Expect Persecution

Sermon • Submitted a month ago • Presented a month ago

0 ratings

· 3 views

Notes

Transcript

If you have a bible open it to Matthew 5:10-12 today. I have titled the message this morning. Expect Persecution. Let us pray.

So here we are week 8 into studying verses 3-12 and I have really walked away challenged because of the words of Jesus Christ in these very verses and as we look at the Sermon of a Mount as a whole we are just get started. Today we find ourself’s with the title of this message saying. Expect Persecution. Expect Persecution. And you hear that and you say to yourself I don’t want to be Persecuted for believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. And friends I get it, but here we see Jesus say these words and we must take them to heart.

Matthew 5:10–12 ESV

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Jesus in the text says Blessed are those who are persecuted. Now what I want you to see as our main idea is this.

Christians should expect to be persecuted for being Christ like, but fear not for our reward in heaven is great.

I have several points this morning for us to consider as we study this passage.

the first is this.

Christians should expect persecution.

We read the pages of scriptures, and see the end of verse 12 is a real reality that we see over and over again. That the old testament saints were persecuted for being righteous. You look at the first sin recorded after the fall of Adam and Eve what is it was Abel being persecuted by his own brother for being righteous, by doing the right thing by God, and Cain hated him so much for it he had him killed.

Moses faced great persecution from Pharoah and even his own people for being righteous in the eyes of God.

David was persecuted by Saul because he was God’s real chosen one. Elijah was persecuted by Jezabel. Jeremiah Persecuted by Pashhur. Daniel was thrown into the Lions Den. We could go on and on here. But What do these men have in common. All of these people were persecuted because they were trying to live out the will of God. They were righteous men. Upright before the Lord.

Our Lord Jesus Christ was persecuted greater than all of them. Jesus character was flawless he was without sin, and yet that is why so many hated him, because he lived the lives that they could not live, and it frustrated the scribes, the pharisees, the people of Isreal to a point that they wanted to have him killed, because he was the very man they could not be. Righteous perfect without blemish, and because he claimed to be God they wanted him dead. Jesus is the only innocent man to ever suffer for something he did not deserve. He was mocked, beaten , spit at, put on the cross, and died, that is some pretty severe persecution if you ask me.

History tells us that every single one of the 12 apostles outside of John died and faced great persecution for following Jesus, and teaching about him, with the exception of John who only by God’s grace did not die even though there were multiple attempts to kill him.

The apostle Paul who we have many letters of who we see in the book of Acts suffer persecution greatly at the hands of his own people, and the gentiles.

We read church history, and there are countless stories of those who are persecuted for the faith. I could talk to you for hours about men like Jan Huss, Martin Luther, who the church wanted to kill because of their pursuit of righteous and the Lord himself.

And all that persecution of those men help us in our own walk with the Lord continue in our righteous walk. I think of William Tyndale’s persecution which we should all know about.

Listen to this about him from the eyes of one pastor. Featured prominently in my study, as though looking over my right shoulder, is a reproduction of a stunning portrait of the great Bible translator William Tyndale. Painted in oil on canvas, the original work is from the brush of an unknown artist. It was produced in the late seventeenth or early eighteenth century and now hangs in the National Portrait Gallery in London. As the subject of the portrait, Tyndale is seated, dressed all in black, and surrounded by a subdued dark-brown background. His face and hands seem to glow from the light of a candle that is hidden from view.

Tyndale’s left hand is balancing a book, keeping it horizontal lest it fall. This book is a Bible, the collection of divinely inspired writings that Tyndale devoted his life to translating from the Hebrew and Greek into English. His right hand appears to be resting on a dark table, while his right index finger is pointing emphatically to the Bible. Tyndale is directing the observer’s attention away from himself, and instead drawing every eye toward this sacred Book in which he resolutely believed and to which he dedicated his whole life.

Beneath the Bible, the artist has painted an unfurled banner, seemingly suspended in air. Signifying Tyndale as an Oxford and Cambridge scholar, the writing on the banner is in Latin: Translated to say , "To scatter Roman darkness by this light, the loss of land and life I will reckon slight." This bold message represents the life’s mission of Tyndale. By translating the Bible into English, this brilliant linguist ignited the flame that would banish the spiritual darkness in England. Tyndale’s translation of the Scriptures unveiled the divine light of biblical truth that would shine across the English-speaking world, ushering in the dawning of a new day.

In the background of this portrait, behind Tyndale, are the words Gulielmus Tindilus Martyr. This is the Latin rendering of this scholar's first and last name, along with the word martyr, which identifies the high cost paid by Tyndale to bring the Scriptures into the language of his countrymen. This heroic figure died a martyr’s death in 1536, strangled to death by an iron chain, after which his corpse was burned and blown up by gunpowder that had been spread around his incinerated body. At the bottom of the portrait, there is a panel giving the explanation of Tyndale’s martyrdom. The words are in Latin and translate as follows:

This picture represents, as far as art could, William Tyndale, sometime student of this Hall [Magdalen] and its ornament, who after establishing here the happy beginnings of a purer theology, at Antwerp devoted his energies to translating into the vernacular the New Testament and the Pentateuch, a labour so greatly tending to the salvation of his fellow-countrymen that he was rightly called the Apostle of England. He gained his martyr’s crown at Vilvoorde near Brussels in 1536, a man, if we may believe even his adversary (the Emperor’s Procurator General), learned, pious, and good. The irony of this portrait is that Tyndale never sat for such a rendering. To protect his anonymity, he could not have his facial likeness reproduced onto canvas. The work he carried out came at too high a price to allow himself to be recognized. Only after his gruesome death could Tyndale be known.

This portrait of Tyndale hangs in my study as a constant visual reminder of the invaluable treasure that sits on my desk: the English Bible. It underscores the fact that as I preach its truths, spiritual light is being sent forth into this dark world. Moreover, this portrait bears witness to me of the great price required to unveil its truth in this sin-blackened age.

Even as heartbreaking as this story may be God said it would happen. In fact listen to Jesus own words. John 15:18-20

John 15:18–20 ESV

18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 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. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.

The examples from scripture and real life show us that we should expect persecution. Jesus own words. If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If we are going to be followers of Christ in a Christ like way expect the world to hate you because they hated Jesus.

Take note of this as well.

Persecution should happen because we are righteous.

Why do I say this, because we have alot of miss understanding of what biblical persecution may look like. Jesus is clear in this text that Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. Ill talk about the righteous sake in a moment, and this is where we will be challenged. Because it does not say blessed are those who are difficult people for their reward is in heaven.

I think sometimes for us as believers this is us because we are difficult people. We bring upon suffering in times where it is not called for because we are not modeling Christ. One of my old pastors would often say don’t be a jerk for Jesus. Don’t be difficult to be around just because you bear the name of Christ. Challenging one for us all. That has been me more times than I can count.

Sometimes we think we are persecuted because we have this zeal for Christ. Christians can be over the top annoying. Did you know that? Reading this week I was reminded that the bible never says be fanatical. Listen to these words and see if you are convicted. Fanaticism can lead to persecution; but fanaticism is never commended in the New Testament. There are so many temptations that tend to come to us in the spiritual and Christian life.

Some people, even in worship, seem to think that they must say their 'Amen' in a particular way, or must say it often. Thinking that this is a sign of spirituality, they make themselves a nuisance at times to others and so get into trouble about that. That is not commended in Scripture; it is a false notion of worship. The spirit of fanaticism has also very often led people into grievous difficulties. I once remember a poor man who not only brought suffering upon himself, but also upon his wife on account of his zeal. He was over-zealous, and he was not facing some of the injunctions given by our Lord Himself, because he was so anxious to be testifying.

Don’t act like a girl at a Taylor Swift concert about Jesus and think you are suffering when people are annoyed by you.

In fact listen to 1 Peter 4:15

1 Peter 4:15 ESV

15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.

If you are going to be persecuted for being a believer let be because of righteousness. Not the cause. We should expect persecution if we are like Christ.. People hated Jesus as I have already said he was different, he was Holy. And as we studied this section of scripture we will see people will hate you if you are like Christ. Hate you if you know believe and practice the fact that you are poor in Spirit. That you can offer nothing to God to saved. They will hate you if you mourn over your sins, and the sins of the world. They will hate you if you are a meek, and gentile person. The world will hate you if you hunger and thirst and for righteousness, they will hate you if you offer mercy to those who need mercy, and they will hate you if you are pure in heart unstained from the world, and its passions, and they will hate you if you seek to make peace, in fact they will hate you so much for being righteous they will persecute you for it, and make up all kinds of things about you but know this.

Noone can ever attack a believer who has been so changed by Christ that they look like him. In fact they may say the most hateful things about you falsely but that does not matter if you are righteous for the Lord. If you have been saved take this book live by its truths be changed by the power of the Holy Spirit so you become like Christ, and friends people may come after you for all kinds of things because of it, but bear this in mind the kingdom of heaven is yours, and you are surly blessed.

But how do you respond to be persecuted.. Take note of this..

We respond to be persecuted by not retaliating, not playing the victim, not being depressed, and by having joy.

long point. Let me break it down. The Sermon on the mount is about this spiritual transformation that happens in the believers life. This words in these pages help us look more like Christ. But in the natural state we will always want to fight back. I wrote this point today from my study because i need it. I am a fighter for Lord which I have told you before. But this is not how we should be when someone persecutes us for looking like Christ. You have to control yourself when people come after you. You see this when Christ you see this with Paul when they face this persecution. We talked about last week about controling the tongue, and we need to control the tongue but also the response when people come after us.

We also do not need to play the victim. When someone comes after you because you look like Christ don’t say poor me. Don’t look at God and blame him for it. Don’t play the victim and in turn Don’t be depressed. Don’t be down,dont think your life is over, dont compromime your life and believes in fact have joy.

This is the key and this will tie into our last point in just a moment. Have joy when you are persecuted. I might have lost some of you there. You might be saying Pastor Luke you want me to be persecutioned in such a way that I wont retaliate , I wont play the victim, I wont be depressed but I am going to have joy through all of it, and I say by the power of God in you yes. Jesus says in this very text rejoice and be glad for your reward is great in heaven.

Listen to this folks. the ultimate source of the believer's rejoicing is the ultimate reward, for Jesus says, "Your reward is great in heaven." When John D. Rockefeller died, the public became understandably curious about the size of the famous man's fortune. One reporter, determined to find out, secured an appointment with one of Rockefeller's highest aides. He asked the aide how much Rockefeller left behind. The man answered simply, "He left it all." Not so for those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness!

The reward is "great," polus, which means "immeasurably great." God will not permit what has been done for his glory to go unrewarded. Hear Paul's assurances: "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison" (2 Corinthians 4:17) They have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing" (2 Timothy 4:7, 8).

What is this reward we have? Listen to the words of this man. Well, the Bible does not tell us much about it, for a very good reason. It is so glorious and wonderful that our human language is of necessity almost bound to detract from its glory. You see even our very language is polluted.

Take the word 'love'. It has become debased, and we have a wrong impression of it. The same is true of many other expressions such as 'glory', 'brightness', and joy'. So there is a sense in which even the Bible cannot tell us about heaven because we should misunderstand it. But it does tell us something like this. We shall see Him as He is, and worship in His glorious presence. Our very bodies will be changed, and glorified, with no sickness or disease. There will be no sorrow, no sighing; all tears shall be wiped away. All will be perpetual glory. No wars or rumors of wars; no separation, no unhappiness, nothing that drags a man down and makes him unhappy, even for a second.

What awaits us is a joy that we should think about all of our days.. And a reward that is without measure.

As we end our study of these verses this week. I want us to hear them as a whole and I want to close wrapping up this study for you.

Matthew 5:3–12 ESV

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

I cant make this a point because its to long, but I want to say this after spending the last two months spending over 100 hours thinking about these 10 verses.

The Goal of the beatitudes is that we become more like Christ so that no matter what comes our way we will be so transformed by our relationship and connection with our Lord Jesus Christ that we have with be able to overcome all that comes our way knowing that our reward is so great that we get to not only see the Lord Jesus Christ in this life, but also the life to come which is our greatest reward of all. and our greatest reason to be transformed.

To to sum it all up to you I will remind you the amazing ground we have covered and its just the tip of the iceberg and let me see if this describes us.

Those who understand that they can do nothing to save themselves but need God to save them, are poor in Spirit, and the Kingdom of God is theirs. You can do nothing on your own to become poor in Spirit. You must be poor in Spirit to be saved. You must be poor in Spirit to grow spiritually. Those who are poor in Spirit are rich because the kingdom belongs to them.

Christians are to mourn over sin because God will comfort them. Christians must mourn over all sin. You must mourn over your own sins to be saved. Comfort comes to those who mourn over their sins because they are forgiven.

Those who are truly Meek will be the ones who inherit the kingdom of God. Those who are Meek have godly self-control. Those who are meek respond properly. Those who are meek inherit the earth.

Those who are truly satisfied are those who are always hungry and thirsty for the Lord. Hungering and thirsting for righteousness starts with the right diet. Hungering and thirsting for righteousness is the only thing that can truly satisfy. Those who want to hunger and thirst for righteousness must avoid all unrighteousness. Those who want to hunger and thirst for righteousness must make time to do so.Those who want to hunger and thirst for righteousness know the Word of God. Those who want to hunger and thirst for righteousness have a faithful prayer life.

If you have been forgiven then you will forgive.Jesus shows us what it is like to be merciful. Christian's should respond properly to God's mercy. Forgive others because you have been forgiven, and God will use for the goods of others. Those who are merciful confess their sins, read scripture, and help others who need mercy.

Blessed are those whose heart has been made clean so they see God in this life and the life to come. The heart is sinful without Christ. To have a pure heart you must be born again. A pure heart that sees God is singularly focused. A pure heart gets purer over time.

Being a peacemaker is a sign that you are a child of God. Jesus is the ultimate example of what a peacemaker looks like. Peacemakers fight to keep the peace. Peacemakers are children of God who have Christ like characteristics.

Christians should expect to be persecuted for being Christ like, but fear not for our reward in heaven is great.Christians should expect persecution.Persecution should happen because we are righteous. We respond to be persecuted by not retaliating, not playing the victim, not being depressed, and by having joy.

Do all those truths describe you. Because they should. And for everyone one of us that is a big ouch for us, because we don’t all look like we should, and act like we should, and think like we should.

Now today as we close. I want to ask are you as we end our study of the beatitudes are you struggling with any or all of these great principles to live by and if you are I want to challenge you to a few things.

One are you a born again believer. Meaning do you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord, and you have seen the glorious grace that comes from believing in Jesus Christ who knew no sin who lived these truths out perfectly dying on the cross without sin raising to life in three days and giving life and hope to those who know him. If you know that truth that you need Jesus he died for your sin, I have to ask you now are any of you listening to this message that struggle with the things Jesus asks of you in order to be blessed, and as I have preached these messages to you, all of them have convicted me to seek the Lord to be comformed by his Holy Spirit and I am telling you to do the same.