Blessed Are The Persecuted

Matthew 5:1-12Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.The BeatitudesHe said: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.8 Blessed are the pure in heart,for they will see God.9. Blessed are the peacemakers,for they will be called children of God.10. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Dynamics of Beatitudes Spiritual Poverty --> Mourning over sins --> Attitude of Meekness --> Hunger for Righteousness --> Mercy, Purity, Peace-making Christian life is the pathway of sanctification, becoming more like Christ. If I pursue this life to which Christ calls me, what should I expect?1. Persecution2. Blessing Why Persecution? 10. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me (Jesus)  Two Forms of Persecutions (Thomas Watson)1. Physical Persecution (Persecution of the hand)2. Psychological/Verbal Persecution (Persecution of the tongue)Persecution in the USA? Blessing & RewardThe Greatest Blessing is the Presence of God.The Greatest Reward is the Presence of God. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.The more your faith is tested through suffering, the greater will be your reward. -John Piper