BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO ARE PERSECUTED

by Pastor Mitch
January 28, 2007

Expect Persecution

Jesus never preached that when we are a part of His kingdom, we will be void of trouble. He specifically taught how true disciples of His may be persecuted.

“When they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely”
Matthew 5:11

Can people hate so much that they will vigorously and insidiously oppress true believers? The answer is “Yes”. What vicious things will they do? They will defame, taunt and reproach those who honor and serve the Lord. They will go to the extent of making evil and false accusations against them. Young people, if we truly want to be disciples of the Lord, we may have to face and endure persecution. We must be unafraid!

Reasons For Being Persecuted

Why do people persecute us?

1. Because We Stand For Righteousness

“For righteousness’ sake”
Matthew 5:10

There are people who hate those who stand up for righteousness. They will seek to bad-mouth those who seek to walk in God’s ways and to live up to His standards. As we seek to walk in His ways, we must never compromise on this despite facing persecutions.

2. Because When We Stand For Christ And His Truths

“For My sake”
Matthew 5:11

We will also be reviled because we are seeking to put the Lord and His truths first. We must not be afraid to stand up against any form of persecution for Christ’s sake.

Seek To Rejoice And Be Exceedingly Glad

“Blessed are those…
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:10

“Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Matthew 5:12

The Lord’s word challenges us that even as we go through persecutions, we must learn to greatly rejoice. The reason for being exceedingly glad is that the Lord will specially bless us. All that is in the kingdom of God will be available to us. Our reward in heaven will truly be massive. Prophets have been persecuted before us. Let’s rejoice that we may be counted worthy to be reviled as the prophets of old were.

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