Matthew 5  (ESV)

1 Seeing the crowds, he (Jesus) 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 (those desperate for God), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn (grieve over their sins), for they shall be comforted.

5 “Blessed are the meek (who surrender to Jesus as their Lord), for they shall inherit the earth.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (being right with God), for they shall be satisfied.

7 “Blessed are the merciful (extend God's mercy to others), for they shall receive mercy.

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart (are pure in motives), for they shall see God.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers (extend God's offer of peace to others), for they shall be called sons of God.

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted (opposition from others) for righteousness' sake (being right with God), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

We may be seeking to offer peace with God; however, it does not mean that they will receive it peacefully.

Do we have the courage to live out our convictions?

Persecution means to chase or drive away. It can be physical or verbal.

We may be persecuted for our righteousness lifestyle by those who don't follow Christ.

We don't live out of our preferences but our convictions.

2 Timothy 3:12 (ESV)

12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,



11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely (false accusation) on my account.

The world rejects the exclusivity of salvation through Jesus Christ alone.

The most unkind and unloving thing is to not tell people that they must come to God through Jesus.

John 14:6(ESV)

6 Jesus said to him... No one comes to the Father except through me.

James 1:2-3  (ESV)

2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,

3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

Ask yourself when persecuted:

Am I being persecuted for my righteous life or because I am presenting Jesus as the only way to God.

If you are, rejoice. Then, pray for them ...

Matthew 5:44 (ESV)

44 But I (Jesus) say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

When we are persecuted, we must submit to authority while still being obedient to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 13:1 (ESV)

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.

We are to recognize that our true enemy is the devil.

Ephesians 6:12 (ESV)

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood...against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

We are to stand our ground.

1 Corinthians 16:13 (ESV)

13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.

Here are the Open Doors' Persecution Guidelines:

1. Simplify your life and know God.

2. Realize God keeps secrets. We don't always understand what He is doing.

3. Remember weakness is a direct path to power.

4. Remember overcoming is greater than deliverance.

5. Remember extreme hurt requires extreme forgiveness.

6. Remember prayer is the ultimate fellowship.

We must not abdicate our responsibility to be salt and light to escape persecution. Then, we can rejoice...

Matthew 5  (ESV)

12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

The reward for overcoming persecution is eternal. Sometimes we falter because we don't fit in.

Do we have the courage to live out our convictions even when there are consequences?

Revelation 3:20 (NLT)