Sessions 8 & 9 Notes Download

Matthew 5:10-12 Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

 God does not promise a life free from struggles, but He does promise His presence and support in our times of need, along with blessings as we endure.

John 15:20; 16:33   Jesus warns his disciples and gives encouragement.

Mark 4:16 and 17   Everyone who hears God’s Word faces temptation and, without deep roots, will fall away.

Matthew 5:10-12  The typical reaction to persecution often includes hurt feelings, sadness, rejection, anger, and a desire for retaliation. However, Jesus calls us to respond differently—with rejoicing and cheer. Such a response is truly supernatural.

Throughout history, Christians have had varying degrees of persecution, as it is today. According to the 2024 World Watch List by Open Doors, some of the most dangerous places for Christians include:

“North Korea: Being discovered as a Christian can lead to imprisonment, torture, or even death. Somalia: Christians face severe persecution from extremist groups and societal pressure to adhere to Islam. Afghanistan: Converts to Christianity face extreme danger from both the government and their communities. Libya: Christians, especially converts from Islam, face intense persecution and violence. Pakistan: Blasphemy laws are often used to target Christians, leading to imprisonment and violence.

Other countries where Christians experience significant persecution include Eritrea, Yemen, Iran, Nigeria, and India.”

All of us face persecution, although it may be less extreme than physical beatings. Ironically, most persecution comes from family, friends, associates, fellow employees, or schoolmates. The sad reality is that often Christians are persecuted by fellow Christians! James, the Lord’s brother, persecuted the Apostle Paul. John Calvin was responsible for burning Michael Servetus at the stake.

We cannot control the abusive words and actions of others, but we always have the power and responsibility to control our response. The virtues preceding this beatitude—humility, mourning, meekness, hunger, compassion, pure-heartedness, and peacemaking—equip us to respond as instructed. We also have Jesus’ repeated example recorded in the Gospels.

Matthew 5:44   Persecution often seems designed to push us away, but its true aim is the opposite. It is evil attacking us, tempting us to respond in kind. When someone reviles us, the bait is set to hook us into reviling back. This evil seeks to hurt us and provoke an evil response. If we take the bait, we suffer twice—once from the initial attack and again by responding with evil. Persecution itself does not separate us from God; it is our evil response that does. Therefore, we are instructed to overcome evil with good. Our persecutors should receive the blessings of our prayers, not reciprocal persecution. Romans 12:14 says, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”

To live this way takes great courage. The pain that persecution causes acts as a signal. To the deceived, it may be a signal to respond in some addictive, obsessive, or compulsive way. Some will get drunk when attacked. Some will start acting obsessively to fix themselves or someone else. Others will respond by acting aggressively with anger. For the clear minded, pain can be a signal to run to God for His help and comfort. For those who respond in a godly manner, persecution is something in which to rejoice because it draws them closer to God, and He has promised to reward them.

Prayer is a proper, godly response to persecution, and blessing the offender is another right response. Note I did not say this is the normal response, rather the right, godly reaction. Most prefer to curse their attacker; however, we are not to be like everyone else. We are like Jesus. We are DIFFERENT.

Psalm 31:11-20   David endured much persecution.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10   Paul also suffered much.

Persecution comes from outside us. Tribulation comes from within. Tribulation is mental pressure. This pressure may originate from without (circumstances or situations), but the emphasis is the pressure in the mind. The way to respond in a godly way to tribulation is to focus on the hope of the return of Jesus Christ and God’s coming Kingdom. Whatever we endure now is nothing to compare with the eternal blessings which are ours. When we do this, we can rejoice in tribulations also.

Romans 5:2-5; 8:17-18; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18  Our current affliction or tribulation is light compared to the eternal weight of glory.

1 Peter 2:19-23  The way Christ responded to his suffering on the cross serves as an example to follow. However, before his passion, he stood up to those who constantly persecuted him and did so without sinning.

Many times, Peter, Paul, and the other disciples escaped suffering and death. God does not want us to suffer. Whenever it is possible to avoid suffering without compromising our faith, we are encouraged to do so. If avoidance is not available, we can rejoice and be exceeding glad because we can draw closer to God, and He will reward us as we endure.

1 Peter 3:12-18  God knows when we are suffering and will help us. He looks for opportunities to help us.

1 Peter 4:12-16  Too often, Christians doubt God or themselves because they are suffering tribulation or persecution. This response is inappropriate and will cause separation from God. We should not think it strange or different that such trials come our way.

Romans 8:35-39