Are You Being Persecuted?

N. T. #38 "Are You Being Persecuted?"

March 30, 2023

Matthew 5-Part 8

LET IT GLOW

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is teaching about the ethical life of a born-again person. It goes beyond the Law of Moses describing how the saved Christian and His disciples are to live. It is the spiritual character and quality of Jesus' kingdom that He desires to fulfill in the church. Are we being poor in spirit? do we mourn over our sins? Are we meek and humble? Do we hunger and thirst after righteousness? Are we merciful and pure in hear? Are we peacemakers? We can't do and be those without the Holy Spirit.

If so, then we can expect persecution. If we display those kingdom characteristics, we can expect to be mistreated. Some people won't like you doing so. 

Persecuted means to pursue; follow (after); suffer; press forward; fearful.

An interesting thing I discovered is the root word means servant. So it is the servants of Christ that are persecuted when they act righteously. Persecutions come in various forms and various sources (family, employer, culture, government).  

LET IT GROW

Those characteristics above are in contrast to the world in which we live. Especially these days, right? It is like the love, justice, and salvation we represent is rebelled against. People of the world want their way and we don't dare speak against it. Simply put, it is because they do not know Jesus and have His love in their heart. Beware of wolves in sheep's clothing in the church, for they are the ones always howling.

Do you feel like you are being persecuted? Then be happy, for yours is the kingdom of heaven. I know that is easier said than done. In receiving persecution, we will be in the company of a class of people (Hebrews 11) of whom the world is not worthy. (Heb. 11:38) If we are willing to be rejected by men to be accepted by God, the kingdom of heaven is ours. (Tony Evans)

John 15 and 16 has a lot to say about this. As followers of Christ, we should expect being persecuted because He was. Also, Paul suffered, too.

What are the rewards?

• Heaven. (verse 10)
• A special honor for being worthy of suffering shame for His name. (Acts 5:41)
• A consolation (comfort) (2 Cor. 1:5)
• A very special closeness, a glow of the Lord's presence.(1 Peter 4:14) When Christ is glorified, we have the Spirit of glory and of God. 

A greater witness for Christ; (Heb. 11:35) a better resurrection. [The Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible]

LET IT GO

Give us strength to stand for the Truth, Word, and righteousness.