The Fate Of Those Who Hate The Righteous Series

Throughout Scripture, it's clear that God takes a strong stance against those who persecute and hate the righteous. This sermon will explore the biblical basis for God's condemnation of such individuals, highlighting examples that demonstrate the consequences of opposing those who live for Him.

God's Perspective on the Righteous

In the Bible, the righteous are those who live according to God's laws and commandments. Psalm 119:1 says, "Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord." God delights in the righteous and promises to protect and bless them. On the other hand, those who hate the righteous are, in effect, opposing God Himself.

Condemnation of Those Who Hate the Righteous

The Bible is replete with examples of God's condemnation of those who persecute and hate the righteous. Here are a few notable instances:

Cain and Abel: In Genesis 4, Cain's hatred towards Abel leads to murder. God condemns Cain's actions, saying, "The voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground" (Genesis 4:10). This story sets the tone for the biblical narrative, highlighting God's displeasure towards those who harm the righteous.

The Psalmist's Testimony: Psalm 37:32-33 says, "The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him. The Lord will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged." This passage underscores God's protection of the righteous and His condemnation of those who seek to harm them.

Jesus' Teachings: In Matthew 5:10-12, Jesus blesses those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, saying they will be rewarded in heaven. Conversely, those who persecute the righteous will face judgment.

The Prophets: Throughout the Old Testament, prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Amos condemn those who oppress and hate the righteous. For example, Isaiah 5:20 says, "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"

Examples of God's Judgment

The Bible records numerous instances of God's judgment upon those who hate the righteous. Some notable examples include:

The fate of Jezebel: In 2 Kings 9:30-37, Jezebel's persecution of the prophets and her opposition to God's people ultimately lead to her downfall. She is thrown out of a window and trampled by horses, fulfilling Elijah's prophecy.

The destruction of the wicked: Psalm 37:9-10 says, "For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be."

The judgment of the unfaithful: In 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10, Paul writes about the judgment that awaits those who persecute God's people. He notes that God will render tribulation to those who trouble the Thessalonians.

The biblical evidence is clear: those who hate the righteous will face God's condemnation. As believers, we can take comfort in knowing that God sees and will judge those who oppose us. We should strive to live righteously, trusting in God's protection and promises. Those who persecute and hate the righteous will ultimately face the consequences of their actions, while the righteous will inherit the earth and enjoy God's blessings.