Blessed are the persecuted | Living the Way | Week 6

/> ### MESSAGE NOTESLiving the WayBlessed at the peacemakers... • February 11, 2024Teacher: Otis Garrison--/> BLESSED ARE THE PERSECUTED/> Matthew 5:10, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” NKJVI. KINGDOM OF HEAVEN /> What does Jesus mean - For theirs is the kingdom of heaven? /> Many of Jesus’ parables focus on the kingdom of heaven /> The kingdom of heaven is established in and through us as we are poor in spirit and live righteous before the Father. II. PERSECUTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS SAKE/> The first 7 Beatitudes happen because we make a choice to do what Jesus is saying. /> With this last Beatitude - “persecuted for righteousness sake” it is a choice someone else or some outside force makes for us. /> In the case of this beatitude - persecution happens because of loyalty to righteousness, /> Matt 5:11, “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.” NKJV/> Revile - means to use scornful or abusive language. To treat or regard with contempt or disdain; to reject or to mock…/> Question - what does it mean if we are never persecuted?/> Acts 4:29, “And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word.” NLT/> Jesus, Himself, was reviled and mocked - Leaving us an example to follow…/> 1 Peter 2:21-23, “For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.” NLTMatt 5:11, “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.” NKJVMatt 5:12, “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” NKJV