Sermon Notes:
Blessed Are Those Who Are Persecuted for Righteousness’ Sake

Text: Matthew 5:10

1. Introduction

  • Persecution is not a possibility but a certainty for Christians who live righteously for Christ.
  • Jesus says in Matthew 5:10

    “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

  • The world’s opposition to righteousness stems from its inherent rejection of the light. Living for Christ exposes darkness, which invites persecution.

2. The Nature of Persecution

  • Persecution doesn’t have to be extreme to be meaningful. It can happen in day-to-day situations like social settings, family, or workplaces where standing for Christ draws opposition.
  • However you don’t have to be a Christian to be prosecuted, you are presucuted for doing what is right.
  • John 3:19-20 speaks to this:

    “And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.”

Illustration: Minor but Meaningful Persecution

  • At a work party, choosing not to drink alcohol as a Christian may make others feel judged, even though you’re just living according to your values. this can lead to minor persecution.
  • Standing for righteousness—whether against corruption, advocating for justice, or maintaining sexual purity—often leads to subtle persecution.

Persecution Within the Church

  • Persecution can come from outside the church, but it can also come from within. When a believer stands firmly for biblical principles, even other Christians may oppose them.

Example:

  • A progressive Christian woman who wore a head covering during prayer faced judgment from her church community for following her convictions, highlighting that persecution can come from fellow believers.

Persecution for religious beliefs:

  • Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector in World War II, refused to carry a weapon due to his biblical beliefs. He was ridiculed, abused, etc but remained steadfast. He ended up saving 75 lives as a medic in one battle alone. He ended up receiving the 2 bronze stars and Medal of Honor. His story shows that standing for righteousness may invite persecution, but doing what is right in the eyes of God is more important.

3. The Price of Doing the Right Thing

  • Maintaining ethical standards in business, resisting consumerism, or defending the sanctity of life can lead to resistance and persecution.

Illustration:

  • Isabel Spruce, a woman in the UK, was arrested for silently praying outside an abortion clinic. Her case was later overturned, and she was compensated for wrongful arrest, but the world initially punished her for silent prayer.

A Biblical Example of Persecution

  • Joseph in the Old Testament experienced persecution for his integrity. When Potiphar’s wife attempted to seduce him, Joseph fled, maintaining his righteousness. Genesis 39:12 says:

    “She caught him by his garment, saying, ‘Lie with me.’ But he left his garment in her hand and fled and got out of the house.”

  • As a result, Joseph was falsely accused and imprisoned. However, God did not abandon him. Genesis 39:21 reminds us:

    “But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.”

  • Persecution doesn’t mean that God has forgotten us. It can be part of His plan to work through us.

4. The Reward of Persecution

  • Jesus promises an eternal reward for those who are persecuted for righteousness. In Romans 8:18, Paul says:

    “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

  • The Kingdom of Heaven is the great reward for standing firm in righteousness. Jesus calls us to keep our eyes on this eternal promise, which far outweighs any suffering we experience on earth.

7. Application: Standing Firm in Faith

  • In Matthew 13:44, Jesus describes the Kingdom of Heaven like a hidden treasure:

    “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”

  • The Kingdom of Heaven is so valuable that it’s worth sacrificing everything for. We must be willing to give up worldly comforts and face persecution to gain this eternal reward.

8. Conclusion

  • Persecution is inevitable for those who choose to stand for righteousness, but Jesus assures us in Matthew 5:10:

    “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

  • Let us keep our eyes on the eternal reward. The sufferings of this world are small compared to the richness of being in God’s presence both now and in eternity.