King | Part 10 | Peace and Persecution

Matthew 5:9–13 NKJV

9 Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

Introduction

Beatitudes Jesus wants to show us a better way. A way that is not seated in revenge, vitriol and vengeance. He is calling his people to be peacemakers. To bring the gospel of peace that transforms lives and reconciles neighbors. [feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.]

I. The markers of our spiritual DNA a constructive with love and peace.

“They shall be called the sons of God…. “

Love is the true marker of a Christian. Not How we feel about one another but how we treat one another. Not just those we with which we agree.

 (Matthew 5:43–6:1, NKJV)

Matthew 5:43–6:1 NKJV

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. 1 “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.

John 13:34–35 NKJV

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

II. To choose peace rejects the ravage of revenge and the impact of evil.

Romans 12:14–21 NIV

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

New International Version

     At first glance it would seem that the world has become callous and cold. The truth is now we have platforms where everyone has access to the thoughts of others. We have more than an ample supply of those who wish to have their opinions heard and we simply are able to see more clearly how depraved the human heart can be. 

But God gives us a challenge in Romans 15:21. Do not be overcome with evil. But overcome evil with Good. 

A. We have a choice to respond with peace

B. We have a choice to respond in love

C. We have an opportunity to check our own hearts to see if they are drifting away from love and peace

Romans 12:14–21 NIV

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

III. It will be worth the wait!

Jesus tells us Matthew 5:11-13, although it may appear that being silent is the safest option, standing for righteous truth gives the greater reward.

2 Timothy 3:12–15 NKJV

12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 5:11–13 NKJV

11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

Revelation 14:13 NKJV

13 Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.”

Those who die in Faith not only have eternal rest and their lives will bear fruit even after they are gone. Their deeds will neither be unremembered or unnoticed. They will have a blessed