WHEN PERSECUTION IS A BLESSING (4 OF 6)
by Tim Melton
Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12
This content is part of a series.
When Persecution is a Blessing (4 of 6)
Series: The Kingdom of God
Tim Melton
Matthew 5:10-12
Can you remember a time when you were treated unjustly because you were a Christian, trying to do the right thing? Maybe you were mocked or made fun of. Maybe you were ostracized and discredited. Maybe you were overlooked, uninvited, or humiliated for no other reason than trying to do what Christ would have you do. To those of you who can relate, Jesus says this,
10 ''Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.'' (Matthew 5:10)
In Matthew 5:10 we stand face to face with a teaching of Jesus Christ that at first glance doesn't make much sense to us. How can persecution be a blessing? To understand, let's first consider the idea of blessing.
Blessing is that settled, restful place in the Christian life, where one walks with God, as their full confidence. The rock that their life is built upon. The peace that passes all understanding. Where all their needs are met in Christ. It is living in total submission because God is near, in control, and faithful in all things. It is knowing that we no longer have to turn to the world to meet our needs because our Provider lives within. Blessing is when we walk by His side and His favor is upon us.
Though it may surprise us, at times persecution is even a tool in the hand of a holy God to usher greater blessing into our lives.
1 Peter 4:12 speaks of blessing and persecution in these words,
''Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. Howe ...
Series: The Kingdom of God
Tim Melton
Matthew 5:10-12
Can you remember a time when you were treated unjustly because you were a Christian, trying to do the right thing? Maybe you were mocked or made fun of. Maybe you were ostracized and discredited. Maybe you were overlooked, uninvited, or humiliated for no other reason than trying to do what Christ would have you do. To those of you who can relate, Jesus says this,
10 ''Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.'' (Matthew 5:10)
In Matthew 5:10 we stand face to face with a teaching of Jesus Christ that at first glance doesn't make much sense to us. How can persecution be a blessing? To understand, let's first consider the idea of blessing.
Blessing is that settled, restful place in the Christian life, where one walks with God, as their full confidence. The rock that their life is built upon. The peace that passes all understanding. Where all their needs are met in Christ. It is living in total submission because God is near, in control, and faithful in all things. It is knowing that we no longer have to turn to the world to meet our needs because our Provider lives within. Blessing is when we walk by His side and His favor is upon us.
Though it may surprise us, at times persecution is even a tool in the hand of a holy God to usher greater blessing into our lives.
1 Peter 4:12 speaks of blessing and persecution in these words,
''Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. Howe ...
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