Here indeed is a paradox. How can anyone be perfectly satisfied, completely happy that they are being persecuted, reviled and spoken against falsely? But Jesus tells his disciples to “Rejoice and be exceeding glad”. How can this be?

First notice that this Beatitude is directed in a two-fold manner TO:

(1) THEY who are persecuted for Righteousness Sake – see verse 10

(2) YE, the Apostles or the Ministry – see verse 11. Their persecution is compared to the persecution of the Old Testament Prophets

Next notice that the Blessedness is not for suffering for “any cause” - BUT for suffering for Righteousness Sake – as Jesus says “My Sake”.

I. What does it mean to Suffer Persecution AS a CHRISTIAN?

A. The name “Christian” is synonymous with Disciple - see Acts 11:26

B. A Disciple is a learner and follower of Christ - one who is Disciplined.

1. The name Christian means to be Christ-Like

C. Every child of God is not a Christian by virtue of being born of God.

1. The Corinthians were “sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints”

2. But they were CARNAL – not Christian in their conduct. Paul said to them,

“For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?”

3. Suffering for Carnality is not suffering for “righteousness sake”.

D. A “Christian” is not to suffer as an “evil doer” - see I Peter 4:12-16

1. Christians can expect Trials and Afflictions in this life – see Psalms 34:19, II Tim 1:8, I Peter 5:9, John 15:18.

II. For 2000 years their has been Heathen and Religious Persecution

A. Jesus warned his Disciples of it - see John 10:31, 33 and 15:16-21

B. Scripture Serves as our Primary History Book

1. John the Baptist Beheaded - see Mark 6:17-24

2. Apostles put in Prison – see Acts 5:17, 16:19-24

3. Stephen Stoned to death – see Acts 7:54-60

4. James was killed at Easter time – see Acts 12:1-3

6. Paul persecuted the Church, both Men and Women – see Acts 8:3

7. Paul himself suffered – see Acts 9:1, 9:15-16 - see II Cor. 11:24-25

C. Foxes Book of Martyrs Records Persecutions Under the

Roman Empire, the Roman Church and the Church of England, etc.

D. History Reveals ONLY the True Church never Persecuted anyone.

III. Persecution (Suffering) Comes in Various Forms

A. Blessed to live in a Land “Free” from Physical Persecutions

B. Today – Persecution by Hatred and by Words - see Text verse 11

1. Some of the Most Vile Persecution is Mental and Emotional

IV. ALL of God’s Elect Suffered IN Christ and May Suffer IN Time

see Gal. 1:20, II Tim 3:12, Rom 6:1-12, 8:14-17

A. God’s Spirit is given to Prove our Relationship as Children

1. IF Children then Heirs of God and Joint Heirs With Christ

B. If So Be we suffer with Him = Greek > epier < = Seeing that,

1. IF can not be a Qualifying Requirement for Glorification

2. The Suffering of Christ was for OUR Penalty of Sin

C. NOT ALL of God’s Children Suffer in Time as Christians

1. Discipleship is a Prerequisite to Suffering - see Luke 14:27, 33

2. IF Not a Disciple – One should not be called “Christian”

3. IF One is “Christian” he must be Living Godly, and Paul said,

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution”

V. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. What is the “Kingdom of Heaven” in time?

A. The kingdom of heaven is the same as kingdom of God – see Matt 19:23-24

B. The kingdom of God is WITHIN you. – see Luke 17:21 “Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.”

C. “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Romans 14:17).

1. This is why one can rejoice when Persecuted for Righteousness Sake.

2. Great is your reward in heaven.