2. 1 Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them, saying: 3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

3. Our needs: 1.Poor in spirit 2.Mourn 3.Meek Fulfillment of our needs: 4.Hunger and thirst for righteousness Results of being filled 5.Merciful 6.Pure in heart 7.Peacemakers Result of these seven character traits 8.Persecuted because of righteousness

4. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

5. Definition: hostile pursuit, harassment, legal proceedings Physical Verbal Mental Social

6. Should NOT be for Being rude, crude, insensitive, lazy, irresponsible Hebrews 12:14 14 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

7. Should NOT be for Being rude, crude, insensitive, lazy, irresponsible Doing something illegal Being a meddler 1 Peter 4:15-16 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

8. Should NOT be for Being rude, crude, insensitive, lazy, irresponsible Doing something illegal Being a meddler Doing something unwise, foolish Being fanatical and overzealous Our attitude and temperament Own prejudices/preferences

9. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Correct reasons for persecution, because of: Righteousness Christ

10. 2 Timothy 3:12 12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, John 15:18-21 18 "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20 Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.

11. If not, why not? Perhaps we are: 1.Sealed off 2.Hidden 3.No different than the World Do we have a confessing problem? Matthew 10:32-33 32 "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.

12. Rejoicing in persecution: 1.Christ’s confession and example 1 Peter 2:21 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

13. Rejoicing in persecution: 1.Christ’s confession and example 2.You are in good company 3.You maybe a “Stephen” for a “Paul” 4.Shows your faith Matt 13:20-21 “The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away”.

14. Rejoicing in persecution: 1.Christ’s confession and example 2.You are in good company 3.You maybe a “Stephen” for a “Paul” 4.Shows your faith 5.You have a great reward in heaven 2 Corinthians 4:17 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.