"blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." -matthew 5:10
Movies
Impending disasters
Impossible situations
Irreconcilable relationships
Twister movie clip
Beatitudes – Jesus’ teaching about life, about relationships and situations
Final one – perhaps the most difficult because the decision to stick to what you believe and take a stand means harm and hurt to you, attacks from others, even potentially death
We’ll find however that even in this most difficult path and way, Jesus offers hope, a light at the end of the tunnel
Persecuted specifically for righteousness, because of Christ, because following His way
2 Timothy 3:10-12: Paul writing to Timothy
“You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings – what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
Antioch – shared about Jesus, crowds filled with jealousy and talked abusively against what Paul was saying, expelled from the region
Iconium – Jews stir up Gentiles and poison their minds against them; plot to mistreat them and stone them; find out and flee
Lystra – stone Paul and drag him outside the city, thinking he was dead (goes back to the city, leaves the next day for Derbe)
Sticks with it…(with Barnabas)
“They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith.” (Acts 14:21-22)
Paul withstood persecution because had bigger picture in mind - Knew would have reward in heaven
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 5:10)
Also had to draw near to Christ to withstand; came to appreciate the amazing ability to do so and triumphed in the end
Romans 8:31-39
“What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God if for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died – more than that, who was raised to life – is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: ‘For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Maybe you’re enduring persecution…could be more subtle but nonetheless present….
Friends who put down Jesus and make jabs at BASIC and church any moment they can Parents who subtle put down church with comments like “Go ahead and go, but it makes no difference.” Or “stop wasting your time with church.”
Take encouragement for other difficulties in life…
Nothing at all can separate you from the love of Jesus
Recap
Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Are you one of the poor in spirit? Your spirit can be healed. Jesus can meet every need.
Blessed are those who mourn, For they will be comforted. God will comfort you, even in your darkest time.
Blessed are the meek, For they will inherit the earth. God will provide for you, even in your most humble state and neediest situation.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they will be filled. We can be eternally full through desiring God’s character as we spend time with God.
Blessed are the merciful, For they will be shown mercy. How do you react when someone wrongs you? We should look outside of ourselves and be aware of others in need.
Blessed are the pure in heart, For they will see God. What is your heart, soul and mind focused on? Devote your entire self to God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, For they will be called sons of God. When you see someone that makes your life difficult, are you a peacemaker?
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Are you under attack? Take encouragement and persevere because nothing at all can separate you from the love of Jesus.
Perfect Storm movie clip
Waves crashing all around, things in turmoil, relationships this way and that, uncertain what path to take
What do the Beatitudes mean to me?
They give me encouragement as I walk along a path that not many take but that God calls me to.
One of peace, loving enemies, desiring God’s character instead of the material ways of the world, sharing about beliefs while under attack.
Narrow road
Matt. 7:13-14
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
So many amazing things promised in the Beatitudes by taking this narrow road.
What do the Beatitudes mean to other counselors?
What do the Beatitudes mean to you?
Matt. 7:24-27
Build your house on solid foundation, not on the weak sand
-cassie
