Blessed are the Persecuted, theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven
It seems like an oxymoron, happiness for the persecuted, joy for the hunted?
The word Blessed means “Oh How Happy.” The word translated “persecuted” means, hunted, afflicted, harassed, by hunters, or an enemy or a troublemaker. It does not seem right that ones who are afflicted as such should consider themselves blessed. But there is a reason they are.
A. The promise is for the FAITHFUL:
1. Faithful in affliction
a. Isaiah 48:10
b. Romans 12:12
2. Faithful in Prayer
a. Devil trembles when the weakest Saint kneels in prayer
b. Phil 4:6
3. Faithful in Fellowship
a. Hebrews 10:25
b. Herd Mentality
4. Faithful in Study
a. We win when we use the word
b. Study to show ourselves approved.
B. Lessons from 1 Thessalonians 5
v11 Build up
v12 Respect leaders
v13 Live at Peace
v14 Warn the idle, help the weak, be patient
v15 Don’t give in to revenge
v16 be Joyful
v17-18 Pray continually, Give Thanks
v19 Give in to the Holy Spirit
v20 Treat the Word rightly
v22 Avoid Evil
v23 Count on God’s Help (remember Zachariah 4:6 NOT by might, nor by power but BY MY SPIRIT SAYS THE LORD.
Remember Peter
John 21:3
I AM GOING FISHING
Could be translated, I am tired of waiting and being fearful, I am going back to fishing.
How many fans are tired of professional sports?
MLB in the early 90”s cancelled the World Series
NHL cancelled an entire season
NFL had a lockout that canceled part of the training and preseason
NBA has cancelled ½ the season this year.
How many fans are fed up? Looking for something else instead in college sports or even High School. This is Peter in John 21. But something happens.
Peter meets Jesus on the beach. Peter is rejuvenated, Peter moves from Fan to follower, he moves from lukewarm to passionate. When we move from fan to follower then the blessing, the promise is ours.
When we are persecuted, remember what He said, stay faithful, count on God and He will see us through, and we shall be given the KINGDOM.
