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Monday, November 30, 2015

Blessed Are Those Who Are Persecuted for Righteousness' Sake (Matt. 5:10-12)

Outline: Matthew 5:10-12
  1. What is the meaning of persecution?
  2. What is the cause of persecution?
  3. What is the proper response to persecution?
  4. Application
Summary: Persecution is last on the list of Beatitudes not because it is least important but because it is the culmination of Christian character.  When Christian's embody the Beatitudes, they become more like Christ and Christ-like character makes one a prime candidate for persecution.  The more we become like Jesus in our character, the more we get treated like Jesus by those around us.  How then should one respond when persecution does come?  Jesus' answer is jarring: "Rejoice and be glad!" Joy is the proper response to persecution.

Discussion Questions:
  • In what sense is this beatitude the culmination of the all the previous beatitudes?
  • What is the meaning of persecution? What examples come to mind?
  • What is the cause of persecution? 
  • What is the proper response to persecution? What reasons does Jesus give for such a response?
  • Why is one blessed for being persecuted?
  • When discipling someone, what would be important to teach them about persecution?
Application Questions:
  • Reflect: What is the most severe persecution you've experienced?
  • On a scale of 1-10 (one being no persecution, 10 being extreme persecution), what level of persecution are you currently experiencing? 
  • READ 2 Tim. 3:12.  By implication, what might the absence of persecution in your life say about your character?
  • How should we process our character failures in light of the gospel?  How does the gospel motivate us to live more fully for Christ?
Prayer Points:
  • Confess to God any deficiencies in your character and any avoidance of persecution.
  • Praise Jesus for His perfect character and His willingness to die for imperfect people like us
  • Ask God to help you grow in the character qualities commended in the Beatitudes. 
  • Ask God for boldness and strength to not avoid persecution and to live more fully for Christ.
  • Ask God to help you respond with joy to the persecution in your life.