Blessed Persecution

The Sermon on the Mount would certainly be one of the most familiar teachings of Jesus. It is often referred to in various literary writings and political speeches, and those who embrace religions other than Christianity frequently quote it. I would even assume that that when an unbeliever decides to read his Bible, he probably turns to Matthew's Gospel, and before too long he is reading the Sermon on the Mount. The Sermon on the Mount opens with the “beatitudes” which give the key to understanding the sermon. In previous sessions we introduced the Sermon, and opened the first four beatitudes regarding the poor in spirit, those who mourn, those who are meek, and those who hunger for righteousness. These beatitudes are foundational to understanding the remaining beatitudes as well as the Sermon on the Mount. The first four beatitudes focus on God. With the fifth, sixth and seventh beatitude, our attention shifts from God alone to include our own circumstances and others around us.
Tonight we examine the eighth beatitude: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.” We shall examine the many unpleasant vicissitudes of life that are not such “persecution for righteousness' sake,” and seek to understand what the price for faithful righteousness is in this fallen world.
A course notebook for this series is available at a nominal charge, on request.