Blessed are the persecuted

Nobody looks for opportunities to be persecuted so when Jesus says blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness we would rather have the blessing without the persecution. We would rather be the fun Christian that everyone likes and also be blessed.

Having a deep and committed faith in Jesus will cost us everything but what are we willing to give up to follow Jesus?

Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ will experience persecution. Paul reminds Timothy that…

2 Timothy 3:12 NLT

12 Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

Persecution takes a variety of forms, from mocking, lies, to slander; all directed at believers because they follow Christ and pursue HIS righteousness.

When we look back at all the other beatitudes we can see that there is an almost direct contradiction of society’s typical way of life.

Poor in Spirit vs. Pride and personal independence

Mourning vs. Happiness at any cost

Meekness vs. Power

Righteousness vs Pursuit of personal needs

Mercy vs. Strength without empathy

Pure in heart vs. Acceptable deception

Peacemaker vs. Pursuit of personal peace without any concern about the world’s problems.

In the last beatitude, Jesus pointed out that a serious effort to develop these traits would create opposition.

Jesus gives us the best example of each trait and if our goal is to become like him, the Beatitudes will challenge the way we live every single day.

Let’s stand for the reading of God’s Word.

Matthew 5:10–12 NLT

10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.

PRAY

What does it mean to persecute?

I was surprised when looking up the original Greek.

The original Greek sense of the word persecute is based on the meaning to drive, to set in motion, to push forward zealously, to follow or strive for a person or a thing, to aspire to, or be zealously behind something.

Persecution is a countercultural movement where we zealously stand against sin and wickedness by actively striving for righteousness.

Persecution is being on the offensive by standing with Jesus and pushing forward toward righteousness.

Today, people encounter persecution through social media campaigns, workplace discrimination, or public ridicule for holding fast to Biblical convictions.

Standing up for Jesus will cost us everything.

Following Jesus will result in Persecution

The truth is that the world hates those who no longer belong to the world because we have been chosen to come out of the world.

Jesus reminded HIS disciples that…

John 15:18–19 NLT

18 “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. 19 The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.

This alienation—being excluded from cultural consensus or professional advancement for refusing to compromise your faith constitutes genuine persecution in today’s landscape.

The world is becoming more and more hostel toward those who stand up for righteousness and Biblical values even in America. As followers of Jesus we must be willing to accept persecution as a blessing that Jesus promises instead of a pain we try to avoid.

The reality is that when we stand up for Biblical values in a godless and evil culture we will encounter resistance.

In a world that is confused about gender and can’t define what a man and what a woman is…

In a world where it’s okay for a man to marry a man and a woman can marry a woman…

In a world where a baby in the mother’s womb is dehumanized as a clump of cells and not a precious living soul…

When the church stands up for God’s truth, the world will come against the church that stands for righteousness with militant defiance.

I would rather be on God’s side then the side of culture. Jesus said “The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it.”

That’s why it’s important that we know God’s Word… not political platforms, not CNN, Fox News, not a social media influencers talking points. Knowing God’s Word and sharing God’s truth under the power of the Holy Spirit will come against sin because we are standing up for righteousness.

We are called to tell others that Jesus is our only Hope in this World

God’s Word is truth and as followers of Jesus we are called to unapologetically stand for God’s truth.

Do we believe that Jesus can heal any decease… restore any form of brokenness… bring light in any form of darkness?

Do we believe that Jesus is the only way to salvation?

Do we believe that Jesus ment it when HE said “I AM way, the truth, and the life”?

Do we believe that “God’s truth will still set you free?”

God’s truth will always go against the grain of our culture…

Culture says that our brokenness is our identity and nothing can change it, not even the power of God.

God’s truth comes against every form of evil and disillusioned solution that our world presents.

Jesus is calling us to speak the truth even when it’s not popular, respected, or accepted.

We don’t do it to win a debate or to be acknowledged but we do it because we love people enough to speak the truth.

Romans 10:14–15 NLT

14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”

Whether we are a preachers or not, we are all called to speak the good news about Jesus. If we believe the promises of Jesus then we have nothing to loose and everything to gain.

Too often we stay silent because we don’t want to get embarrassed or we don’t want to get into an argument…

I don’t want my life to be under a microscope where my faults are exposed. I don’t want to be responsible for another person justifying their own life choices because of the loopholes and excuses that I’ve made in the life.

I am far from perfect and I’m by no means the expert.

When we stay silent, we are right where the enemy wants us to be.

We are deceived in thinking that nobody gets hurt when we stay silent. Being silent makes us more concerned about our own comfort then the lost person in front of us who needs to hear the truth about Jesus.

When we stay silent we are allowing fear to control us. When we stay silent the truth is oppress because it’s never spoken.

Our silence makes us apathetic toward those who are living in darkness.

Even if our words don’t come out perfectly, the Holy Spirit will give us the words when we step out and begin talking about our faith in Christ.

Remember, our faith is a journey and not a destination. Being on this journey makes us honest about our own struggles and our own brokenness that God is healing. The conversation becomes less about us and more about Jesus.

People in our world are searching for a faith that is genuine. They are looking for a faith that is living, active and real.

Actively loving your enemies and praying for those who persecute you (Matt 5:43–44).

Be ready to explain your hope as a believer, doing so in a gentle and respectful way (1 Pet 3:14–17).

1 Peter 3:14–17 NLT

14 But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. 15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. 17 Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!

This isn’t passive acceptance but active redemptive engagement—maintaining integrity and kindness even toward those who oppose you.

Discipleship means allegiance to the suffering Christ, and it is therefore not at all surprising that Christians should be called upon to suffer. In fact it is a joy and a token of his grace.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

As Believers, when we face ridicule or persecution for our faith, always remember that our struggles will not go unnoticed by God. There is always a greater purpose and hope in the midst of suffering.

Persecution is an expected part of following Jesus as a Christian. Persecution can also lead to a deeper faith, a closer fellowship, and an eventual reward in heaven as we stand firm in our faith despite opposition.

Keep your eyes on Jesus. Jesus is the ultimate example of suffering for righteousness. Jesus faced the pain of persecution, humiliation, and a cross that HE willingly accepted on our behalf. But also remember that HE rose again victorious, giving us eternal hope that our own sufferings are not in vain.

Persecution for the sake of righteousness reaffirms our identity as Christ followers. This shared experience with Jesus and with the prophets, guarantees our heavenly reward.

1. Promise Amid Persecution

Matthew 5:10 NLT

10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

Even though we are faced with the world's opposition, our identity is deeply rooted in Christ's triumph over shame and suffering. We are encouraged to view persecution as a confirmation of our spiritual state rather than a mark of failure.

We are blessed when we are persecuted for standing up for righteousness… Jesus said for the Kingdom of God is theirs… not will be theirs.

It’s all about God’s Kingdom and seeking it first along with HIS righteousness. Jesus makes an incredible promise that we are never alone when we stand up for Jesus.

As followers of Christ, we can find a profound assurance that our trials align them with Jesus and HIS incredible sacrifices because it’s all about God's kingdom. The Holy Spirit gives us transformative power to stand firm as we face.

Jesus gives us a promise in the midst of persecution.

2. Persistence when Being Provoked

Matthew 5:11 NLT

11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.

When people attack my character with lies, I become very defensive. People can attack me physically and I don’t care as much. But when people slander my integrity, I am quick to defend myself.

During moments of severe criticism and false accusations, as believers, we have the unique opportunity to reflect on Christ's grace and resilience. Jesus withstood unjust words which reveals a heart dedicated to righteousness over human validation.

Jesus remained silent in the midst of slander and lies because HE knew who HE was and that’s all that matters. Our security is firmly established in Christ not in what others say that we are as followers of Jesus.

Luke 6:22–23 NLT

22 What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man. 23 When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, their ancestors treated the ancient prophets that same way.

Luke 6:26 NLT

26 What sorrow awaits you who are praised by the crowds, for their ancestors also praised false prophets.

Don’t seek the approval of man, stand up for righteousness and be happy when you are slandered for standing up for righteousness. Find joy in being associated with Jesus' own experience because HE also faced slander and persecution. It’s our faithfulness that matters, even when people don’t understand, let this serve as a testimony to the enduring truth of Christ's message.

3. Perseverance For The Prize

Matthew 5:12 NLT

12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.

We can find joy knowing that our heavenly reward is for those who endure persecution faithfully. Enduring trials is not without divine recognition or eternal benefit. We are called to lift our eyes beyond immediate suffering and see our journey mirrored in the legacy of prophets who stood firm.

A great reward awaits in heaven, and the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way. The promise isn’t earthly comfort but eternal vindication and the present reality that these trials make believers partners with Christ in HIS suffering, providing wonderful joy when HIS glory is revealed.

1 Peter 4:12–16 NLT

12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. 14 If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. 15 If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. 16 But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!

When Jesus was speaking to HIS disciples, HE knew the future for each of them. All but one of them would give up their lives and become martyr for following Jesus. Persecution was a guarantee but it was worth it all because the eternal prize outweighed the temporary pain.

When facing opposition we can draw strength from knowing our suffering connects us to Christ’s redemptive work and positions us within the prophetic tradition of being a faithful witness for Christ.

By embracing this perspective, we can look forward in hope, as we follow Jesus, knowing that our earthly struggles contribute to an eternal glory alongside Christ.

TAKE AWAY:

What are we afraid of?

Are we more concerned about pleasing God then pleasing the world?

Are we willing to give up a temporary gain for God’s promised eternal reward?