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MATTHEW 5: 10-12

"BLESSED ARE THE PERSECUTED 
FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS SAKE"

Intro: Jesus a very up-front person.

I. WHAT DOES HE MEAN."
        A. Not blessed are ye when persecuted for being stupid.
                1. Christians can do stupid things. (1 Peter 4: 14-16.
                        a. Current doctrine concerning healing.
                                1. Obnoxious.
                                2. Fanatical.
        B. Being like the Lord.
                1. "All they that live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." 
                   (Il Tim. 3:2)
                2. Jesus suffered.

II. FROM WHOM WILL THE PERSECUTION COME?
        A. From the world.
                1. "In this world ye shall have tribulation."
        B. From religious circles.

Ill. WHY ARE RIGHTEOUS PERSECUTED?
        A. God or noble are hailed.
        B. We all can identify, "I could have done that."
        C. The righteous person is a threat or challenge.
                1. Point out necessity of new birth.

IV. CHRISTIAN LIKE NON-CHRlSTlAN.
        A. Life dominated by Christ, "for my sake."
        B. Thoughts dominated by future.

V. HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO TAKE PERSECUTION.

(Neg. A. Not retaliate.
        B. Not to hold resentment.
        C. Not to be depressed.
(Pos. D. Rejoice, you are in good company - Jesus, prophets, apostles, Alexander to Great to
soldier)
                1. Not in persecution.
                2. In great reward.
        E. Christian must always remember.
                1. Who l am.
                2. Where l am going.
                3. What awaits me when I get there.