Blessed Are The Persecuted

1
The Sermon On The Mount
Lesson 6 Blessed Are The Persecuted
2
Blessed Are The Persecuted

• He brings Beatitudes to a surprising conclusion
• Heavens citizens will be persecuted! (Mt
  510-12)
• Jesus never concealed the cost of discipleship
  (Matthew 819-20 Luke 1426-33)
• The reason seems ironic - Because we are
  striving to do what is right! (2 Tim 312 I
  Thess 33-4)
• This should not be a big surprise since Jesus
  faced the same thing (John 1518-20 I Pet
  412-13)
• But as with the other beatitudes Jesus leaves
  us with a great promise (verse 12)

3
Blessed Are The Persecuted

• The persecution may come in many forms
• Just because we are not being faced with
  martyrdom doesnt mean what we face is any less
  real!
• It can be physical abuse (I Peter 313-14)
• There were many who died for their faith (Rev
  69-11)
• How far we are willing to suffer persecution for
  our faith is directly related to our daily
  battle with sin (Heb 123-4)
• It comes as verbal abuse (Luke 622 I Peter
  414)
• It may be false accusations (I Peter 44-5)
• Sometimes it is emotional This may be more
  subtle but can be the most powerful! (Luke
  622)
• Its so certain if we dont face it there is
  likely something wrong! (Luke 626)

4
Blessed Are The Persecuted

• Our greatest concern should be how we respond to
  the persecution!
• One may respond with a worldly reaction (I Pt
  38-12)
• We must refuse to compromise (Rev 1211)
• We are to Leap for joy! (Luke 623 Acts 541)
• Our response is based upon what we KNOW!
• We know it identifies us with Jesus Christ (I
  Pet 416)
• We know it causes us to trust God more (2 Cor
  129-10)
• We know is ignites greater spiritual growth (I
  Pet 510)
• We know there is a reward that awaits (Rev 210
  Mt 512)
• Theme of I Peter Suffering - Grace - Glory (I
  Pet 510)
• We can either be overcome by our persecution or
  use it to glorify Christ! (2 Cor 47-10)

5
I have heard how Christians long ago Were brought
before a tyrants throne They were told that he
would spare their lives If they would renounce
the name of Christ But one by one they chose to
die The Son of God they would not deny Like a
great angelic choir sings I can almost hear their
voices ring
I pledge allegiance to the Lamb With all my
strength With all I am I will seek to honor His
commands I pledge allegiance to the Lamb
6
Now the years have come and the years have
gone And the cause of Jesus still goes on Now our
time has come to count the cost To reject this
world, to embrace the Cross And one by one let us
live our lives For the One who died to give us
life Till the trumpet sounds on the final day Let
us proudly stand and boldly say I pledge
allegiance to the Lamb With all my strength With
all I am I will seek to honor His commands I
pledge allegiance to the Lamb
7
To the Lamb of God who bore my pain Who took my
place who wore my shame I will seek to honor His
commands I pledge allegiance to the Lamb I
pledge allegiance to the Lamb With all my
strength With all I am I will seek to honor His
commands I pledge allegiance to the Lamb
But even if you should suffer for righteousness'
sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them,
nor be troubled, but in your hearts regard Christ
the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a
defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for
the hope that is in you. (I Peter 314-15)