Preparing For Persecution

Introduction

Matthew, chapter 5. We have been studying the Beatitudes together. And, I don't know about you, but my own heart has been blessed and enriched as we have studied God's Word together, these Beatitudes, as we said, the attitudes that should be the character of a Christian, as a Christian truly is, and we call them The Path to Authentic Happiness. And today, we come to Matthew, chapter 5, verse 10: Matthew 5:10-12

Matthew 5:10–12 NIV

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.

And I have the feeling, ladies and gentlemen, that we are living in the growing shadow of the last days. I believe that Jesus Christ will return soon, and one of the hallmarks of the last days—and we can see it fulfilled—is the persecution of God's saints, God's children.

The new scapegoat in today's world, do you know who he is? He is the Bible-believing Christian.

If you want to become the butt of jokes, if you want to receive the wrath of the world, become a true Bible-believing Christian.

There is no way to be a genuine Christian, a true man of God and a true woman of God, and escape persecution.

Please see 2 Timothy, chapter 3, verse 12.

2 Timothy 3:12 NIV

12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

The apostle Paul said, "everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" - (not some,… not maybe…)

everyone will be persecuted—that is, those who determine to live godly in Christ Jesus.

So, today's topic is: "Preparing for Persecution."

And you need to prepare your children, just as you prepare them for school, you need to prepare them to live in a world that is becoming increasingly hostile to Bible-believing Christians.

Now, you can live with this world. You can compromise with this world. You can go along with this world and not suffer any persecution.

Persecution comes to those who will live godly in Christ Jesus.

Now, in fact, this verse we just read speaks of joy. It says, "Rejoice and be glad," and it speaks of persecution.

The Lord Jesus puts joy and persecution in the same passage.

Did you know that Persecution is the thermometer that registers how much you love Jesus? - everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

You can tell whether or not you're totally for Jesus Christ by the persecution you suffer.

Now, if you're not suffering any persecution, don't say you must be doing a wonderful job. Frankly, you're doing a poor job. For the Bible says, "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."

That doesn't mean they'll throw you in a dungeon. It doesn't mean they'll tie you to a post and whip you. It doesn't mean they'll come in with a machine gun and kill your children. All of that can happen, but that's not necessarily what it means.

The word persecution literally means "to pursue," as we'll see. Here soon. They will persecute you in many ways.

You will become the butt of jokes; you will be socially marginalized; you will be passed over for promotions; you will be despised as socially inadequate if you live godly for Christ Jesus.

Now, if you want to be the kind of person who never takes a stand for anything, never testifies for the Lord Jesus Christ, people will think you are a great Christian. But, Frankly, you're doing a poor job. "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."

I. The Reasons for Persecution

Now, allow me, very quickly, in the time we have, as we examine this passage of Scripture that talks about preparing for persecution. I hope to make it very personal and, first of all, present to you the reasons for persecution. Why are Christians persecuted?

A. The Life We Live

Look at verse 10, if you will:

Matthew 5:10 NIV

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Do you understand? This is the reason: "because of righteousness,."

The word righteousness comes from a Greek word meaning "to divide." The reason Christians are persecuted is that, in a very real sense, they are divisive; they divide. They are different.

You see, divide means "to be different." Christians are different.

Christians should stand out like a diamond in a coal mine, like a beautiful flower in a swamp. Christians are different.

Now, for example: if you take the first seven Beatitudes and analyze them, you'll see how different they are from the world! We are simply different. For example, it says:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit" (Matthew 5:3).

Well, the world will never tell you to be poor in spirit. Godly humility is a laughingstock these days. Today we are told: "Be number one; assert yourself."

The Beatitudes say: "Blessed are those who mourn" (Matthew 5:4). Who in America wants to cry? America is laughing its way to Hell.

"Blessed are the meek" (Matthew 5:5). The world says, "Don't be a meek man. Be a powerful man. Be a strong man. Be a rich man. Impose yourself. But whatever you do, don't be a meek man." The world doesn't like that. The world thinks meekness is weakness, and the world's attitude and motto is "The winner takes all."

Now, what I'm simply saying is this—and listen to me, my dear friend: if you accept these Beatitudes, I guarantee it; if you accept the first seven attitudes and start living that way, then number eight is guaranteed: you will be persecuted!

Now, if you're not living according to the first seven attitudes, don't worry about the eighth beatitude.

But if you accept the first seven, if you accept these Beatitudes and start putting them on the leather of your shoes, taking them out of that notebook you're writing in and putting them on the leather of your shoes, the eighth is guaranteed.

Why? Because the children of God are children of light, and they are children of darkness.

My dear friend, we are alive in the spirit. They are dead in transgressions and sin.

We live by faith. They walk by sight.

We understand them. But they don't understand us.

And Jesus, after speaking about being persecuted, said:

"You are the salt of the earth; you are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:13-14).

Salt burns when it is poured into a wound, and the light reveals it.

And I'm telling you that the gospel of Jesus Christ is like salt for the festering wounds of this world, and the gospel of Jesus Christ is revealing light to the dark things of this world.

And therefore, they say, "Remove that salt and extinguish that light."

Now, when we are persecuted let it be for “righteousness” sake, we must be very careful here.

We must be very, very careful that it is persecution, not punishment.

Many Christians confuse persecution with punishment.

We are punished by good people when we do evil.

We are persecuted by bad people when we do good. That's the difference.

Now, frankly, there are many people who think they are being persecuted when, in fact, they are receiving the punishment they should receive.

I have another verse I want you to note:

— 1 Peter, chapter 4, beginning at verse 14:

1 Peter 4:14–16 NKJV

14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

Many Christians think they are being persecuted.

They are not being persecuted; they are just busybody in other people’s matters;

They're just people with bad manners, bad breath, arrogance, ego, and all that. And they say, "Oh, people don't like me! I'm being persecuted!" You're not being persecuted.

My dear friend, you're not living for the Lord Jesus Christ. That's just what you got because of what you did.

You say, "Well, I'm a witness." But the problem is, you're not a witness; you're more like a district attorney.

You say, "Well, I want to be different." But the problem is, you're not different; you're strange.

Now, my dear friend, when Christians are filled with the Spirit, they will be supernaturally natural.

They will be naturally supernatural. They will be different. And they will be persecuted.

But don't go around saying you're persecuted if you're not living for the Lord Jesus Christ.

This passage of Scripture, in the Beatitudes, says, first, that what they say about you must be false; and second, that it must be because of Him.

B. The Lord We Love

The first reason we are persecuted, first of all, my dear friend, is because of who we are; that is, the life we live.

The second reason we are persecuted—look at Scripture again—"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake"—that's the first reason. Now, look, if you will, at verse 11:

Matthew 5:11 NIV

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

That's the second reason: Jesus says, "because of me"—because We love the Lord—we are on the Lord's side no matter what. This will bring persecution. The life we live: "because of righteousness." And because of me” - the Lord we love.

I can tell you that this world hates Jesus Christ.

But, Let me tell you something, my dear friend.

The world doesn't hate baby Jesus.

Soon, Christmas will come, and everyone will love a baby in a manger.

The world doesn't hate baby Jesus. Some people may hate it.

But, in general, the world, the euphoric crowd, eats and drinks around the manger, and the merchants make millions—"it's good for business."

They don't care about baby Jesus.

I'll tell you something else.

The world doesn't hate the Jesus who healed the sick and fed the multitudes.

The world doesn't hate this Jesus—not at all. That's not why the world hates Jesus. And if that's all you know about the Lord Jesus Christ, then you might think the world doesn't really hate the Lord Jesus.

Do you know why the world hates Jesus?

Jesus said, "I have come to destroy the works of the devil" (1 John 3:8).

And that's why, my dear friend, the world hates Jesus.

Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil. What are they?

Abortion, injustice, corruption, pornography, pride, racism, and greed.

And Jesus Christ opposes these, and the world opposes Him. And, my dear friend, when you stand with the Christ of the Bible—when you stand with the Christ of the Bible... I'm not talking about the baby Jesus. I'm not talking about the humble Jesus on the shores of Galilee. I'm talking about the the Lord & Savior.

Listen to what Jesus Christ said in John, chapter 15, verse 19 onward. Jesus said to His disciples.

John 15:19–20 NKJV

If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.

My dear friend, the only reason the world hates Jesus is because Jesus is not of the world.

And the Bible says, in Philippians 1, verse 29:

Philippians 1:29 NIV

For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,

My dear friend, when you receive Jesus Christ, you receive suffering.

You say, “Well, then, I guess I won’t receive Him.” That's your problem—that's your problem. Just don't receive Him.

But don't come here and say, "I want to be a Christian. I want Jesus Christ as my Savior. I want Him as my companion. I want His fullness. I want His grace. I want His love. But I will not suffer with the Lord Jesus Christ."

My dear friend, things cannot be this way.

Jesus said, "I chose you out of the world," and the reason a Christian, a true Christian, is persecuted, number one, is because of righteousness: he is different. And, number two, because of the Lord: he is devoted.

The life we live, and the Lord we love.

My dear friend, begin to live by these Beatitudes, and be sincere, with a burning, ardent, passionate, and emotional love for Jesus Christ that will not retreat, diminish, or be silent, and this world will fall on you like a hammer.

And if you don't believe, it's because you're not doing it. My dear friend, the Bible says, "Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution."

This, my dear friend, is the thermometer that measures how much you love the Lord Jesus Christ.

II. The Result of Persecution

Now, the result of this persecution. What will it be like? Look, if you will, at verse 11:

Matthew 5:11 NIV

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

A. Personal Insult

Matthew 5:11 NIV

people insult you,

First, there will be the personal insult.

They will insult you.

You will be the butt of jokes.

There are people who will laugh at you. They do.

Give your heart to Christ, and don't do the things others do, and don't use the language others use.

You can be the best student in school, the best on the team, the class president, but still know that you will be ridiculed and insulted by Jesus Christ.

B. Physical Abuse

Matthew 5:11 NIV

persecute you

But, my dear friend, they won't just insult you; there may be physical abuse.

The Bible says they will persecute you.

And the word persecute means more than just being insulted.

It actually means they will hurt you if they can.

You say, "Well, people don't do that in the 20th century these days."

My dear friend,Listen. More people have died for the sake of Jesus Christ in this century than in all other centuries combined—this century; the 21st century.

In fact, there are people right now in prison/unemployed.

I'm not talking about China/North Korea/Cuba. I'm talking about the United States. You know why? They're defending the unborn—they're defending the unborn.

They've been persecuted. They've lost their jobs. Why? Because they defend those who can't defend themselves.

C. Social Stigma

Matthew 5:11 NIV

falsely say all kinds of evil against you

But there won't just be personal insults and physical abuse; there will be social stigma. They will falsely say all kinds of evil against you.

My dear friend, Christians—true Christians, Bible-believing Christians—are never really covered in the newspapers or media—most of the time, at least—as they should be.

If you've ever seen a comedy show or soap opera on Globo TV, how is the Bible-believing Christian portrayed? First, they are made to look like an authoritarian fanatic, or a cruel monster, or a hypocrite—the scapegoat of today's society is the Bible-believing Christian. They may be the most hated species on Earth.

III. The Response to Persecution

Now, number three.

I've already talked to you about the reasons for persecution.

I've already talked to you about the results of persecution. "They will revile you. They will persecute you. They will say all kinds of evil against you falsely, said the Lord Jesus, for my sake."

Now, number three: What is your response? How will you respond?

A. Respond as a Child of the King

Well, number one, my dear friend: you need to respond as a prince/princess.

Please see. It says in verse 10:

Matthew 5:10 NIV

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The first thing you must do is react royally. When you are persecuted, never stoop to their level. You are part of a kingdom and you need to live like royalty!

You need to walk like it. You need to talk like it. Never stoop to their level. Remember: yours is the Kingdom! You are one of the King's children. Prince-Princess—And learn to act and live like it!

There are three levels of life.

First, there is what I want to call the infernal level. This is the level of Hell. The level of demons. This is the level that repays good with evil. This is what Jesus is talking about. We are persecuted because of righteousness. All of this comes from Hell. If you are someone who persecutes the righteous, may God have mercy on you! There is the infernal level.

Then there is the human level. The human level repays good with good and evil with evil. Most people are at this level. They are not at the infernal level; they are at the human level. But, my dear friend, there is the heavenly level—

the heavenly level, the level of the Kingdom, which repays evil with good. Now, this is the level you must walk on. When you are persecuted, learn to repay evil with good. That, my dear friend, is what we have been called to do.

See Matthew chapter 5, verse 43.

Matthew 5:43–45 NIV

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor  and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

That's what I'm saying. You are children of the King! //

You act like your Heavenly Father. Don't take revenge, because you are children of your Father—

See, the problem with taking revenge is this: If you're the kind of person who waits for an opportunity to take revenge, then you're not behaving like a son/daughter of the King. …

“I will take revenge.” Don't take revenge on anyone. Repay evil with good. You are royalty. Learn to repay evil with good. You need to respond like a king!

B. Respond with Joy

Number two: Rejoice in the Lord. Look at verse 12. It says:

Matthew 5:12 NIV

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.

"Rejoice and be glad" (Matthew 5:12).

Do you know what this word means?

It literally means "to leap and jump." It means "to dance."

You're so happy you can't keep your feet on the ground.

Why? Because you were persecuted! You say, "That doesn't make sense." Oh, friend, when you realize they finally see the difference, when you realize someone has discovered I'm a Christian...

Someone said, "If most people in the US/BR were arrested for being Christians, there wouldn't be enough evidence to convict them."

"Rejoice and be glad" because somehow they identified you with the Lord, and this should be a time of great joy.

I was reading the other day in Acts, chapter 5, verse 41, about those early apostles who were persecuted, and the Bible says,In Acts, chapter 5, verse 41, after they were judged, the Bible says:

Acts 5:41 NIV

41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.

Wow, isn't that an amazing verse? Have you ever said, "Oh, thank you, Lord, thank you, thank you, I am worthy to suffer shame for your name"?

"Rejoice and be glad" in the Lord. Our Lord commanded you to rejoice and be glad greatly.

The Bible says, in 2 Timothy, chapter 2, verse 12:

2 Timothy 2:12 NIV

12 if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;

C. Respond with Love

The third thing: respond with love. Simply respond with love. What a testimony!

You see, it's much easier to respond with love if you've done the first two things: act like a prince, rejoice in the Lord, and then respond with love.

You see, my dear friend, the world/people need love.

The world doesn't need what it deserves. Do you know what love is? Love—love—is not giving people what they deserve; love is giving people what they need.

And Jesus said, "Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you" (Matthew 5:44). What a testimony!

Let me tell you what happened. Saul, before becoming the apostle Paul, hated Christians. One of these Christians' names was Stephen. Stephen stood by the Lord Jesus Christ, and Paul hated him. And Paul said, "If you want to stone him, I'll take his coat" (Acts 7:58).

There's Saul holding the garments, watching with joy as Stephen is stoned (Acts 8:1). And here's Stephen, the stones falling on him, he's crumbling to the ground, and he begins to pray, and he says, "Lord Jesus, do not hold this sin against them" (Acts 7:60).

He's being stoned and he's praying; he's praying for Saul. Saul never forgot this. He never forgot. Later, when Saul was saved, Jesus said, "It is hard for you, Saul, to kick against the goads" (Acts 9:5).

That is, Saul, Saul, it is very hard for you to rebel against what is happening in your heart and in your life, because you saw God's love unleashed in a man who was being persecuted because of righteousness.

Stephen repaid evil with good. And because of this testimony of love, the greatest persecutor of the time surrendered to Christ and became the greatest Christian who ever lived on the face of the earth.

Conclusion

You say, "I don't know if these people who persecute me will be saved. I don't know if they will be better off if I return good for evil."

I don't know if they will be saved either. I don't know if they will be better off, but I do know one thing: you will be better off.

Look, folks. We're not in this world to please other people. We're here to please Jesus.

I was told that a professional violinist gave a concert, and when he finished playing, the people stood up to applaud. But the violinist put his face in his hands and wept. They said, "Don't cry! Look at the people! They loved it!" But he kept crying. They said, "Look! They're all standing!" He said, "Not all are standing." He said, "Do you see that man down there? He's not standing." They said, "He's just a man." He said, "I know. But he's my master. And if he's not pleased, neither am I."

Friend, I want to tell you something. It doesn't matter if you please the whole world and don't please Jesus.

But if you please Jesus, it doesn't matter who you displease. That's it.

I'm going to give you a chance right now to take a stand for Jesus Christ.

No fine print in the contract. I'm going to give you the opportunity to ask Jesus Christ to take your life and make it new, if you're different, you're going to receive persecution, yes, but if you're going to receive "joy unspeakable and full of glory" (1 Peter 1:8).