April 27, 2008 • Pastor
Randy Smith
In New York City, there are eight million cats and eleven million dogs. New York City is basically just concrete and steel, so when you have a pet in New York City and it dies, you can't just go out in the backyard and bury it. The city authorities decided that for $50 they would dispose of your deceased pet for you.
One lady was enterprising. She thought, I can render a service to people in the city and save them money. She placed an ad in the newspaper that said, “When your pet dies, I will come and take care of the carcass for you for $25.” This lady would go to the local Salvation Army and buy an old suitcase for two dollars. Then when someone would call about his or her pet, she would go to the home and put the deceased pet in the suitcase.
She would then take a ride on the subway. She would set the suitcase down, and she would act like she wasn’t watching. A thief would come by and steal her suitcase. She’d look up and say, “Wait. Stop. Thief” (Scott Wenig, Preaching Today, #182).
The robber who thought he got away with something was in for quite a surprise when he got home!
When I read this story I couldn’t help but think of all the people in the world chasing pleasure, but walking away deceived and disappointed. When it is all said and done, the visual promises of joy and satisfaction and fulfillment turn out to be a smelly, maggot-ridden animal carcass. Like the crooks in our story–from thievery to misery. What a great example of how sin only breeds greater disillusionment and how worldly pursuits only breed emptiness.
This is not the way God intends things to be. He created us. He knows what is best for us. He has written down instructions for life and handed them to us in the Bible. Unfortunately, most to their own demise, deem themselves wiser and choose to reject God’s counsel.
This morning we will conclude our four-part study of the Beatitudes. The Beatitudes are a description of those who have fully submitted themselves to God. When the Holy Spirit indwells an individual, these character traits will begin to show themselves and increase over time as one walks with the Savior. As Jesus said, “The tree is known by its fruit” (Mt. 12:33). The Beatitudes are the fruit that identify a true believer.
Before we study the final Beatitude this morning, permit me to make some comments by way of review:
First of all, all of these character qualities were embodied by Jesus Christ. For example, He was poor in spirit, always trusting the Father. He mourned (not for His own sins because He didn’t have any, but) over the sins of others. He demonstrated meekness in refusing to retaliate or utter threats or enter needless quarrels. He consistently hungered and thirsted for righteousness. His pure heart was purposefully set on knowing and doing the Father’s will. And He atoned for our sins, demonstrating Himself to be the consummate peacemaker. Simply put, these Beatitudes are a call to be like our example and the perfect citizen of heaven, Jesus Christ.
Second, these Beatitudes all form a unit. We may differ from each other to the extent that we manifest these traits based on our spiritual maturity, but all Christians will exhibit all of these qualities. The Beatitudes are not a smorgasbord to pick and choose. They are a composite description of a true believer. Like pulling a few attributes off the character of God, we cannot separate any of these traits from the Christian.
Third, the Beatitudes build upon one another. If we understand our spiritual poverty before God, we will be poor in spirit. And if we are poor in spirit, we will grieve over our sins. And if we grieve over our own sinfulness, we will be gentle with other sinners. Once we begin to put off our sin, we will hunger and thirst to be more righteous. This will produce an attitude that is merciful and a heart that is pure. Then having this right understanding of our spiritual weaknesses and having feasted upon the banquet of free grace offered in Christ, we will be peacemakers, seeking to win others to God so they too can be reconciled with their Creator. And lastly if we do all these things, the final Beatitude, the world will take notice and … persecute us!
Now at first, you would assume just the opposite. A gentle and merciful person, a peacemaker–this is exactly what the world needs! These people should be appreciated and applauded. But here we see just the opposite. And upon further reflection, based upon Scripture and personal experience, we are confirmed this is the case.
Christians manifesting a Beatitude Attitude bring conviction to a lost world in love with their sin. A world that prefers the darkness will do everything it can to douse even the smallest rays of spiritual light. In their mind only two options exist. They can repent and submit to God by endorsing our actions with a changed lifestyle, or they can continue in their rebellion and do everything in their might to silence the messenger.
I like the way Sinclair Ferguson put it: “Christians are persecuted for the sake of righteousness because of their loyalty to Christ. Real loyalty to Him creates friction in the hearts of those who pay Him only lip service. Loyalty arouses their consciences, and leaves them with only two alternatives: follow Christ, or silence Him. Often their only way of silencing Christ is by silencing His servants. Persecution, in subtle or less subtle forms, is the result (The Sermon on the Mount, p. 41).
As we have lived the Christian life, we know this is true. I have listened to your stories. And we need to look no further than to Jesus Christ who lived the Beatitude Attitude better than anybody else. The overwhelming majority of the world hated Him (Jn. 15:25) and within a few years murdered a completely innocent man (Mt. 27:4, 24; Lk. 23:47; Heb. 7:26. If we are to act like Jesus Christ, what makes us think we will be treated any differently?
In speaking to the Father, Jesus said, “I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world…They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (Jn. 17:14, 16). In speaking to the disciples, Jesus said, “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you” (Jn. 15:18-19).
The prior Beatitude calls the peacemakers the “sons of God.” If our words and actions seek to imitate and glorify and image forth God, we will be persecuted just like the Son of God, Jesus Christ Himself.
So before we dive into these specific verses, I wish to put all my cards on the table. What I want for you to see is that those who manifest a Beatitude Attitude will be persecuted. Paul put it this way in his epistle: “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim. 3:12). As we expect the other traits in the Beatitudes to describe a true believer, persecution is no different. Persecution is the normal mark of genuine Christianity.
So if we are acting as God would expect, we should expect persecution from the world to be the result. Persecution is a token of Christian authenticity. It is the absence of persecution that should cause us alarm.
As Peter in his epistle said, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you … as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.”
This Beatitude will also conclude with similar words of blessing as well.
Well, with about half of my time is nearly gone, let’s begin our study of the text. This morning I’d like to answer three questions (all are contained in the sermon outline found in your bulletin).
1. WHAT KIND OF PERSECUTION?
Question number one: What kind of persecution are we talking about?
In verse 10 it is very clear that we are referring to persecution that results from “righteousness.” The text says, “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness.” We already learned in verse 6 that we are the ones who “hunger and thirst for righteousness.” So in this case, Jesus is specifically speaking to those who live righteous lives and are persecuted by the unrighteous world because of it.
In verse 11, using different words, Jesus says the same thing. “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.”
Therefore we are not talking about being picked last in gym class because you are the worst basketball player in the world, or being ostracized by the neighborhood social club because your house is the smallest on the block. We are not even talking about the persecution I received, primarily from my wife, when I ripped a large hole just below the back pocket trying to move some furniture at our small group this week!
Furthermore, we are not talking about ill-treatment from others because of some character deficit in your life such as being lazy, obnoxious, inconsiderate, contentious or judgmental. I know it is a cruel and unfair world, but many receive flack simply because they are (here’s a deep theological word for you): “jerks.” Additionally, we are definitely not talking about those who are excluded, fined or imprisoned for flat-out sinful behavior.
Peter helps us again in his epistle: “Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name… Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right” (1 Pet. 4:15-16, 19).
Here are some examples of righteous actions that often bring about the world’s persecution: Not participating in dirty jokes or gossip or deceit. Faithfully sharing the gospel which includes words that Jesus used like “sin” and “hell” and “repentance.” Proclaiming to a pluralistic world that Jesus is “the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Him” (Jn. 14:6). Expressing to unsaved family members unsaved friends and sports coaches that church attendance is a priority, especially on the Lord’s Day. Putting forth an honest hard day’s work with integrity before co-workers who wish to live to the contrary. Refusing to cheat and swear and parent-bash and take drugs with others kids from the school. Faithfully proclaiming what are often deemed “controversial doctrines” in an effort to teach from the pulpit the whole counsel of God. Declining to stay quiet at work when God’s name is spoken in a vain or derogatory manner.
As a Christian, this is the lifestyle expected from God. And when we live in this righteous manner, we should expect persecution from the world. This is what this final Beatitude is teaching.
Possibly there are some here today that have bought into such a worldly and false gospel that they this teaching is crazy. But as for me, I will trust in the words of Jesus Christ found in Scripture! The approval of sinful man means nothing. That is why Jesus said, “Woe to you when all men speak well of you” (Lk. 6:26). But trusting Jesus and seeking to live for His approval is the mark of every true follower of God.
Lest you think your life is an exception, consider all of our biblical heroes: “Cain slew Abel. Why? Because his own works were evil and his brother’s righteousness (1 Jn. 3:12). Joseph was persecuted by his brothers and cast into prison for righteousness’ sake. Moses was reviled again and again (Ex. 5:11; 14:11; 16:2; 17:2; etc.). Samuel was rejected (1 Sam. 8:5). Elijah was despised (1 Kings 18:17) and persecuted (1 Kings 19:2). Micaiah was hated (2 Chron. 18:17). Nehemiah was oppressed and defamed (Neh. 4). Stephen was stoned (Ac. 7:59). Peter and John were cast into prison (Ac. 5:18). James was beheaded (Ac. 12:2). The entire course of Paul was one long series of bitter and relentless persecutions. And The Saviour Himself, the faithful witness of God, was put to death by the people to whom He ministered” (A.W. Pink, The Beatitudes and the Lord’s Prayer, Mt. 5:3-11–some alterations made).
I am making the same point as Jesus did in verses 12 when He said, “In the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
It is belonging to a noble succession. So after further consideration, we are only an exception if we are not being persecuted.
According to J.C. Ryle, “Let us learn how unhappily different is the teaching of Christ from the practice of many professing Christians. Where shall we find men and women among those who go to churches and chapels, who are striving to live up to the pattern we have read of today? Alas! there is much reason to fear, that many baptized people are utterly ignorant of what the New Testament contains” (Sermon, Beatitudes
Listen to George MacLeod: “The greatest criticism of the Church today is that no one wants to persecute it: because there is nothing very much to persecute it about” (Leadership, vol. 2, no. 4).
Do you agree with that? Do you agree with Philippians 1:29 which says, “For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” When did it last cost you to be a Christian? For what righteous acts have resulted in the world’s persecution? Based on this teaching, can you truly call yourself a child of God? Not that we are to seek it out, but persecution will come to all who desire to be loyal to Jesus Christ.
2. WHAT FORMS OF PERSECUTION?
So persecution will come to those, verse 10, “for the sake of righteousness” and, verse 11, “because of (our affiliation to Jesus Christ).” But now as we move to the second point, what forms does this persecution take?
My reason for including this point is two-fold: One, I want all of us to be ready and not caught off guard when persecution arises. Christians will spiritually fall like a house of cards at the first whiff of opposition if they are unprepared. Second, Jesus included some forms of persecution right here in our text. Verse 11, “Blessed are you when people insult you (revile through verbal abuse) and persecute you (pursue you with an intention to harass or trouble), and falsely say all kinds of evil against you (defamation of your character) because of Me.”
So we have identified some righteous actions that could result in persecution. Now let’s identify the specific forms persecution often takes.
In a recent article on the suffering church, FaithWorks listed the degrees of persecution one could face for practice of religious faith: Disapproval, ridicule, pressure to conform, loss of educational opportunities, economic sanctions, shunning, alienation from community, loss of employment, loss of property, physical abuse, mob violence, harassment by officials, kidnapping, forced labor, imprisonment, physical torture, murder or execution (Andrew Black and Craig Bird, The Risk of Faith, July/August 1999, p. 17-20).
The apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians matches this list citing experiences he became acquainted with in his own life: “Are they servants of Christ?–I speak as if insane–I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches” (2 Cor. 11:23-28).
And lest we think Paul was a masochist, the only reason he mentioned these items was to win the love from a church in Corinth that rejected him to follow false teachers. His point was the same as Christ’s: Suffering proves our undivided love and loyalty for the Savior and His people.
I received the following e-mail from Voice of the Martyrs this week:
Every night on the news we hear updates of violence in Iraq. The war continues and commentators debate whether American soldiers should be there or not. What we do not hear about is the plight of Christian nationals in Iraq. For them a spiritual war wages.
When “Muhammad” first converted to Christianity from Islam, he kept his new faith a secret. In fact, the first person he told outside of his wife and son was a Christian named “Joseph.” He knew the risks of sharing his faith with others in his homeland of Iraq but felt led to do so anyway. So he witnessed to his extended family. Following radical teachings of Islam, family members killed Muhammad.
Muhammad’s widow sent Muhammad’s friend “Joseph” an e-mail after the martyrdom of her husband. She wrote:
I have bad news. Muhammad is dead. Our family killed him for sharing his new faith in Jesus Christ. I miss him dearly. Muhammad left me two important things: my son and our Bible. I'll never forget why he died. He died for Jesus. I believe Jesus will help me. Tell the people [other Christians] to pray for me.
If you think you have it rough being a Christian in America, consider our brothers and sisters in Christ overseas that are being raped and tortured and murdered for their faith on a daily basis. It has been estimated that more Christians have been martyred in the past one-hundred years than in the first nineteen-hundred years of church history put together. This is why we as a church have supported the global work of Voice of the Martyrs<.
3. WHAT IS THE RESULT FROM BEING PERSECUTED?
So now that we understand that persecution in various forms will come to the Christian, the final question we need to answer as we move to the third point is: What is the result for being persecuted?
Here is where the message gets encouraging. As Christians we never suffer in vain. Our persecution according to the Scripture is to be viewed as a blessing! The three-fold repeated emphasis is unavoidable in our text. Verse 10, “Blessed are those who have been persecuted.” Verse 11 (Jesus now moves to the second person) “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you.” Verse 12, “Rejoice and be glad.”
This means when we are persecuted we do not, as John Stott said, “Retaliate like an unbeliever, nor sulk like a child, nor lick our wounds in self-pity like a dog, nor just grin a bear it like a Stoic, (nor) pretend we enjoy it like a masochist” (The Message of the Sermon on the Mount, p. 52). We should rejoice as a Christian should and literally, according to verse 12, “leap for joy!”
Why?
One, because God told us and we can trust Him at His word even when we must walk by faith and not by sight.
Two, because those who receive persecution and respond this way are identified as citizens in God’s kingdom. Verse 10, “for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (note the parallel to verse 3–an inclusion–six promises sandwiched in-between two promises). Acts 14:22, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (cf. Heb. 10:34). Persecution for righteousness shows whose side we are on.
Three, suffering for Jesus is an unspeakable privilege of having fellowship with the One who suffered so much for us. Philippians 3:10, “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death” (cf. Ac. 5:40-41; 16:25; Heb. 11:24-25). (Read Foxes Book of Martyrs if you want more insight on this subject).
Four, persecution strengthens believers. Throughout history the church is always the strongest when it undergoes persecution. God knows that persecution moves us to leave our comfort zones, be able to better defend our faith, have greater missionary zeal, be more dedicated to personal and group prayer and count the cost with greater intensity.
A quick example from a story I read this week: Attempts were made in the nineteenth century to ship fresh North Atlantic cod from Boston to San Francisco. At that time the only way to ship the fish to the West Coast was to sail around the South American continent–a trip that took months. As you can imagine, the first attempts to dress the cod in Boston and pack them in ice failed miserably. By the time they reached California, the fish weren't exactly fit for consumption. Next, the cod were placed in holding tanks full of water, shipped to California alive, and dressed there. The results were less than satisfactory. The fish didn't get much exercise during the trip, and as a result they were pasty and relatively tasteless. Finally, someone hit upon an interesting idea. “Why don't we put some catfish in with the cod?” Why? Because catfish are cods' natural enemy. Sure enough, when a few catfish were placed in those tanks with them, the cod were always alert and swimming around. This time, when the fish reached San Francisco, they were in perfect shape (Bill Myers and David Wimbish, The Dark Side of the Supernatural).
A little persecution keeps the church strong. I personally believe this is why the church is so lazy in America.
Five, persecution results in reward in heaven. To those persecuted, Jesus promised in verse 12, “For your reward in heaven is great.” Paul said it this way in Romans 8:17: “And if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.” Only God can take our reproach and dishonor and turn it into praise and glory.
I would never say that a sermon on persecution is a pleasant topic. Persecution in any form is painful. And it might not help to hear that all true Christians are not only meek and merciful and peacemakers, but they are also persecuted.
But this is the way God designed it for His glory and our greatest good. And we must trust Him that if we are persecuted we are really blessed! So when the persecution does come, do we heed the words of Christ and respond with a spirit of joy?
I will leave you with the example of the apostles, Peter and John: “After calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them. So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name” (Ac. 5:40-41).