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MATTHEW 5:11,12

"REJOICING IN TRIBULATION"

Amplification of vs. 10.

I. THE PICTURE OF THE CHRISTIAN IN BEATITUDES.
        A. Unlike everybody who is not a Christian.
                1. The non-Christian proves this by persecuting.
                2. We have a different nature.
        B. Christian's life controlled and dominated by Christ.
                1. His concern is to do everything "for Christ sake."
                2. No blessing in persecution which comes for our sake.
                3. "Ye are not your own."
        C. Life controlled by thoughts of heaven and kingdom.
                1. "Rejoice and be exceeding glad for great." 
                2. Heb. 11 - What was their secret?
                        a. "They looked for a city - strangers."
                        b. Moses - "Respect unto the recompense of reward."
                3. Non-Christian does everything not to think.
                        a. Subject of death taboo.

II. HOW CHRISTIAN FACES PERSECUTION.
        A. Must not retaliate.
        B. Must not feel resentment.
                a. Not to live in state of repression.
        C. Must never be depressed by persecution.
                a. "Rejoice and be exceeding glad."
                b. Fallacy of making oneself a Christian.

III. HOW IS IT POSSIBLE TO FACE PERSECUTION LIKE THIS?
        A. Never rejoice in persecution for its own sake.
                1. Deep sense of sorrow.
        B. Persecution is a sign you are Christian.
                1. You are in good company "For so persecuted..."
                2. You are identified with Christ.
        C. Persecution is a proof of where you are going. "For great is your reward in
           heaven."
                1. Consider the end - the final destiny. My outlook on everything that
                   happens to me is governed by three things. Who I am; Where I am going; and
                   What awaits me there.
                        "For we look not on things which are seen."
        D. Is this idea of reward right for Christian?
                1. Shouldn't think of heaven or hell...
                        unscriptural.
                        a. Rejoice and be exceeding.
                        b. Christ "Who for the joy that was set."
                        c. Paul  "I have fought a good fight -they that run in a race run all."
        E. The Christian is always looking ahead to the end.
                1. "Set your affections on things above."
                        a. Does this not condemn us?
                        b. Does this not make foolish the way we look at this world so much?
                2. How often do you think of heaven and rejoice in it?
                        a. "For to me to live is Christ and to die ..."
                                To be with Christ which is far better.