Blessed Are The Persecuted

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
— Matthew 5:10

“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…”
— 2 Timothy 3:12

“For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
— 2 Corinthians 12:10

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake.”
— Matthew 24:9

Often, Christians are persecuted not for their Christianity, but for their lack of it.

To be righteous is to be like Christ.

Reasons We Face Persecution

1. Persecution matures us.

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
— James 1:2–4

2. Persecution is an opportunity to be a witness.

3. Persecution shapes us to be like Christ.

“For to this you have been called because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.”
— 1 Peter 2:21–23

“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.”
— Isaiah 53:7

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”
— 1 Peter 2:24-25

4. Persecution reaps heavenly reward.

Primary Motivations

A deeper love for God.
A heavenly reward.

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
— Matthew 5:11–12

“Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.”
— Luke 6:22–23

“When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.”
— Psalm 94:19

“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…”
— 2 Timothy 3:12