The Cost

Intro

Matthew 5:3–12 NIV

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

What is the Cost?

Matthew 19:21 NIV

Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

See we have spoken about these character traits in the positive. as you and I begin to walk in them we begin to see God move and see His holy power in our lives, but we cannot forget that there will be a cost to following Jesus. A price will be paid. Yes Jesus paid the ultimate price, but we will need to lay down our lives to attain Him. WE cannot hold to the world and attain Christ.

Apart from laying down our lives for Him. If we take a stand with Jesus. You will be drawing a line in the sand with our friends and family.

Notice in this list Jesus gives we go from Peacemaking to persecution. From mending hearts to trial.

How do we make this leap? Jesus is not saying you swap peacemaking for persecution, He is saying your peacemaking will cause persecution.

WHy?

The World hates Holy things!

It makes them uncomfortable. It makes them think about their life choices, about eternity, about relationships they have ruined. It shines light on their sin.

John 3:19–20 NIV

This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.

So as we do good, the world will naturally reject you. It will very in degree. It all depends on how 1 Close you are to Jesus, 2 How far they are from Jesus. the bigger the gulf, the more tense the battle. You may fall in love with Jesus and begin turning your life around and see that everyone you knew and loved is retreating from your life. You will think, but I am doing good, not evil. I am taking responsibility and helping those around me. How can you reject me for that?

But here is the reality, if they do not love Jesus, they will be far more disposed to greed, pride, selfishness, lust of all kinds. You being around them, shows their absolute depravity. They don’t like like.

Here is the reality. You and I cannot help people, that do not want help.

They don’t know they need help? scripture says they walk in darkness.

When the light comes in they react. Jesus say you will be persecuted, if you walk with Him. There will be hard times. But we cannot forget that He is still God. No matter the hardship, He is with us.

Endurance is required to change the world

So pastor, your are telling that if I begin to take on the character and mindset of Jesus, I will drive people away from me? I thought I was supposed to love my enemies. that is what you said last week. I did.

WHy would Jesus Call on you and I to love those who hate us?

Matthew 5:44 NIV

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Why? does he still reach out if the world is opposed to everything God stands for? Because Light overcame the darkness. Christ overcame death. He calls us to live in Him so that His love will one by one overcome the darkness.

[Invite the band]

Closing

So what is our conclusion? That we should leave the world alone? Isolate ourselves out of fear? Never. If we truly believe that Christ is stronger than all we should stand on the Word of God and not be moved. But we must continue to do so in love and compassion.

WE cannot expect the world to act like Jesus. Persecution, insults, and other things are simply a reaction to God. If we relent, and say I will not be upfront about Jesus. so that we can be friends. that is not love. That is cowardice. Now we aren’t going to beat people over the head with scripture, but we also will continue to do the work of Jesus. in the name of Jesus. If people can;’t handle it, perhaps they aren’t ready. Let God handle it. WE are only called to love and serve those around us.