Blessed Are Those Who are Persecuted for Righteousness’ Sake based on Matthew 5:8-12

I. Purity and Ivory soap.

II. Read Matthew 5:8 and comment about heaven. Matthew 5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

III.Psalm 51:10 “Create in me a clean heart, O God.”

IV. Civil wars are nasty.

V. Read Matthew 5:9 and comment. Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

VI. Read Romans 5:1, Philippians 4:7, John 14:27, and comment. Romans 5:1 “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.”

VII. Following Jesus and persecution.

VIII. Jesus says in Matthew 9:13, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

IX. The days are coming when there will be no more persecution.

X. Conclusion. Life is not always easy. Blessings still come our way though. We will not live out the beatitudes perfectly this side of heaven. We are forgiven and blessed through saving faith in Jesus. No matter what comes our way we can rejoice and be glad, because our reward is great in heaven. Amen.