Creating a Counter Culture - a Study on the Beatitudesናሙና

Blessed Are the Persecuted

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matt 5:10

The first seven Beatitudes are about what is expected of a Christian living out the Kingdom culture. The last one tells you what will happen when you want to be Christ-like!

Jesus is not careless with His words. He is very clear about who is blessed and why.

It is not persecution if we do something foolish, even if it is a Christian thing.

If you are living the beatitudes right, you will face persecution. Why? Because light and darkness have nothing in common.

What is righteous living?

Remember, is it persecuted because of Christ. There is a difference between being self-righteous and righteous for Christ’s sake. Self-righteous is when we think we are right and feel we need to defend our convictions. Righteousness, for Christ’s sake, may sometimes mean letting go of your ego. That is why we need to always walk in step with the Holy Spirit and abide in His Word to understand the will of the Lord.

What does persecution look like on a day-to-day basis?

Not everyone will be called to be a martyr or go to jail, etc. Yet our convictions are challenged daily.

• Doing what is asked without fudging anything.
• Being asked to tell those white lies to cover up for missed deadlines.
• When family taunts you for your faith or threatens to disown you.

Why do you get persecuted?

Why would anyone have something against a meek person or against someone who shows mercy, or the pure in heart, or for that matter, a peacemaker?

Two responses to righteous living –

It can provoke someone to want to know the hope to which you are called.

Or

It can provoke persecution because they cannot deal with their guilty conscience.

How should we respond to persecution?

We need to rejoice and be glad because we suffer the same fate as Jesus. We must bless them, pray for them, do good to them. Remind yourself these troubles are but for a while. (2 Cor 4:17)

There is persecution at the individual level and then at the church. Many churches and pastors are persecuted for their faith around the world. The Christian calling is a great one. It is the highest and the most challenging one you will ever have to live up to.

Kingdom culture is God’s will for the earth.

Over the last few days, we took you through what it is to be poor in spirit, mourn, be meek, hunger and thrust for righteousness, be merciful, pure in heart, and be a peacemaker.

How has this teaching challenged and changed you? Ask God to show you how. He will strengthen you, guide you and lead you.

REFLECT AND ASK YOURSELF:

• Have you ever been mocked for your faith?
• Have you ever lost relationships because of misplaced zeal for the gospel? Where you were not sensitive and your speech ungracious? (It has happened with me, and I have learned from that experience)
• Can you make the distinction between self-righteous and righteousness for Christ’s sake?

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