WE LIVE IN A WORLD WHICH IS MORE AND MORE HOSTILE TO CHRISTIANITY. We'll have to remember how Jesus suffered for us. We'll need to remember that Heaven awaits us and will make our pain worthwhile. We'll need to band together to gain strength and encouragement. Hebrews 10:23-25

PRAYER & PRAISE

Points to Ponder In some parts of the world discipleship means brutal treatment, incarceration and even death. Suffering: Sooner or later I'll take it on the chin for Jesus. It is a reality Jesus made clear to his followers: Expect it! Even in my little corner of the world I'd probably feel more harassment if people knew how much I love Jesus and see him as God's way to joy and heaven.

Lord Jesus, help me be a bold witness for you, even if it means loss of friendships, employment opportunities or worse. Commitment

GO AND TOUCH THE WORLD