Happy Amid Hostilities
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
The Nature of this persecution
The Nature of this persecution
We may often talk about or pray for the “persecuted church”. Drawing a stark ditinction between the “persecuted” church and the rest of the church, however, is artificial. The church is persecuted, and this bessing makes that clear.
Blessed, that is happy due to the expressed favour of God through a supernatural work in their heart. The ‘blessed’ are the redeemed, the converted, the saved. They are God’s people in the new covenant, and tthey are persecuted for righteousness sake.
Defining the Word
Defining the Word
First, lets define what persection means, starting with defining the word.
The Greek word translated as “persecuted” is a very broad term that is generally translated “pursue”. It can be used even to pursue righteousness. However when in contexts like these, the idea is being chased with ill intent, like a lion chases its prey. It evolved to encumpass a broad range of hostile actions towards someone.
The best way we can define persecution is an intentional and/or organized attempt to hurt or oppress someone.
Not just any persecution
Not just any persecution
However, the persecution that Jesus is talking about is more specific than that. Just as those who mourn does not mean those who mourn for any reason, these persecuted are persecuted for a specifc reason. This is essential for us to understand because many people get persecuted for many things, things they wholeheartedly believe in, and yet they will not be called blessed by the Lord. Thankfully, the text gives us three precise qualifiers to this blessed persecution.
Righteousness Sake
Righteousness Sake
That is, the persecution is broat on specifically because of righteousness.
These are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, so it may be correctly assumed that their search for righteousness is part of what brings this persecution on them. In hungering for righteousness because of their poverty of spirit, they have attracted the attention of those who do not seek after righteuosness, nor do they intend to be reminded of it.
But its not just the seeking that attracts this attention. Remember the blessing for those who hunger for righteousness is that they will find it.
Persecuted because of the righteous God they are right with.
Persecuted because of where they got their rigteousness, the offense of the cross.
Persecuted because of righteous behaviour.
Falsely
Falsely
Another aspect of this persecution is that is it done under false pretenses. Now, although the word here may or may not have been in the original text, the context justifies its meaning. Jesus is certainly not saying that evil will be utterered against his disciples truthfully, but rather as lies.
Those who do the persecuting most often don’t realize they are persecuting for righteousness sake, although their conscience will bear witness against them. Most have various excuses, which could be their religion, their politics, fear, racism, pride, jealousy, control, ignorance, but at the end of the day, whether they would label it as such, they are persecuting righteousness even if they call it any other name.
In the early church, persecution against Christians was often justified with outrageous lies about the church.
“On My Account”
“On My Account”
This is essential. The persecution that is for righteousness sake will always be simlutaniously for Christ’s sake. Only in him are true righteousness and justice found. One may be persecuted for a cause that most would agree is good. One might even be persecuted for a religious cause or for speaking true things. But if it not persecution in the interest of preventing a follower of Christ to represent Christ it is not the persecution Jesus is talking about.
The Nature of the blessing
The Nature of the blessing
The reason for the persecution is tied to the blessing. All that Jesus has been describing so far as he described the blessed person are things which are contrary to the way the system of this fallen world works. For the world, to be poor in spirit, mourning, meek, hungry for righteousness not your own, merciful, pure in a heart for God, and a peacemaker are negative things. It is no surprise that those who are persecuted have a reward which, mirroring the reward for the first beatitude, is heavenly in nature.
The world’s ancient contention with heaven.
The world’s ancient contention with heaven.
The world has an ancient contention with heaven, having rebelled against God’s Will since the garden. Heaven represents the throne of God, the Kingdom of his which the world does what it can to shut out. The realm of earth is darkness, suffering, abuse, decay, the wisdom of man and not the power of God. If this realm Satan styles himself as lord, thinking it was his place to give Jesus the keys of the Kingdom. The coming of Christ changed everything. In his humble incarnation heaven was launching a full scale invasion, bringing the day of the Lord (which we will explore tonight in Obadiah) to the entire world. This is good news for those waiting on YHWH with faith, or who are called mysteriously by his electing grace, but to the world it is the beginning of the end of their self-made reign and the day of God’s wrath on them comes ever nearer. With such contrary natures, it is completely logical that those who are heirs of a heavenly kingdom would be at odds with the world.
“Rejoice and be glad (or shout for Joy)
“Rejoice and be glad (or shout for Joy)
And so, despite the darkness of this and some of the other beatitudes, the blessed are told to rejoice and be glad. These words visualize shouting for joy, proclaiming how happy you are, and even singing to express an inward happiness that cannot contain itself.
What is the cause of this great happiness? What is so precious that when the world makes them suffer for it, the blessed are to be like David on the day that the ark returned to Jerusalem?
Heavenly Reward
Heavenly Reward
Jesus locates their reward in heaven. That is, their reward will not be see in this life or this world, but the next. Therefore, they need not be discouraged if their earthly affairs are lacking and miserable, because it is no indication of their true riches.
The reward is also of a heavenly nature, meaning eternal rather than temporal. How much we rejoice when we hear a little bit of pain can save us grief, or even death, in the long run. How quickly we would put ourselves in a painful medical process, rejoicing that our permenant
They are Heirs of a better Kingdom
They are Heirs of a better Kingdom
In Scripture, heaven and earth are often contrasted with heaven being the greater, more transcendant and eternal realm as opposed to this world’s lesser, temporary realm. So to say that these blessed are inheritors of a heavenly Kingdom is to say that they are heirs of a far greater Kingdom than any to be found on earth. People have laboured far harder for far less and been happy with it than most of us will ever suffer for the Kingdom, and yet our is a better inheritance, a greater reward. This is the truth that Jesus gave us in the parable of the pearl of great price.
The Company of Prophets
The Company of Prophets
Finally, the blessed one may rejoice because of the historic company they keep: that of the prophets.
The prophets spoke the Word of God, a word most people didn’t want to hear. Specifically, they called people back to God in wholehearted worship.
With unrepentant hearts, they were rejected by most Israelites. Those with unregenerate hearts will never see the beauty of Gospel truth, but will rather be offended by the harder truths and sayings while remaining indifferent about those they care little about.
Persecution for righteousness is a sign that we are teaching in line of their teachings, delivering the same message from the same God. And just as God brought their words to fruition, he will bring our faith to sight.
Displaying Happiness to a Hostile World
Displaying Happiness to a Hostile World
Now all of this can sound good on paper. We may even be inspired by stories of persecuted Christians heroicly giving theirrl ives fo the Gospel, but how can we apply this to our lives? Persecution is not easy to endure, and often costs us dearly in this world, so it is important for us to count the cost and consider how we may nurture a blessed state in ourselves.
A Christian Response to Hostility
A Christian Response to Hostility
Peacable attitude
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.
Fearlessness
But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,
“I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do.
Understanding that our conflict with the world is really a spiritual one, in which the enemy is being driven back by the Kingdom of Darkness, we can relate and find comfort in the words the Lord spoke to Joshua
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Meek and humble.
Bibilically it is a blessed position to be the poor and opperssed rather than the rich and powerful, so the persecuted Christian wll find it natural the loss they have at the hands of the world. Yet, they count themselves all the more blessed.
May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,
give deliverance to the children of the needy,
and crush the oppressor!
The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the Lord,
and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel.
having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
Faithful to their calling.
if we endure, we will also reign with him;
if we deny him, he also will deny us;
As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Always rejoicing.
as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.
How to Nurture This Response
How to Nurture This Response
Personal Detachment From Earthly Good
Personal Detachment From Earthly Good
We will never consider suffering of any kind, including persecution, a blessing if we find value here rather thanin the world to come. But when we have a healthy detachment from this world in hte persuit of God, we will consider ourselves blessed despite this world’s hostility.
Loss for Greater Gain: A Good Trade
Loss for Greater Gain: A Good Trade
Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
Displaying a Heavenly contentment
Displaying a Heavenly contentment
I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
A Resting Trust in Providence
A Resting Trust in Providence
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
Conclusion
Conclusion