The Blessed Life: A Journey Through the Beatitudes
Part 8: I Endure for Christ’s Sake
Matthew 5:10-12
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 children of God. Matthew 5:3-9
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. Matthew 5:10-12
When you strive to live a , you can expect to be by the world.
12 …And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous. 1 John 3:12
24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, 2 Corinthians 11:24-25.
29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, Philippians 1:29
4 Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. 2 Thessalonians 1:4
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter 4:12
12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 2 Timothy 3:12
Why are Christians persecuted by the world?
Persecution stems from the of those toward God.
7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Romans 8:7
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 what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. John 15:20
20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. John 3:20
5 Ways to Respond to Persecution
1. with people who persecute you.
20 On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Romans 12:20
Seven Peacemaking Practices
1)Courageously face a problem when it is appears. (Jeremiah 6:14)
2) Deal with conflict early. (Proverbs 17:14)
3) Practice restraint by taming the tongue! (James 3:9-10)
4) Prepare for the long haul. (1 Peter 3:11)
5) Take the first step toward peace. (Romans 12:20)
6) Aim at humility, not humiliation. (Philippians 2:8)
7) Give the injustice you’ve suffered to God. (1 Peter 2:19-24)
2. Respond in the way, even when you are treated .
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse….17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. Romans 12:14;17
3. While you can’t other’s actions, you can absolutely .
18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:14;17-18
4. When necessary, from the persecution.
14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. Matthew 10:14
5. in your persecution because it will be !
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. Matthew 5:12