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Braggs church of Christ
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Bless Are They Who Are
Persecuted For Righteousness’
Sake
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Introduction
There is a vital connection between this beatitude and the one before it
The one who works at making peace will be persecuted
Peacemakers suffer for making peace
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1. Why Christians Suffer
A genuine Christian is different 2 Cor. 5:17
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1. Why Christians Suffer
If we accept Christ’s way of living then we are sure of being resented by the world
Jn. 15:18
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1. Why Christians Suffer
The Christian is also a constant rebuke to the sin and selfishness of the world
Mt. 5:13-14
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1. Why Christians Suffer
The Christian will meet opposition because he makes the world feel uncomfortable – he “interferes” with their sinful way of life
Eph. 5:11
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2. Suffering Will Happen To Those Who Live Right
2 Tim. 3:12 We live in an upside-down
world
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2. Suffering Will Happen To Those Who Live Right
Human beings: Hate when they should love Quarrel when they should be
friendly Fight when they should be
peaceful
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2. Suffering Will Happen To Those Who Live Right
Human beings: Wound when they should heal Steal when they should share Do wrong when they should do
right
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2. Suffering Will Happen To Those Who Live Right
That is why Christians to the world are misfits
Therefore persecution will come to the faithful
NOTE – we are to be persecuted for “righteousness sake”
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2. Suffering Will Happen To Those Who Live Right
That is for doing what is right as revealed in God’s word
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3. The Persecuted Are Blessed. Why?
A. “Theirs is the kingdom of heaven”
We suffer for the kingdom because we are in the kingdom
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3. The Persecuted Are Blessed. Why?
B. They have fellowship with the sufferings of Christ
Phil. 3:10
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3. The Persecuted Are Blessed. Why?
C. Suffering works patience in us
Rom. 3:3-5
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4. “Rejoice And Be Exceeding Glad
A. Because “great is your reward in heaven”
Rom. 8:18 1 J. 3:2
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4. “Rejoice And Be Exceeding Glad
B. “So persecuted the prophets which were before you”
This brings us into fellowship with noble company - the prophets
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References
Survey of the Life of Christ, by Melvin J. Wise The Living Way series, Lambert’s Book House, 1968
