The Christian
& Persecution
Part eight in
series of beatitudes
2001037
Topic # 09
Introduction:
A. Interesting that 5:10 follows 5:9 in that those who make peace would incite persecution.
1. 5:10 – is the last of beatitudes.
a) 5:11-12 are thought to be an elaboration of 5:10
2. 5:10 – seems to be a result of what happens to one who possesses the qualities described in 5:3-9.
B. Interesting also to note that the last one closes w/ “for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” as did the first in 5:3.
1. Beatitudes begin and end w/references to the kingdom. There is no greater thing than to be in the Lord’s kingdom.
2. must do whatever it takes to be part of the kingdom.
C. This is an important test – one that we must give consideration to.
1. it is also a lot more relevant than people realize.
a) persecution is not all past.
2. Many places in the world now where persecution goes on:
a) China
b) Russia – not to degree that Chinese face.
3. It could be up on the horizon for NT Christians in the western world if some agendas are allowed to be practiced.
D. How does 5:10 relate to our lives today?
I. What this does NOT mean:
A. That we act in an objectionable way….to get persecution.
1. Jesus expected His disciples to go around and use common sense.
2. Some suffer b/c of their own folly.
3. There = difference b/t being offensive & causing offensive behavior b/c of our righteousness.
B. That we be over-zealous or fanatical.
1. Some persecuted b/c they = too forward.
2. Some persecuted b/c they can’t keep their mouth shut or their nose out of other’s business.
3. Mt. 10:16 – wise as serpents/harmless as doves.
C. That we need to have a “persecution complex.”
1. some anxious for it. Count on it. Align themselves w/any cause that promises persecution.
2. This NOT what Jesus had in mind.
II. What does it mean?
A. It means being persecuted for being righteous! For practicing righteousness! For being like Jesus!
1. Jesus…if they persecuted Jesus…they will persecute you! (Jhn. 15:18-20)
a) persecuted Jesus/killed Him/b/c of His righteousness…His good life showed them their sin/imperfections.
b) Same true w/us. This = why this true!
2. Notice again Jesus’ statement in 15:20. It is a categorical statement. It is an absolute.
a) serve/follow Jesus: There will be persecution.
b) Paul’s statement; 2 Tim. 3:12 – a/g categorical, unqualified statement.
B. This beatitude searches us. Have we been persecuted? Are we practicing righteousness as we should?
C. Consider Biblical examples of those who were persecuted…
1. Abel – Gen. 4:8 – b/c his offering accepted and Cain’s not.
2. Elijah – 1 Kings 19 – for standing up against prophets of Baal & Ahab & Jezebel.
3. Daniel – Dan. 6:4, 16, 20 – for refusing to bow down to anyone other than God.
4. John the Baptist – Mk. 6:17-20 – for his identifying that Herod in unlawful relationship w/Herodias.
5. Paul – 2 Cor. 11:23-28
6. Jesus Himself…
a) in spite of His utter absolute perfection, He was criticized.
b) So gentle, so kind; yet look at what happened to him.
c) Mt. 12:19
III. Some General Questions About
Persecution Answered.
A. Who persecutes the righteous?
1. suffer from those w/out and w/in the body.
a) but some of the worst persecution come from those who claim to love God. “Nominal Christians.”
b) Think of Jesus – Mk. 14:1; Lk. 14:24
c) Think of Paul – 2 Cor. 11:26-28
2. Hurts…can knock many out of commission when it comes to serving God.
B. Why are the righteous persecuted?
1. B/c they = different.
2. b/c there is something in them that condemns the unrighteous.
a) think of Jesus
b) His purity exposed their hypocrisy.
c) They hated Him – so much that they killed Him..
C. What does Mt. 5:10 have to do w/me today? Now?
1. I must reevaluate my conception of who/what a Christian is.
a) must guard against having the idea that a Christian is to be a
b) nice, popular, harmless fellow – one who never attempts to offend.
c) Christian behavior will be offensive to the world!
d) Lk. 6:26 – must understand that if we are serving God as we should –there WILL be conflict w/the world.
2. We must take care not to present Jesus w/the idea that the world will admire Him – it won’t.
IV. Remember…there is rejoicing found in tribulation. See 5:11-12.
A. Christian different from the Non Christian. We to be of a different nature – a different man. How?
1. our lives to be demonstrated by loyalty to Jesus:
a) persecution to be endured for sake of Jesus. (5:11)
b) everything in life to be for His glory – Rom. 14:8
2. Our lives to be spent in prep for the life that is to come.
a) Mt. 5:12 – reward in heaven is great.
b) Christians must focus upon heaven. See Heb. 11:10; 13; 16; 26.’
3. People in world – think a/b pleasure here while Christian is to be preoccupied w/thoughts of what is coming.
B. 5:11-12 teaches us what forms persecution may take:
1. Could involve violence – prison, execution, concentration camps
2. less open violence: lose job; sneers; laughter; jeers; whisper campaigns.
C. We’re also learn here how to respond to persecution. (5:12)
1. no retaliation/reply/strike back
2. no resentment
3. not even to be depressed about it.
4. to control tongue/hand/and heart.
5. to “rejoice & be exceedingly glad.”
a) not truly converted…this is totally impossible.
D. Why should we react in such a way?
1. B/c he considers persecution as proof of who/what He is. (5:12)
a) like the prophets
b) like Jesus – we can identify w/him – Phil. 3:9-10
2. B/c he regards it as proof of where he is going.
a) 5:12; Rom. 8:17
b) We must look our final destiny!
Conclusion:
A. 2 Cor. 4:17-18 How do you react to persecution? If not being persecuted? Are you practicing righteousness?
B. If not, why not?
C. I N V I T A T I O N