1. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness for theirs is the Kingdom of God Matthew 5:10

2. Starting with the end in mind. His glorious Kingdom Predicted, looked for, sought after: Daniel 2:44 Proclaimed: Mark1:15, Matt 10:7 Prayed: Matt 6:10 Receiving, Entering and staying in it Demonstrated Luke 11:20 Taught the mystery of it—to be searched for enquired about Matt 5---radicle teaching Advancing Matthew 11:1-12 Carried on by disciples Acts 28:31 Commissioned followers Matthew 28:19

3. Righteousness Philippians 3:9 And be found in Him Not having a righteousness of their own that comes from law, but that which is by faith in Jesus Christ Proverbs 19:2 Not good to have zeal without knowledge Romans 10 :4 Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for all who believe

4. Persecution John 15:18-20 If they persecuted me they will persecute you; if they kept my word they will keep yours also---remember I chose you out of the world—therefore the world hates you. Acts 12:1-3. Herod—laying on of hands! Secular and religious combine to bring persecution 2 Thessalonians 1:3-5 Thanks for enlarged faith— love of each other grows. Thanks for perseverance in faith amidst persecution/afflictions. Considered worthy of the KOG

5. Wrong reasons for Persecution Avoiding persecution for the wrong reasons. 1 peter 4:15 make sure none of you suffers as a --- Avoid a persecution complex. We don’t need to set out to be persecuted. The Pharisees and legalists of Jesus day probably thought they were being persecuted by Jesus---so what was the outcome of that---

6. Forms of persecution Mocking Luke 23:11 Jesus Insults Psm 69:9 their reproach fallen on Him Ostracism John 9:22 Slander Intimidation Acts 4:21 Paul Beatings Exile Stoning Acts 14:19 Paul death

7. Responding to persecution Psm 139:23,24 search me Lord and know my heart Bless and do not curse Luke 6:28 As far as it depends on you be at peace with all men. Do not repay evil with evil or insult for insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing Rom 12: 17,18 Trust in the Lord and do good, Dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture Psm 37:1-5 Don’t talk unwisely about your trails—Guard your heart, guard your mouth. Pr 4 Count it a real joy James 1:2-4 Forgive from your heart. Remember Stephen Acts 7:60 Trusting God and His word =faith Romans 8:35-39