Series: Shining ThroughSeries: Shining Through “The Beatitude of Persecution” Matthew 5:10-12Matthew 5:10-12

I.Reality of PersecutionI.Reality of Persecution

The Bible says, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you…” John 15:18-20

Paul said to Timothy, “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (Timothy 3:12)(Timothy 3:12)

I.Reality of PersecutionI.Reality of Persecution A. SlanderA. Slander

The Bible says, “the people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery.” (Matthew 27:39)(Matthew 27:39)

The Bible says, “Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you & insult you & reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.” (Luke 6:22)(Luke 6:22)

I. Reality of PersecutionI. Reality of Persecution A. SlanderA. Slander B. HarassmentB. Harassment C. DistortionC. Distortion

The Bible says, “False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not.” (Psalms 35:11)(Psalms 35:11)

I.Reality of PersecutionI.Reality of Persecution II.Reason for persecutionII.Reason for persecution A. Confirms RelationshipA. Confirms Relationship

The Bible says, “if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear His name.” (1 Peter 4:16)(1 Peter 4:16)

The Bible says, “The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.” (Acts 5:41)(Acts 5:41)

I.Reality of PersecutionI.Reality of Persecution II.Reason for persecutionII.Reason for persecution A. Confirms RelationshipA. Confirms Relationship B. Causes RelianceB. Causes Reliance

The Bible says, “...Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)(2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

I.Reality of PersecutionI.Reality of Persecution II.Reason for persecutionII.Reason for persecution A. Confirms RelationshipA. Confirms Relationship B. Causes RelianceB. Causes Reliance C. Cultivates RighteousnessC. Cultivates Righteousness

The Bible says, “the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you & make you strong, firm & steadfast.” (1 Peter 5:10)(1 Peter 5:10)

I.Reality of PersecutionI.Reality of Persecution II.Reason for persecutionII.Reason for persecution III.Reply to PersecutionIII.Reply to Persecution A. Recognize SourceA. Recognize Source

The Bible says, “For we do not wrestle against flesh & blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12).(Ephesians 6:12).

The Bible says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8).(1 Peter 5:8).

I.Reality of PersecutionI.Reality of Persecution II.Reason for persecutionII.Reason for persecution III.Reply to PersecutionIII.Reply to Persecution A. Recognize SourceA. Recognize Source B. Respond in LoveB. Respond in Love

The Bible says, “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, & pray for those who spitefully use you & persecute you” (Matthew 5:44)(Matthew 5:44)

I.Reality of PersecutionI.Reality of Persecution II.Reason for persecutionII.Reason for persecution III.Reply to PersecutionIII.Reply to Persecution A. Recognize SourceA. Recognize Source B. Respond in LoveB. Respond in Love C. Rely on the LordC. Rely on the Lord

The Bible says, “So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator & continue to do good.” (1 Peter 4:19)(1 Peter 4:19)

I.Reality of PersecutionI.Reality of Persecution II.Reason for persecutionII.Reason for persecution III.Reply to PersecutionIII.Reply to Persecution A. Recognize SourceA. Recognize Source B. Respond in LoveB. Respond in Love C. Rely on the LordC. Rely on the Lord D. Refuse to RetaliateD. Refuse to Retaliate

The Bible says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’” (Romans 12:18-20)(Romans 12:18-20)

I.Reality of PersecutionI.Reality of Persecution II.Reason for persecutionII.Reason for persecution III.Reply to PersecutionIII.Reply to Persecution A. Recognize SourceA. Recognize Source B. Respond in LoveB. Respond in Love C. Rely on the LordC. Rely on the Lord D. Refuse to RetaliateD. Refuse to Retaliate E. Rejoice in rewardE. Rejoice in reward

The Bible says, “The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack & will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever & ever. Amen.” (2 Timothy 4:18)(2 Timothy 4:18)