BE-Attitudes
February 26, 2006
Blessed are the Persecuted
Funny: A Texan billionaire w/ a beautiful daughter loved having parties at his pool which was home to a 20 ft. great-white. Every night he’d issue a challenge to the men: “½ my fortune or my daughter’s hand in marriage to the man who swims across the pool!” He never had a challenger. Then one PM, after the dare was issued, a tall, muscular guy hit the water. W/ arms churning he raced across the pool and just as the shark was about to get him, he reached the other side of the pool safely. The guests cheered. “Bravo!” cried the Texan, “That’s the greatest act of courage I’ve ever seen. Half my fortune is yours!” “No thanks,” replied the guy. “Then, I’d be proud to call you son, you can marry daughter.” “I don’t want her either,” he replied. “What do want?” He replied, “I just want the guy who pushed me in the pool.”
Trans: Some might consider this a kind of persecution, but unless the guy was singled out for his race, religion, nationality, or creed, it was just a horrifying prank.
Note: Persecution is when someone comes under physical and verbal attack for what they believe and for how they live their life.
Story: Adam is a young Christian in India. In his Hindu village, people were opposed to the gospel. One day Adam’s brother and wife became the first believers in the village. Although Adam wasn’t willing to follow, he observed their changed lives. They began to share the gospel w/ other villagers, but no one would listen. Then the beatings began. Every time the Hindus beat Adam’s brother, someone in the crowd believed in Christ. Eventually, Adam believed in Christ too, and began to suffer the same persecution as his brother. One day the villagers surrounded Adam, his brother, and the small group of new Christians. In rage they had prepared a huge pot of boiling water and were preparing to cook the Christians alive. Then one of the Hindus calmed the mob and said, "If we do this even more will become Christians," so they agreed to just beat the believers. As a result, others came to Christ and now their is a church of more than 35 families in the village. IMB
Trans: Can you imagine? You’ve just been beaten for your faith and you see the mob preparing to throw you into a pot of boiling water so as to extinguish your witness. Persecution comes in many forms - but it is very real – even in White House, TN.
Trans: Today we finish our series on the (8) attitudes Jesus said we’re to have as His disciples by looking at the one beatitude no one wants – persecution. Before we begin, let me remind you the intent of the beatitudes. Jesus offered these attitudes to give us an internal barometer for the condition of our lives and to remind us that God isn’t focused on man’s outward performance but rather w/ what is in the heart. He gave us these attitudes to help determine our altitude in life.
Trans: You might have noticed that we’ve started asking (4) questions during baptism.
Do you believe Jesus is your Savior and Lord and that He died on the cross to pay for you sin?
Have you invited Him into you life and asked Him to forgive you?
Will you strive to honor Him in your daily life by living according to the Bible and by sharing His love and truth w/ others in your words and by your actions?
When you face trials, persecution, and hardship for confessing Jesus as your Lord and Savior, will you remain faithful to your calling?
Trans: The reason we made this change is b/c of the likelihood that each of us might experience persecution for testifying that we’re followers of Jesus. The world is becoming increasingly more hostile to those who profess Christ. Persecution is no longer what happens to missionary overseas or to the Christian in the 3rd world – it can now happen to you at work, at school, at home, and even at church.
Story: In September 1999, Larry Ashbrook walked into the Wedgwood Baptist Church in Fort Worth, TX and opened fire during a Wednesday night services killed (7).
Story: In April 1999, two teenage gunmen walked into at Columbine High in Littleton, CO, and shot the students they knew were Christians. On that fateful day, Cassie Bernall was in the library when the gunman burst into the room and asked her, "Do you believe in God?" Among her final words she said “Yes!” and stepped in God’s arms. Also on that day, Rachael Scott stepped into eternity for her faith. What’s interesting is that a year earlier, Rachel penned these words in her diary: "I’m not going to justify my faith to them, and I’m not going to hide the light that God has put into me. If I have to sacrifice everything, I will. I will take it. If my friends have to become my enemies for me to be w/ my best friend Jesus, then that’s fine w/ me.
Trans: It’s a certainty, someone here today in this room will face life threatening persecution. Are you ready?
I The PROMISE
Note: It’s a simple promise – those who undergo persecution will inherit the kingdom – some will find it here as they stand, while others will only receive it in eternity.
II The CONDITION
Note: The persecuted are those believers who live out the first (7) attitudes. You could say that to the degree you fulfill the first (7) beatitudes you will experience the eighth.
Verse: All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 2 Tm. 3:12
A The NATURE of Persecution
1 Persecution is a GIVEN
Word: When (hotan) conveys the idea of at some point in time all Christians can expect some kind of persecution b/c their righteousness exposes or frustrates the sinful.
Quote: Every faithful believer will have some resistance and ridicule from the world, while others, for God’s own purposes, will endure extreme suffering. MacArthur
Trans: This doesn’t mean we seek it, but neither should we be surprised when it comes. In fact, while we can’t verify all the facts, church history and tradition tells us that the disciples fared no better than their leader. Fox’s “Book of Martyrs.
James was beheaded. It is said that on his way to be martyred, his accuser was so impressed by his courage and conviction that he repented of his sin, committed himself to Christ, and was then beheaded along w/ James.
Phillip was scourged, thrown into prison, and then crucified.
Matthew was slain w/ a sword.
James the Lesser was stoned to death.
Matthias was stoned and then beheaded.
Peter was crucified upside down at his own request b/c he didn’t feel worthy enough to be crucified in the same manner as the Lord.
Andrew, Thaddeus and Simon the Zealot were crucified. Andrew was left hanging on the cross for (3) days.
Bartholomew was beaten w/ clubs, filleted alive, and crucified.
Thomas was speared to death.
John was exiled to an island called Patmos where he died as a prisoner.
Point: Jesus never taught a “prosperity gospel,” but rather a “persecution gospel.” He didn’t teach that following Him was going to be a picnic or a religion of convenience, rather He taught that to follow Him we’d have to deny ourselves and take up our cross. The cross was an instrument of torture and persecution.
Insert: The focus of Lk. 9:23 isn’t that we take up and carry Jesus’ cross, but that whatever hardship/persecution we face b/c of following Christ, we’re to bear that burden in such a way as to point others to the cross of Christ which can save their souls.
Verse: But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 2 Cr. 4:7-10
2 Persecution is a GIFT
Note: Most of us can agree that persecution is a given, but to say that it’s a gift is a stretch. We find it hard to believe that we’re blessed when people mess w/ us b/c of our faith. Yet the Bible says that we will receive the kingdom of heaven in four ways.
a Persecution AUTHENTICATES Relationship
Note: Persecution confirms our relationship w/ God. Someone has said that persecution is a certificate of Christian authenticity. We should rejoice that people see Jesus in us.
Verse: If you suffer as a Christian, don’t be ashamed, but praise God that you bear his name. 1 Pt. 4:16
Note: Jesus thinks enough of you to let you share in some of what He went through. He thinks enough of you that He gives you the gift of His name to bear.
b Persecution AFFIRMS Reliance
Note: Persecution causes us to trust God more. When we suffer we are more likely to examine our lives and to lean on God in ways that we never have before.
Verse: I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That’s why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Cr. 12:9-10
c Persecution ADVANCES Readiness
Note; Persecution cultivates maturity. One of the best ways to grow is to go through grief. Resistance builds muscle and persecution brings maturity in Christ.
Verse: The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Pt. 5:10
d Persecution AFFORDS Reward
Note: Persecution grants a reward and the crown of life. Sometimes when we suffer, all we can do is focus on what’s to come in heaven. We can be excited about what lies ahead. We may lose everything on earth, but we shall inherit everything in heaven.
Verse: Do not at all fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the Devil will cast some of you into prison, so that you may be tried…. Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life. Rev. 2:10
B The REASON for Persecution
1 The LIFE We Live (persecuted b/c of righteousness)
Word: righteousness – refers to living the straight way by following in the steps of Jesus.
Note: To be righteous means to genuinely look and act like the Jesus. For some reason, many people are so upset w/ Jesus that they take it out on those who love Him.
2 The LORD We Love (b/c of me)
Note: It’s simple, b/c of your affiliation w/ Jesus you will face persecution. The uniqueness of Jesus and the intensity of His teachings confront the nature of man and sin. This exposure either authors resentment or it ushers repentance.
Quote: When a man encounters Jesus, he will do one of two things. Either he must die, or he must put Christ to death. Bonhoeffer
Trans: People either receive God’s love and love Him, or they reject God’s love and hate Him. And should they reject His love, they will reject those who love Him too.
Verse: Remember the words I spoke to you: ’No servant is greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. Jn. 15:20
C The METHOD of Persecution
Trans: Christians will be persecuted b/c of the life they live and b/c the Lord they love. This harassment takes (3) forms – insult, persecution and false accusations.
1 VERBAL Insults
Word: insults (oneidizo) To cast insults by throwing abusive words of mockery & ridicule.
Note: Biblically speaking, it is to openly defame another’s reputation through verbal abuse and insulting language.
Verse: Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you, and insult you, and reject your name as evil, b/c of the son of man. Lk. 6:22
2 PHYSICAL Attack
Word: persecute (dioko) to drive away by physical abuse, harassment, or unjust treatment.
Quote: The world knows of the Christians who were flung to the lions or burned at the stake; but these were kindly deaths. Nero wrapped the Christians in pitch and set them alight, and used them as living torches to light his gardens. He sewed them into skins of wild animals and set his hunting dogs upon them to tear them to death. They were tortured on the rack, scraped w/ forceps; seared w/ hot brass plates affixed to the tenderest parts of their bodies; eyes were torn out, parts of their bodies were cut off; their hands and feet were burned while cold water was poured over them to lengthen the agony. These things are not pleasant to think about, but these are the things a man had to be prepared for, if he took his stand w/ Christ.
3 FALSE Accusation
Word: say all kinds of evil– abusive and slanderous words made behind your backs.
Note: Slander is often more difficult to deal w/ b/c it is harder to defend against than direct accusation. It has the opportunity to spread more quickly before it can be corrected.
II The RESPONSE
A The HUMAN Response
Note: When facing persecution, you can REACT in the flesh or RESPOND in the Spirit.
1 Seek REVENGE
Note: You can bow up and fight. You can defend yourself by retaliation.
Story: When in H.S. a Vietnamese boy was getting picked on by an athlete b/c of his heritage. One day the athlete pushed him around and embarrassed him, and the next, the Vietnamese boy cracked the athlete w/ a bat when he wasn’t looking.
2 Show RESENTMENT
Note; You can cop an attitude and grow bitter, but then who is really getting hurt?
3 Self RIGHTEOUS
Note: You can hyper-spiritualize the situation and become so heavenly minded that you are no earthly God.
Trans: Obviously not one of these is appropriate. At the same time, I don’t think we should go looking for persecution or stay and endure it if we don’t have to.
B The HOLY Response
1 WALK away from Evil
Note: Some times, just like w/ temptation, we need to look for the exit. Jesus knew when it was time to get out of a hot spot. On one occasion a mob wanted to stone Jesus to death, but He left (see Jn. 8:59). Another time Jesus knew the Pharisees were plotting to have Him killed so He left w/drew to another area (see Mt. 12:14).
Note: Unless God has determined that you must stand for Him persecution, if there is a way to escape, take it but w/out compromising your convictions.
2 GUARD against Compromise
Insert: The easiest way to avoid persecution is to live like the world. If you mimic the world you can be sure the world will not criticize you; although they might consider you a hypocrite and the reason they have to deny God.
Verse: But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this w/ gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 1 Pt. 3:13f
3 LOVE your Enemies
Note: It’s easy to think of ways to get even when someone has hurt us or those we love. We can be quick to begin to scheme our retaliation. Unfortunately, revenge is bitter sweet. We may feel better for a moment, but in the end it doesn’t satisfy.
Note: God wants us to love our enemies and break the cycle of revenge. Instead of lashing out w/ anger, we are called by God to love those who mistreat us.
Verse: Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace w/ everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil w/ good. Rm. 12:17-21
4 PRAY for Your Persecutors
Note: HURTING PEOPLE HURT OTHER PEOPLE. They attack others in the same way they have been hurt. Likewise, many who may be the source of persecution are not believers; they are people who need Christ.
Verse: You’re familiar w/ the old written law, ’Love your neighbor,’ and its unwritten companion, ’Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond w/ the energies of prayer. Mt. 5:43-44
Note: Prayer helps us to love the unlovable in our lives. Prayer changes people. Thus, we must love and pray for those who mistreat us b/c they’re not our real enemy.
Verse: For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. Eph. 6:12
5 Take a STAND
Note: W/ boldness we have to stand in the face of persecution and declare the goodness of God in word and in deed.
Story: I have seen in my North Africa brothers here a kind of faith of which I am not familiar. For (3) days now at hours-long meetings several times a day, the brothers have been taken before a huge group of Muslim leader’s. They’ve been threatened and ridiculed. Still they have stood firm. Several have spoken up on behalf of their faith before over a hundred hostile people. One cried afterward for joy, saying that he had never spoken out before a crowd about anything. Today, he spoke before dozens w/ boldness and afterward acknowledged that it was only b/c of the H.S. that he could have done that. Another brother has said that as difficult as the trial has been, he hopes it could go on for 30 more days b/c of the opportunity it has given to proclaim the message before dozens of influential religious leaders. In all my life I have not experienced a more faith building and intense trial as this has been. It is still not over. But there is an incredible opportunity here to see the truth illuminate a very dark place. Please continue to pray for our Father’s glory. IMB
Verse: We need to be steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labor is not in vain. 1 Cr. 15:58
