The Blessed Way of Jesus - Part 5 (Matthew 5:10-12)

Sermon Series: The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)

Sermon Title: The Blessed Way of Jesus (Part 5 of 5)

Sermon Text: Matthew 5:10-12

Big Idea: The blessed way of Jesus endures persecution.

#8 The blessed way of Jesus endures persecution (v10-12)

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10)

Forms of persecution

• Physical

• Verbal

• Relational & Social

• Vocational & Financial

Definition of the specific persecution that Jesus is addressing and blessing in the 8th Beatitude: The hostile treatment of followers of Jesus for faithfully following Jesus

Litmus test for determining persecution: Is what is being done to me because of my faith in Jesus, pursuit of Jesus, and association with Jesus?

2 clarifications on what persecution is

1. Hostility for not doing what God has forbidden is persecution

2. Hostility for doing what God has commanded is persecution

4 clarifications on what persecution is not

1. Consequences of sin are not persecution

2. Opposition to speaking the truth without love is not persecution

3. Preferential restrictions and limitations are not necessarily persecution

4. Temporary inconveniences are not necessarily persecution

Reflective Questions:

• Are you more concerned with protecting your rights or with pursuing righteousness?

• Are you more concerned with comfortability or with being conformed into the image of Christ?

#1) Persecution is a certainty, not a possibility (v11)

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.” (Matthew 5:11)

#2) Persecution is a blessing, not a curse (v12)

“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:12)

• We are blessed by the company we share with the Old Testament prophets, the New Testament Apostles, and with Jesus

• We are blessed by the reward we receive

How we will respond to the certainty of persecution that awaits us in this life:

• Praise God

• Pray for those who persecute us

• Pursue righteousness