Sermon Central
-
Blessed Are The Persecuted PRO
Contributed by Terry Laughlin on Aug 11, 2008 (message contributor)
Blessed Are The Persecuted
Matthew 5:10-12 says, "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."
We are not to be surprised if people in the world hate Christians. (1 John 3: 13) Matthew Henry wrote, "Whom Christ blesses the world curses. The heirs of heaven have never been the darlings of this world, since the old enmity was put between the seed of woman (Eve) and of the serpent (Devil). Why did Cain hate Abel? Because Abel's works were righteous."
Persecution is a great paradox and a part of Christianity. Therefore it is put last of the eight Beatitudes. Jesus gives mention of it twice in His opening statements in the Sermon on the Mount because persecution is certain. In fact, "...everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted..." (2 Timothy 3: 12)
Righteousness, proper living before God, is an offense to people who live for the flesh, the world and the Devil. True holy living by the children of God convicts those who live for themselves.
Persecution, which is seen by an all-knowing God, comes in many forms and is found in every nation. Christians have been fined, imprisoned, banished, stripped of their estates, scourged, tortured, falsely accused and killed. There is no evil so black and horrid as false accusations and the persecution of Christians who truly walk uprightly before God.
Today's text does not encourage Christians to seek persecution. But, neither does it permit retreating from it, sulking or retaliation.
Christians who are persecuted because of righteousness will have a great reward in heaven. They may not understand the purposes nor see the benefits of it down here on earth, but there will be a great reward in the future life. Persecuted Christians who are fully surrendered to the Holy Spirit, can be like Peter and the other apostles when they left the Sanhedrin "...rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name [of Christ]." (Acts 5: 14)
Dayna Curry and Heather Mercer were the two American Christian aide workers being held by the Taliban...
Continue reading this sermon illustration (Free with PRO)Related Sermon Illustrations
-
Billy Graham Noted, "Faith Is The Avenue Of ... PRO
Contributed by Richard Burkey on Jun 23, 2005
Billy Graham noted, “Faith is the avenue of salvation. Not intellectual understanding. Not money. Not your works. Just simple faith. How much faith? The faith of a mustard seed, so small you can hardly see it. But if you will put that little faith in the person of Jesus, your ...read more
-
You Can't Break God's Promises By Leaning On ... PRO
Contributed by Kim Huffman on Mar 31, 2004
You can’t break God’s promises by ...read more
-
Corrie Ten Boom Was A Courageous Dutch Woman Who ... PRO
Contributed by Richard Burkey on Jun 23, 2005
Corrie ten Boom was a courageous Dutch woman who was interned in a Nazi prison camp during World War II because her family helped to hide Jewish people from the Gestapo. During her imprisonment, Corrie endured some of the worst degradation a person can experience. Her sister, Betsy, died in the ...read more
-
From Studying The Brain Scientists Have Found ...
Contributed by Lisa Delay on Aug 28, 2005
From studying the brain scientists have found that repeated thoughts actually create physical grooves in the brain. When we practice a skill, learn a sport or study facts, a little trench is carved into our brain tissue. This is another reason why it is hard to break a habit. A habit is truly ...read more
-
Tim Bowden, In His Book One Crowded Hour About ... PRO
Contributed by Kenneth Henes on Jun 22, 2004
Tim Bowden, in his book One Crowded Hour about cameraman Neil Davis, tells about an incident that happened in Borneo during the confrontation between Malaysia and Indonesia in 1964. A group of Gurkhas from Nepal were asked if they would be willing to jump from transport planes into combat against ...read more
Related Sermons
-
The Church Of The New Testament - Part 6 Series
Contributed by Sam Mccormick on Feb 14, 2018
Part 6 - While still in its infancy, the church began to experience serious problems. Problems in the church from inside and outside sources seem to be a common element that plagues Christians in every age. What is the solution?
-
A Church That Is Alive
Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Dec 12, 2015
A sermon examining the church that is alive and moving forward for Christ.
-
Truth And It's Consequences
Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Mar 5, 2014
The consequences of boldness and taking a stand for the truth.
-
Preparing For The Adventure Series
Contributed by Jeff Strite on Aug 15, 2016
Within 3 years of its launch, the early church faced persecution and death. And yet the church not only continued to survive, but thrive. How did it manage to do that?
-
The Puzzle Series
Contributed by Jeff Strite on Feb 25, 2018
The story in Acts 8, that tells of Philip's preaching in Samaria resulting in an Evangelism Explosion, contains 3 puzzles that many folks overlook. What are these puzzles and what can they teach us about our walk with Christ?
