Blessed Are The Persecuted
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Prepare for the persecution, expect the blessing.
Question: What would it look like in your social circles for someone to be “persecuted?” Has it ever happened to you?
Following Jesus will make your life “better.”
But giving your life to Jesus gives you Real Life now and forever.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Matthew 5:10
“You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me. Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven...” Matthew 5:11–12
Question: Why would Jesus be so certain that those who followed him would be persecuted? What does Christian persecution look like today? See the website www.persecuted.org.
Preparing for persecution.
1. EXPECT IT: because it is coming.
In fact, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 2 Timothy 3:12
2. ENDURE IT: because it shapes you.
…When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it. 1 Corinthians 4:12
Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2
Persecution endured in Christ's power strengthens you.
Your identity is founded and shaped by who you love and who loves you.
3. EMBRACE IT. Because it shows that God is with you.
Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you, as if something unusual were happening to you.
1 Peter 4:12
If you are ridiculed for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 1 Peter 4:14
WORSHIP in the midst of the persecution.
Prepare for the persecution, expect the blessing.
#Reflection/Prayer
Today, I trust my life to Jesus, and I will follow Him the rest of my life.