Becoming (8)
Dustin Lee Boden / General
“Blessed are the Persecuted”
Matthew 5:1–10 ESV
1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.
2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Introduction:
Praise God, so happy to see everyone today!
Today we are continuing our series "Becoming," where we’ve been ascending this ladder, rung by rung, through the Beatitudes—a blueprint for becoming more like Christ.
Each Beatitude builds upon the last, guiding us in our journey to reflect His character and embrace His calling.
Here is a brief recap…
1. Poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3) - The journey starts with recognizing our spiritual poverty and need for God.
2. Those who mourn (Matthew 5:4) - This leads to mourning over our sin, seeking God’s comfort.
3. The meek (Matthew 5:5) - Mourning softens our hearts, creating meekness and a gentle spirit.
4. Hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matthew 5:6) - With meekness, we crave righteousness and seek to please God.
5. The merciful (Matthew 5:7) - Pursuing righteousness helps us recognize our need for mercy and extend it to others.
6. The pure in heart (Matthew 5:8) - Mercy leads to seeking purity of heart and undivided devotion to God.
7. The peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) - A pure heart makes us peacemakers, working to reconcile others to God.
8. Those persecuted for righteousness' sake (Matthew 5:10) - As peacemakers, we may face persecution but remain firm, knowing the kingdom of heaven is ours.
Today, we come to a challenging but crucial part of our ascent: the reality of persecution.
As we climb this ladder of spiritual growth, we find that not all paths are smooth, and not every step is easy.
Jesus warns us that as we strive to live righteously, we will face opposition, we will face persecution, we will face evil resistance… this isn't just historical but a present-day reality.
But rather than discouraging us, this expectation of persecution becomes a crucial step in our journey in becoming like Christ.
Matthew 5:10 (ESV)
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Today we will explore three essential aspects of navigating this difficult terrain:
1. Understanding the inevitability of persecution.
2. Maintaining a heavenly mindset amidst trials.
3. Embracing the power of the Holy Spirit to sustain us through these challenges.
Each of these points will help us remain steadfast on our climb, ensuring that our journey not only brings us closer to Christ but also transforms us into His likeness.
“Suffering, then, is the badge of true discipleship. The disciple is not above his master. Following Christ means suffering because we have to suffer.”
~Dietrich Bonhoeffer
So, as we continue on this journey of becoming like Christ, we must understand that persecution is not just a possibility—it is an expectation.
With this in mind, let’s explore our first point:
1. The Expectation of Persecution
1. Persecution is not an indication that we are doing something wrong; rather, it is often evidence that we are living in alignment with God's will.
a. Persecution is an essential part of the Christian journey.
b. When you step into the calling God has placed on your life, it is often met with opposition and challenging times.
c. You will be met with spiritual warfare, and spiritual attacks on your life will increase.
d. The world will reject you, society will reject you, and this rejection may even come from within your own household.
e. The Bible makes it clear that following Christ is an invitation for suffering and persecution.
2 Timothy 3:12 NLT
12 Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
a. I fear that somewhere along the way, Christians have lost sight of the reality of persecution for the godly.
i. See, in our culture...there is a tendency to present Christianity in a way that emphasizes comfort and prosperity rather than the challenging aspects of discipleship.
ii. This “comfortable gospel” often downplays or ignores the reality of suffering, sacrifice, and persecution that can come with following Christ.
b. This opposition is a powerful confirmation that you are living in alignment with Christ’s teachings.
John 15:18–20 ESV
18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.
19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.
a. Jesus warned His followers that their genuine faith would bring opposition from the world.
b. However, this opposition isn’t a sign of wrongdoing but rather a testament to how our lives, aligned with God’s righteousness, stand in contrast to worldly values.
c. Expecting persecution is important because it reminds us that this world is not our true home.
i. We belong to a different kingdom, and our suffering here is a sign of our allegiance to a higher, eternal promise.
ii. The kingdom of heaven is reserved for those who remain steadfast in their faith.
iii. 2 Corinthians 4:4 says this world is under the control of Satan… he is the God of it… look at
2 Corinthians 4:4 NLT
4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.
a. Such a fascinating scripture that perfectly explains the culture we live in!
b. This verse means that many people are unable to perceive or accept the truth of the Gospel!
i. Because they are spiritually blinded by influences and deceptions that obscure their understanding of righteous living.
1 John 5:19 NLT
19 We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one.
a. YOU as followers of Jesus are called to be set apart… you are called to be different… you are called to be HOLY!
i. If you live out that calling, truly in the way that the Lord called you to live… YOU WILL BE PERSECUTED!
ii. That is what Jesus was trying to say… If they hated me… they will hate you…
iii. And if you never face opposition or challenges because of your faith and righteousness, it might be worth considering whether you’re truly standing apart from the ways of the world.
iv. Christians who follow Jesus and adhere to His teachings will often face hatred, suffering, rejection, and even persecution.
v. It’s crucial to understand this so that we are not caught off guard when it occurs.
vi. The world and those who follow its system, are in opposition to God and His people.
b. There are many false Christians, false prophets, false pastors and corrupt leaders who will always oppose God and His word.
c. They attempt to distort Scripture to align with their own beliefs and desires, rejecting both God and those who uphold righteousness.
d. This opposition will continue until the end.
e. Our suffering comes because we are different, guided by true wisdom rather than the corrupt ways of the world.
f. Expect and be prepared for this opposition, knowing that standing for God and righteousness will provoke spiritual attacks.
g. Jesus warned us that in this world, we will have tribulation—an unavoidable reality for those who stand in opposition to the world’s values.
h. For example…
i. When you stand for a traditional biblical marriage… that marriage is between one man and one woman this will place you at odds with the world!
i. Real Life Example: Jack Phillips, the Colorado baker who declined to create a custom wedding cake for a same-sex couple due to his religious beliefs, faced years of legal battles, public outrage, and threats. Despite the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in his favor in 2018, he has continued to face lawsuits and social backlash.
j. When you stand for sanctity of life… Advocating for the value of every human life and that 73 million abortions a year is murder, and most certainly is not reproductive healthy care... they will attack you and persecute you.
i. Real Life Example: David Daleiden, a pro-life activist, became widely known after releasing undercover videos alleging the illegal sale of fetal tissues by Planned Parenthood. He faced multiple lawsuits, financial penalties, and public vilification for his stance.
k. When you stand for religious freedom… Standing up for religious freedom can provoke significant opposition.
i. Real Life Example: Coach Joe Kennedy, a high school football coach in Washington state, was fired for praying on the field after games. His case went to the Supreme Court, where he eventually won, but he faced years of unemployment, legal battles, and public criticism for his faith.
l. These examples illustrate how standing for God’s truth in today’s society can bring significant challenges, yet also serve as a testament to faithfulness.
m. Persecution for righteousness is not just a theoretical concept but a real and present challenge for Christians today.
n. Being righteous opens you up for persecution… but when we face it, we are to maintain a heavenly perspective.
2. Having a Heavenly Perspective in Persecution
1. A heavenly perspective allows us to endure persecution with hope and even joy, knowing that our ultimate reward is in heaven, not here on earth.
a. Many times, when we encounter opposition and persecution, we are tempted to view it through a lens of carnality.
b. This often leads us to focus on:
i. Personal Comfort: We might prioritize our own ease and desire to avoid discomfort.
ii. Immediate Justice: We may seek quick retribution or vindication rather than trusting in God's timing.
iii. Personal Failure: We could overemphasize our own shortcomings, feeling inadequate.
iv. Self-Pity: We might indulge in feelings of unfairness or resentment.
v. Focusing on Those Attacking Us: We may become preoccupied with our persecutors, allowing anger or bitterness towards them to consume our thoughts.
c. Carnality can lead to reactive behaviors—such as anger, retaliation, or self-defense—that are driven by emotions rather than guided by a peaceful and gracious response.
d. To counteract these tendencies...
i. Align Our Thoughts with His Eternal Promises: Embrace a kingdom perspective that recognizes earthly trials as temporary compared to the eternal promise of God’s kingdom.
ii. View Trials Through a Heavenly Lens: Understand that our suffering here is part of a greater journey towards something eternal.
iii. Shift from a Human Perspective to God’s Perspective: Instead of being overwhelmed by temporary pain and challenges, align your thoughts, attitudes, and actions with the reality of God’s promises.
1. Rather than seeing the circumstances from a human perspective, see things from God’s perspective.
e. In Colossians 3…Paul instructs...
Colossians 3:1–4 ESV
1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
a. This passage reminds us of the importance of maintaining a heavenly perspective, especially when faced with persecution and trials.
i. I think sometimes this is something that needs to be repeated…
1. We need to remind ourselves again and again that our responsibility is to view our circumstances not from a corrupted human perspective, but from where God is.
ii. We cannot simultaneously gaze at heavenly perspectives and worldly viewpoints!
iii. We must choose to focus on one or the other. Paul’s command to seek the things that are above indicates that this is within our control.
iv. The Greek word used here for “seeking the things that are above” literally means to exercise the mind, to entertain, and to align our thinking with God's.
v. It’s an active, intentional process of setting our minds on eternal truths and realities, rather than being consumed by temporary earthly concerns.
b. By exercising our minds in this way, we align ourselves with God's perspective and navigate our trials with grace and faith, maintaining a heavenly outlook amidst life's challenges.
2. As Christians we will experience challenges of maintaining a heavenly perspective.
i. Maintaining a heavenly perspective is challenging because our human nature is deeply rooted in the here and now.
ii. Persecution often involves physical, emotional, and social suffering, which can easily distract us from a heavenly focus.
a. We need to embrace a HEAVENLY mindset.
i. Philippians 2:1–5 calls us to adopt the attitude of Christ—one of humility and selflessness.
Philippians 2:1–5 NLT
1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate?
2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.
4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
a. This mindset is essential for maintaining a heavenly perspective in the midst of persecution.
b. When we adopt Christ’s attitude, we view suffering not as a personal attack but as an opportunity to reflect His love and humility.
c. Additionally, in Philippians 1:27-28 teaches us to live as citizens of heaven, conducting ourselves in a manner worthy of heaven.
d. Then Paul makes a statement in Philippians 1:29 that can only be understood from a heavenly perspective.
Philippians 1:29 NLT
29 For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him.
a. Paul’s view on suffering is contrary to human understanding but aligns with a heavenly view.
b. He sees suffering as a privilege because it leads to eternal victory.
i. A victorious life is not an easy life!
ii. We admire Jesus' victory, but we must remember what He endured.
iii. As His followers, we too will face rejection, persecution, and hardship.
iv. These trials are the natural result of our identification with Christ and our commitment to righteousness.
v. What we are suffering now is NOTHING compared to the GLORY he will revealed to us later!!
vi. All the pain, torment, difficulties, disappointments, sorrow, sickness, injustice, rejection, and mistreatment we face are small in comparison to the blessings, privileges, and glory we will experience in eternity.
vii. 2 Corinthians 4:17–18 emphasizes this very thing… it says
2 Corinthians 4:17–18 NLT
17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!
18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
3. This World is Not Our Final Home.
i. While we live and work in this world, our true home is with God in heaven, where our values and allegiance lie.
ii. Understanding that our ultimate reward is in heaven provides comfort and strength during difficult times.
iii. As Christians, we hold a heavenly citizenship and are essentially passers-by on this earth.
iv. Our ultimate allegiance and identity belong to the Kingdom of God.
a. Cultivating a heavenly perspective is essential, but how do we stay grounded in this perspective during actual trials?
b. This is where the Holy Spirit becomes crucial.
c. The Holy Spirit empowers and sustains us, helping us maintain our focus on eternal promises even in the midst of suffering.
d. Embracing the Holy Spirit during persecution enables us to navigate life's challenges with divine strength and guidance.
3. Embracing the Power of the Holy Spirit in Persecution.
1. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to endure persecution with boldness, peace, and joy, transforming their suffering into a powerful witness for Christ.
a. His role during times of persecution is pivotal, providing comfort, guidance, and strength to believers facing adversity for their faith.
b. He intercedes for us, helps us to stand firm in our faith, and empowers us to endure hardships with grace.
c. In moments of persecution, the Spirit not only strengthens our resolve but also reminds us of our identity in Christ, enabling us to respond with love and forgiveness.
d. The Holy Spirit's role in a believer's life is one of the most undervalued and underrated aspects of modern Christianity, particularly during times of trials and persecution.
2. We have the Promise of the Holy Spirits comfort in all situations.
John 14:26 KJV 1900
26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
a. One of the most profound things about the H.S. is that our relationship with him is not only about what he provides for us, but how he represents the father to us during tough times!
b. This is speaking about his character…
i. He is a Comforter: The Holy Spirit is a present help in times of need, offering solace and reassurance.
ii. He is a Counselor: He provides guidance and wisdom for navigating life's challenges.
iii. He is an Encourager: The Greek word “Paraclete” means “one who is called alongside.” It implies that He provides care and support, coming alongside us in our struggles.
c. This demonstrates how God comforts His children.
d. He is the “God of all comfort,” and we can experience His peace even amidst trials.
e. Think about comforting someone going through a tough time.
f. What often comes to mind? For many, it’s a loving embrace. Here’s what I’ve learned about hugging:
g. Here is what I learned about hugging…
i. it reduces stress…
ii. it minimizes fears…
iii. it can reduce pain (relaxes muscles)…
iv. it releases a hormone that increases your comfort and trust in someone that you deem important.
h. The H.S. will give you what is need in the moment to help yo navigate your situation!
i. He will bring you an unexpected source of strength when you need it the most,
ii. He will deliver an inner peace like you have never known in the midst of your storm,
iii. He will enable you to forgive those who persecute you,
iv. He will guide you in making wise decisions...
i. Jesus promised us that we would not be left alone in our trials.
j. John 14:16–17 says:
John 14:16–17 NKJV
16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—
17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.
a. During persecution, the Holy Spirit brings comfort and peace that surpasses understanding.
i. He enables us to love those who attack us.
ii. To illustrate this I want to share with you the story of Richard Wurmbrand:
iii. He is the founder of the voice of the martyrs.
Richard Wurmbrand was a Romanian pastor of Jewish descent who became one of the most well-known Christian martyrs of the 20th century.
Born in 1909, he converted to Christianity from atheism in 1938, along with his wife, Sabina.
Both were deeply committed to spreading the Gospel in Romania, which was becoming increasingly hostile to Christianity, especially after World War II when the Communist regime took power.
He lived in a time when Christians faced severe persecution under the Communist regime in Romania…and they TARGETED Christians… and Wurmbrands dedication to Christ came with risks and he gladly accepted those risks.
In 1944, when the Soviet Union occupied Romania, Wurmbrand began to work clandestinely as a pastor, even though the new Communist government sought to suppress religious activities.
In 1948, he was arrested by the secret police for his Christian activities. He was imprisoned for a total of 14 years, including three years in solitary confinement.
During his imprisonment, Wurmbrand endured brutal torture. He was severely beaten often to the point of unconsciousness. Guards would use sticks, belts, and other implements to inflict pain.
He was drugged, and subjected to extreme conditions, they put him 12 feet underground in solitary confinement, the isolation was meant to drive him insane, but he used this time to pray and meditate on scripture, drawing from the strength of the Holy Spirit.
He endured psychological torture, where he was forced to listen to recordings of other prisoners being tortured or pretending that his wife was also being tortured in the next room. This mental anguish was designed to make him feel helpless and hopeless.
The guards burned him with hot irons and inflicted cuts and wounds on his body. He was also made to stand in one place for hours or days at a time, leading to swollen and infected feet.
He was often deprived of food and water for extended periods.
He was often deprived of food and water for extended periods, leading to extreme weakness and malnutrition.
Despite his weakened state, Wurmbrand was forced to perform hard labor in the prison camps, often under brutal conditions.
Wurmbrand was subjected to mock executions, where guards would pretend they were going to kill him, only to stop at the last moment.
All of this was designed to break his spirit and force him to renounce his faith…
Despite the physical and psychological torment, Wurmbrand never abandoned his faith. He later wrote that the Holy Spirit gave him the strength to endure the suffering and maintain inner peace.
Remarkably, he even found ways to share the Gospel with fellow prisoners and some of his guards, demonstrating Christ’s love and forgiveness in the face of extreme persecution.
He was eventually released in 1964
i. Richard Wurmbrand endured intense suffering for righteousness, yet he found profound peace through the Holy Spirit.
ii. His resilience and peace in imprisonment were due to his deep relationship with Christ and the Spirit’s presence.
iii. Wurmbrand described how the Holy Spirit enabled him to forgive his tormentors, pray for them, and find moments of joy amid his suffering.
iv. He expressed pity rather than hatred for his torturers, praying they would come to know Christ.
b. Embracing the Holy Spirit will give you the ability to love like Jesus, the ability to forgive like Jesus, the ability to have peace int eh midst of certain torture and death.
c. The Holy Spirit is our Comforter, guiding us with peace, boldness, and joy even when facing adversity.
d. He empowers us to endure hardships with grace and transforms our suffering into a powerful witness for Christ.!
e. Even in the darkest moments, we are not alone.
i. It is natural to feel alone, when going through a rough season in your life… but rest assured… you are not alone!
ii. God is with you… even in in the darkest night, he will never let you go!
iii. God is greater than anything we will face!
iv. I love to reflect on Isaiah 43:2
Isaiah 43:2 NKJV
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.
i. No matter how difficult and no matter how dark the season you find yourself walking through, God is with you.
ii. He promises to meet you in your pain and to help you, saying, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
iii. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”
f. God wants you to embrace the power of the Holy Spirit, which will help you walk in a more victorious, fruitful life as a Christ follower.
g. The Holy Spirit is the greatest gift to the Church next to the gift of salvation.
Conclusion:
As I wrap up today, remember that persecution is an inevitable part of living out our faith.
Preparing spiritually and emotionally through daily practices will strengthen your resilience.
Maintaining a heavenly mindset through reflection on God’s promises and daily habits helps keep your focus where it should be.
Most importantly, embrace the Holy Spirit’s role, which provides comfort, guidance, and community support.
By incorporating these practices, you’ll be better equipped to face trials with faith and hope.”
Altar Call: A Time of Surrender and Empowerment
"As we close today, the trials and persecutions we face are not meant to be borne alone.
We have the incredible gift of the Holy Spirit, who comforts us, guides us, and empowers us to stand firm in our faith.
Yet, in the midst of our struggles, it's easy to overlook the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
Today, I believe God is inviting us to come to Him for a fresh outpouring of His Spirit.
So if you’re feeling weary—if the opposition you’ve been facing has left you drained or disheartened—I encourage you to come forward.
• This is your moment to lay down that burden and receive the strength and courage that only the Holy Spirit can provide.
Maybe you’ve been holding back from fully committing to Christ because of the fear of persecution.
• If that’s you, today is the day to step out in faith.
• The Holy Spirit is here, ready to fill you, guide you, and give you the strength you need to face whatever may come.
I am inviting you to come, and let's seek together the fresh filling of the Holy Spirit, asking Him to renew our hearts, empower our spirits, and give us the peace that transcends our circumstances.
Come forward and make that decision to follow Jesus, embracing the life and power He offers."
We’re going to spend some time in prayer. I invite you to lift your hands, kneel, or do whatever helps you connect with God.
As we pray, ask the Holy Spirit to fill you anew, to pour out His power and presence into every area of your life."
"Father, we come before You now, recognizing our need for Your Holy Spirit. We surrender our fears, our struggles, and our weariness to You.
We ask, Holy Spirit, that You would fill us afresh. Empower us with Your strength, comfort us with Your peace, and guide us with Your wisdom.
For those who are facing persecution, we pray for boldness and courage.
For those who are weary, we pray for renewed strength.
For those who are uncertain, we pray for clarity and direction. Holy Spirit, move in this place, touching every heart, meeting every need.
We believe in Your promise, Lord, that You will never leave us nor forsake us.
Fill us now, Holy Spirit, and empower us to live boldly for You, no matter what we face.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."
"As we leave here today, I want to challenge you to carry this experience with you throughout the week.
Don’t let it stay here at the altar. Continue to seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance and strength in every area of your life.
Ask yourself:
Where do I need to rely more on the Holy Spirit’s power?
Where am I holding back out of fear?
Commit to living boldly for Christ, empowered by His Spirit, not just today, but every day.
And remember, you are not alone. The Holy Spirit is with you.
