Blessed are the Persecuted

Introduction:

Have you ever felt like you needed to celebrate something that you didn't want to celebrated

In the early days of the Christian church, thousand of people were responding to the Gospel and turning to Jesus for forgiveness of sin and eternal life.

As the Church grew, so did it’s influence and authority over the people.

The pharisees thought they had dealt Jesus and His followers a crushing blow at the cross.

But now these Christians were growing even more bold. And it was just a matter of time before things turned violent. Even with Jesus, the Jews dared not take things into their own hands. They delivered Jesus to the romans to do their dirty work. But as the Church grew, things were beginning to change.

And it did in Acts 7-8. Maybe a few months after Pentecost.

Stephen, one of the first deacons began to preach to the Jewish people and call them to repentance.

He told them about the history of their people (and his people). He told them that Jesus was the fulfillment of their Law and called them to believe in Him as their Messiah.

And he told them that if they didn’t, they were just like their own ancestors who rejected God’s commands and persecuted the prophets. At the end of that great sermon, there was no altar call. They were angry. Good preaching has a way of making people angry because it gets to the heart of what’s keeping them from embracing the truth.

Acts 7:54–59 ESV

54 Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. 55 But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. 58 Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”

The first Christian martyr entered into the presence of Jesus. It is said that in addition to Stephen 2,000 other Christians were killed for their faith in the coming days.

Since then, Millions of martyrs have given their lives for Jesus. Their stories are in the Bible as well as books on Martrys. Probably the most famous being Foxe’s Book of Martyrs began by John Foxe in the 1500 and continues to be added to today.

Persecution and Martyrdom is a part of Christianity. It always has been and it always will be unti Jesus comes home.

This is not a popular topic.

But from the very beginning Jesus makes it clear that if we’re not ok with the possibility of dying for Him, that’s going to make it very hard to be His disciple.

Because the call to follow Jesus is the call to come and die.

Transition to the Text:Turn with me in your BIbles to Matthew 10. We’ve come to the end of our series through the Beatitudes. This one is a little odd becuase it’s repeated twice. And any time something is repeated in the Bible it tells us that that is important for us to pay attention to.

It’s also a truth of the Christian experience that many of us are surprised at.

But here we are.

Read: Matthew 5:10-12

Matthew 5:10–12 ESV

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Beatitude #8: Blessed are those who are PERSECUTED for RIGHTEOUSNESS sake, for theirs is the KINGDOM of HEAVEN

Some have argued that this represents 2 seperate beatitudes because blessed is repeated twice.

But there are 2 reasons I don’t think that’s the case.

For one, Matthew 5:10 reflects what us grammar nerds call an inclusio. It serves to bracket the beatitudes around the statement:

For theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.

That shows up in Matthew 5:3 and then again in Matthew 5:10.

And that has been what the beatitudes are about…how to enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Secondly, 11-12 don’t reflect the pattern of the other beatitudes.

11-12 really further describe what we are talking about in 10. And repeating it, shows that that beyond the others, following Jesus comes wiith cost.

But what sets this one apart, is the call to joy, not in spite of our suffering, but because of it…

We don’t like this idea, but pretty quickly, the same people who ran from persecution when Jesus was arrested are now rejoicing because of it.

Acts 5:40–41 ESV

40 and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.

When is the last time you rejoiced because of persecution.

1. Being PERSECUTED is part of the CHRISTIAN life. (Matthew 5:10)

It’s easy to sometimes look at Jesus and be like, of course he enduring persecution, that was His mission….to die on the cross.

But we can look at the disciples and especially Peter to understand this.

Again, Peter ran away when Jesus was arrested and then denied Jesus 3 times that very night.

But then welcomes persecution and hatred as a badge of honor.

Look what he writes in 1 Peter near the end of his life.

1 Peter 4:12–14 ESV

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

Explanation: You might even go further in saying that persecution is evidence of your relationship with Jesus.

Because you won’t be persecuted when you are silent. When you hide your faith and keep it private, people typically won’t bother you. Thought that is becoming less and less true.

But we are not called to be silent. We are called to be vocal.

We are called to tell the world about it’s sin and call them to repentance.

We preach Christ crucified as the only means of salvation. The only way to get to heaven. The only way to right standing with God.

Illustration: Persecution comes in a variety of ways. And we might be tempted to minimize someone else’s persecution because it’s not as bad as others.

When I was in middle school, I participated in See You at the Pole at my public school. There was a group of us who gathered around around flag pole to pray for the school, nation, and world.

Other kids rediculed us relentlessly. That is persecution. Just because it’s not as bad as other things that could happen doesn’t nullify what it is. Here’s the kicker, we knew it was going to happen and we did it anyway.

RIght now, there are mass killings of Christians in places like Nigeria where Christian have been slaughtered en mass by radical muslim extremests.

It’s been going on from years, yet we don’t talk about it. The church in nigeria is telling the world what’s happening, and the world is too afraid of being labeled islamaphonic than to call it out. But here we are.

Christians around the world are being slaughtered for their faith. And they are giving opportunities to recant their belief. They refuse willfully accepting death joyfully because of the joy of knowing Christ.

Application: We should rejoice with them. And expect our own persecution as it comes. In little ways, knowing that our own days might come.

But let’s not mistake being persecuted for righteousness’ sake and being disliked because we are being jerks.

Jesus was hated for just being a kind and gentle person. Sure he was harsh with the pharisees. But they would get angry at him for healing people on the Sabbath.

That’s the crazy thing. They were most upset with Him about doing good works on the sabbath.

Peter again tells us what our attitude should be like.

1 Peter 2:12 ESV

12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

There was a picture a few years ago of a group of radical muslims who were preparing to execute a group of Christians on their knees in front of them. One of the men, the leader of the group, has since come to faith in Jesus citing the courage and faith of those men who joyfully died for Christ. He could never get that out of his mind. It tormented him until finally, he realized that his religious was bankrupt. He embraced Jesus seeks to tell muslims about Christ.

Here is the crazy thing. when that man gets to heaven and sees Jesus, those he killed, will cheer loudest.

I would be remiss if I didn’t admit that throughout history, much of the persecution that Christians have faced has come from other Christians. Other churches, claiming to follow Jesus.

Even Jesus was persecuted by HIs own people.

This internal persecution has left a stain on our faith that we must overcome. This is one of the many reasons, I will not be critical of other churches and pastors within the faith.

There are those who claim Christ who are not of Christ and we have to call them out.

But lets not quibble over secondary issues. If we agree upon the Gospel, we can have fellowship even if we disagree on other things.

There is enough hatred coming from the world to allow it in the church.

2. Being HATED by the WORLD is part of the CHRISTIAN LIFE. (Matthew 5:11)

Read: John 15:18-20

John 15:18–20 ESV

18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 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 also keep yours.

Explanation: If the world hated Jesus which it did and does, they will also hate His followers.

You can’t get around this truth that Jesus repeated over and over again. The world hates Christ and will hate Christians.

And often Jesus told them

John 14:29 ESV

29 And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe.

Illustration: There is something about Christianity and Jesus that the world hates in a way they don’t hate other religions.

Maybe it’s the exclusivity in which we say, “Jesus is the only way.”

All I know is some of the very same people who hate Christians, when Christ called us to joyfully endure persecution and not take vengeance, will defend Islam.

People will sometimes argue with me about the existence of God by saying, “Which God is real?” People throughout history have believed in thousands of God’s which one?

A real simply answer is, “the one you hate.” The one that demands your unconditional allegiance. Who calls you to holiness and sacrifice. The one tells you not to fight your own battles but leave room for the wrath of God.

The one who tells us that it is better to be hated by the world and loved by God than loved by the world and find ourselves outside of the family of God.

Application: If you follow the words of the Bible and live your life to bring glory and honor to Jesus, you will be hated.

And right now, there are people who have never met you who hate you because of your beliefs.

They hate you and they do not know you because they believe that everything you stand for gets in the way of their pursuit of happiness.

So they imagine a world without you. They imagine there is noone judging them and telling them they need a savior.

But here is the truth, God has put eternity in our hearts. Every single person outside of His Will knows there is something missing.

I remember that feeling before I surrendered my life to Him.

So they don’t really hate you. They hate that no matter how much they try they can’t fill the void.

And this is why coming to faith in Jesus feels so much like freedom. Because only those in Christ are truly free to be who we were created to be.

3. Being PERSECUTED and HATED connects us to our FAMILY HISTORY. (Matthew 5:12)

God’s people have always been hated. From antisemitism against the people of Israel to persecution for Christians throughout the last 2,000 years. And throughout history we have celebrated martyrs as those to be celebrated most.

Hebews 11 tells our family history.

Read Hebrews 11:32-40

Hebrews 11:32–40 ESV

32 And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35 Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. 36 Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— 38 of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

Explanation: It is not surprising that God’s people will face persecution. What is surprising is how they responded.

They rejoiced knowing that none of this is of any value apart from knowing God our savior.

They recognized that this world is not our home.

Illustration: When I was growing up, I’d always get dragged to family reunions. It seems to me that we used to have them more often.

Huge gathers of extended family. People I’d never met.

We’d have to drive hours to get there.

There was always a lot of food and a lot of stories.

I had war heroes in my family.

Talking about WW2, Korea, Vietnam.

My grandparents were raised during the great depression and would tell stories of what that was like.

And I know that those times were awful. But they also seemed pretty awesome.

When we all get to heaven, we will see and worship Jesus for eternity. To behold him and to be beheld by Him is our reward.

But I think heaven will be a great big family reunion with people we will get to meet.

And we will get to hear the stories of what God had done through them. They will give all the glory to God.

We will hear the stories of our biblical heroes. But we will also hear the stories of martyrs who went toe to toe with the hatred of this world and made a difference.

We will hear the stories of people like Paul who were persecuters of the church only to have their lives transformed by the power of the Gospel.

Stories.

Jesus also says there will be food!

Application: At first I always hated the thought of those family reunions. I’d rather stay home and play with my friends. Or go on a vacation to the beach or disney world.

But looking back, I don’t regret going because it showed me that I’m part of a bigger story.

And right now, we will face increasing persecution until Jesus returns and knowing that we aren’t alone will help us to endure with courage and faith.

You are a part of big family.

Response: How will you RESPOND when PERSECUTION comes?

Summation: Expect to be persecuted and hated.

Let your experience connect you to your family history.

But in the end, the only way to endure is by the power of the Holy Spirit.

This isn’t something that we will to happen.

We aren’t just really stubborn people who like pain and torture.

We trust in God and believe to know Him and be found in Him is better than anything else.

But here’s the secret.

You don’t get ready for persecution when it’s happening.

You prepare your whole life as you trust Jesus now. As you grow in your faith.

As you build your life in prayer and fill yourself with God’s word. You train for what is to come before it comes. And when it comes you will be ready because you have been walking with Jesus all along.

How will we endure persecution?

Remember what Christ has done for you. At the cross.

Remember what Christ has said to you. In His Word?

Remember what Christ has promised to those who endure. Eternal Life.

Finally, we come a question we have repeated over and over again.

Do I want this? Do I want to follow Jesus?

Sure for many of us, our lives have been easy in the US up until now. We’ve been free to worship Jesus. But what happens when persecution comes?

Will you still want follow Jesus?

During a period when people began to hate Jesus and turn away from following Him. In fact everyone left. He looks at the 12 standing before Him.

John 6:67–69 ESV

67 So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”

No matter what this world throws at us, know that Jesus is worth it.

If today you still feel that emptiness and missing piece.

Repent of your sin and turn to Jesus and be filled.

Let’s pray.