Series: Sermon on the Mount

Service: Sun AM Worship

Type: Sermon

Speaker: Bill Sanchez

Blessed are the Persecuted

Date & Time:

2025-07-27 Sunday AM Sermon

Instructor:

Bill Sanchez

Duration:

approximately 36 minutes

Topics Covered:

• The Beatitude "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake" from Matthew 5
• Understanding suffering and persecution for Christ
• Reasons why Christians suffer persecution
• Distinguishing suffering for God from suffering due to personal faults or consequences
• The blessedness and happiness found in suffering for Christ
• Examples of biblical figures who suffered for God
• The impact of persecution on Christian witness and life

Key Points or Explanations:

• Persecution for righteousness is a form of blessedness and leads to the kingdom of heaven.
• Not all suffering is from God; some is due to personal sin or consequences.
• Christians suffer because their values oppose worldly values, leading to slander, ostracism, and insults.
• Jesus' suffering is the model and source of meaning for Christian suffering.
• Suffering for Christ demonstrates loyalty and aligns believers with Jesus and the prophets.
• Persecution is often social rejection, insults, and false accusations rather than physical torture in many contexts.
• Christians should not fear persecution but see it as a testimony to their faith and love for others.
• The reward for enduring persecution is great in heaven.
• Persecution can be a means to bring life and salvation to others by showing the value of souls over comfort.

Important Definitions/Concepts:

• Persecution: suffering or mistreatment because of one's faith and righteousness.
• Blessedness: a state of spiritual happiness and favor from God, even in suffering.
• Kingdom of Heaven: the spiritual realm where God reigns, promised as a reward to the persecuted.
• Sanctifying Christ: setting Jesus apart as Lord in one's life, leading to persecution.
• Suffering for righteousness: enduring hardship because of living according to God's standards.

Instructor’s Answers/Clarifications:

• Clarified that suffering for wrongdoing is not persecution for God.
• Explained that persecution includes social rejection, insults, and false accusations.
• Emphasized that Christians should not be surprised by persecution.
• Encouraged embracing suffering as a way to show loyalty to Christ and to impact others positively.