Happy During Persecution
Notes
Transcript
Happy are the Persecuted
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.
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.
Definitions
Definitions
Blessed = 3107 μακάριος [makarios /mak·ar·ee·os/] = happy
Expanded in the Amplified:
Matthew 5:10 (AMP)
10 Blessed and happy and enviably fortunate and spiritually prosperous (in the state in which the born-again child of God enjoys and finds satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of his outward conditions) are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake (for being and doing right), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!
10 Blessed and happy and enviably fortunate and spiritually prosperous (in the state in which the born-again child of God enjoys and finds satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of his outward conditions) are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake (for being and doing right), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!
Persecuted = 1377 διώκω [dioko /dee·o·ko/]
· to drive away, to make to run,
· to pursue (in a hostile manner)
· in any way whatever to harass, trouble, molest one
· to be mistreated
· suffer persecution on account of something
· The Christian church is the most persecuted religious body in the modern world.
· Persecution leads to rewards from Christ.
· Read story of Jenny Adams in Peru
· Everyone wants to be liked
One would think the question should be complemented for their contribution to society, and not attacked. Instead of being respected it with those who do not agree with it. There was a day when ministers were revered as such, churches honored, and the Bible respected.
2 Timothy 3:12 (ESV)
12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, (also G1377)
People like things the way they are – made a system of convenience and comfort for themselves even at the expense of their companies and communities, and even their families! = selfishness
Jesus was Persecuted – so will His followers
· Jesus was talked about, scorned, mocked and ridiculed, misjudged and mistreated, falsely accused, beaten beyond recognition
· Jesus was attacked even as He hung on the Cross!
· Student is not greater than the teacher – how does the world view you?
· I was attacked for YouTube comments supporting a pro marriage video…
World loves its own,
Theory - so it seems the less attack, the more worldly a believer is…
Proper persecution shows we are being effective! Coach only yells at star player – because the other teammates will never go very far if anywhere.
truth expose darkness – makes a splash, causes and uproar – turns world upside down
People attack the message by attacking the messenger – try to make it personal.
Expect opposition for good, not our own fault.
1 Peter 4:15 (ESV)
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.
World is growing more intolerant of the Church – calls us haters, narrow minded. Bigots, racist, sexist, antiquated, the causes of many wars.
But the church is becoming less tolerant of the WORD – will not endure sound doctrine...
Hated for MY Namesake – because the apostles were Christians, even more than being Jewish!
Luke 6:22–23 (ESV)
22 “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man!
23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.
22 “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man!
23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.
1 Peter 4:14 (ESV)
14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
1 Peter 3:14 (ESV)
14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,
14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,
Persecution in America
Workplace freedom? Can you say Merry Christmas? Evangelize? Prayer meetings? Witness and share your faith with staff, patients, customers, clients? Religious display allowed by your HOA? Prayer meetings?
School – Bible study? Prayer at graduation?
University – speech free zones
Military chaplains cannot pray in Jesus name?
Home – are you free to worship? Negative Peer pressure?
Church – are you free to raise your hands? Raise your voice? Hallelujah! Speak in tongues?
Pastor – is he/she free to preach the WHOLE Bible – without pushback or retribution?
Johnson Amendment
Social media – censorship – hypocrisy of tolerance and diversity (only on THEIR terms)
Pray for the truly persecuted
Jews – IFCJ newsletter
Open doors
Voice of the martyrs
Fox’s book of Martyrs
10/40 window – North Korea, India, Iran, Nigeria
Hebrews 12:3 (NLT)
3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.
Happy are the Persecuted