Pastor Chris showed us how Jesus defined as aspect of flourishing as suffering while awaiting his return. How we respond to persecution, insults, and misrepresentation can make all the difference when it comes to our flourishing.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you (Matthew 5:10-12).
MY STORY
Describe a time when identifying with Christ cost you something.
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
In what ways did Jesus’ original audience relate to being persecuted for righteousness and falsely accused of evil?
At that time, what did persecution and insult look like? How are they different (or similar) in our culture today?
What is the difference between being mistreated for the sake of Christ vs. being mistreated for something else?
In what ways have you been misrepresented in the past? How did that impact you? How did you respond?
Rejoice and be glad for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way, they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Jesus referred to the mockery and even stoning of God’s messengers in centuries past. How could the hearts and minds of those listening understand the encouragement to rejoice and be glad?
What was their concept of the kingdom of heaven and a reward in heaven? Were those words to advise, to forewarn, or to provide revelation?
Upon what is the believer’s heavenly reward based upon?
What does God want us to hear? Based on the passage and the questions above, what “takeaways” do you think God has revealed to you?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO?
When feeling pressured or belittled for our faith, how will rejoicing in our Christ-centered sense of well-being produce genuine gladness?
When is it appropriate to simply not give a defense when deliberately misrepresented?
Read what Peter said about facing slander …
Have a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame (1 Peter 3:16).
What is Peter suggesting here?
What does God want us to do? Flowing out of our reading and interpretation, what action does this passage or the Spirit’s leading, call us to?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?
What does genuine persecution look like for Christians today, in our culture?
How can you respond to this type of hostility in a way that is honoring to God?
In these times, people speak of a longing for peace, even in the midst of conflict and persecution.
Prayerfully seek God’s guidance to become a fresh illustration of spiritual joy in the response to enmity toward those who identify with Jesus.
What does God want ME to do? What is the personal application and action step God is calling you, personally, toward?
Message Notes
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