The Blessing of Persecution: Part 2

The Blessing of persecution: Pt 2

April 29, 2018

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.

 

   

God does not lower His standard just because we don’t live up to it.  ....

 

Instead,  He gives us Jesus Christ, so that Christ can work through us to meet the standard!

 

 

There are three principles with regard to the Christian, which emerge very clearly from what the Lord tells us here.

 

The first principle is: the Christian is u_________               everybody who is not a Christian!

 

The second principle is: The Christian life is c_________ and d________________ by Jesus Christ!!

 

The third is: that his life should be controlled by t__________ of heaven and the world to come!

 

Now, how are these principles to govern our lives with respect to persecution and suffering??

 

the negative side, that is, what we are not supposed to do....

The Christian is not to r______________....

 

we are not to hold r_______________….

 

The positive side, or what we are to do, is “rejoice and be exceedingly glad!”

 

Why is a Christian to rejoice???  Here is our Lord’s answer....

 

first of all it is proof that you are a b______,

 

second, GREAT is your r_________ in heaven....

 

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose!”

      Jim Elliot 1927 - 1956

 

 

 “he that loveth his life shall lose it, and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.” (John 12:25 KJV)