Blessed Through Persecution: Embracing Faith Amid Trials
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound and often challenging concept of persecution in the Christian life, focusing on Matthew 5:10, which states, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." This verse invites us to consider the upside-down nature of God's kingdom, where persecution is not a curse but a blessing. We delved into the reality of persecution faced by Christians worldwide, particularly in countries like Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Nigeria, where believers endure both "smash" and "squeeze" persecution. These terms describe the violent and subtle pressures Christians face, respectively.
We heard stories of incredible faith and sacrifice, such as the Vietnamese farmers who gave up their wages to build a church, and Asa, a secret Christian in Afghanistan, who faced death rather than renounce his faith. These narratives challenge us to reflect on our own discipleship and the role persecution plays in it. The reality is that while we may not face the same level of persecution in Australia, we are called to stand firm in our faith and support our global family who endure such trials.
The sermon also highlighted the work of Open Doors, an organization dedicated to supporting persecuted Christians worldwide. Through their efforts, we are reminded of the importance of standing in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Christ, offering both prayer and practical support.
As we approach Easter, let us remember the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who faced persecution and death for our sake. May we be inspired by the stories of those who suffer for their faith and be encouraged to live lives oriented toward the kingdom of God, even in the face of adversity.
Key Takeaways:
- The Upside-Down Kingdom: Jesus teaches that those who are persecuted for righteousness are blessed. This challenges our worldly understanding of blessing, urging us to align our desires with God's kingdom rather than the world's comforts. [01:00:44]
- Persecution as a Reality: The Bible assumes persecution as part of the Christian life. It is a test of faith and a declaration of God's truth, which often offends the world. Our response to persecution should be rooted in the righteousness of Christ. [01:03:43]
- Stories of Faith and Sacrifice: The narratives of persecuted Christians, like Asa and the Vietnamese farmers, remind us of the cost of discipleship. Their stories challenge us to consider what we are willing to sacrifice for our faith. [01:06:31]
- Supporting the Persecuted Church: Organizations like Open Doors play a crucial role in supporting persecuted Christians. Our involvement, whether through prayer or financial support, strengthens the global church and deepens our own discipleship. [01:15:27]
- Reorienting Our Lives: Persecution can deepen our discipleship and reorient our lives toward God's kingdom. It reminds us that our greatest treasure is the grace given through Jesus, and it calls us to be sensitive to the needs of the persecuted church. [01:19:28]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:01:30] - Introduction and Greetings
- [00:03:45] - The Beatitudes and Persecution
- [00:06:15] - The Role of Persecution in Discipleship
- [00:09:00] - Open Doors and Supporting the Persecuted
- [00:12:30] - Stories from the Field: Vietnam
- [00:18:00] - Understanding Smash and Squeeze Persecution
- [00:25:00] - The Reality of Persecution Worldwide
- [00:32:00] - The Story of Asa in Afghanistan
- [00:40:00] - The Upside-Down Kingdom of God
- [00:45:00] - Biblical Perspective on Persecution
- [00:50:00] - The Cost of Discipleship
- [00:55:00] - Supporting the Global Church
- [01:05:00] - Reorienting Our Lives to God's Kingdom
- [01:10:00] - Closing Thoughts and Call to Action
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 5:10: "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
- John 15:18-20: "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you."
- 1 Peter 4:12-14: "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."
Observation Questions:
1. What does Matthew 5:10 suggest about the nature of persecution and its place in the Christian life? How does this align with the concept of the "upside-down kingdom" mentioned in the sermon? [01:00:44]
2. How does the sermon describe the different types of persecution faced by Christians worldwide, particularly in countries like Vietnam and Afghanistan? [47:51]
3. What role does the organization Open Doors play in supporting persecuted Christians, according to the sermon? [01:15:27]
4. How did the story of Asa in Afghanistan illustrate the cost of discipleship and the reality of persecution? [01:06:31]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being "blessed" in the context of persecution challenge our typical understanding of blessing? [01:00:44]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that persecution can deepen one's discipleship and reorient life towards God's kingdom? [01:19:28]
3. How do the stories of faith and sacrifice shared in the sermon, such as those of the Vietnamese farmers and Asa, challenge our own understanding of what it means to follow Christ? [01:06:31]
4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between persecution and the righteousness of Christ? [01:03:43]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: What role does persecution play in your discipleship to Jesus? How might this change your perspective on your faith journey? [49:33]
2. How can you support persecuted Christians around the world, both through prayer and practical means, as suggested by the sermon? [01:15:27]
3. In what ways can you align your desires more closely with God's kingdom rather than the world's comforts, as discussed in the sermon? [01:00:44]
4. Consider the sacrifices made by Christians in countries like Vietnam and Afghanistan. What are you willing to sacrifice for your faith, and how can you prepare for potential challenges to your beliefs? [01:06:31]
5. How can the stories of persecuted Christians inspire you to live a life oriented toward the kingdom of God, even in the face of adversity? [01:19:28]
6. What specific actions can you take this week to stand in solidarity with the global church, particularly those facing persecution? [01:15:27]
7. How can you cultivate a mindset that views persecution as a potential blessing, as taught in Matthew 5:10, and what steps can you take to strengthen your faith in this area? [01:00:44]
Devotional
Day 1: The Paradox of Persecution
In the kingdom of God, persecution is seen as a blessing rather than a curse. This challenges our worldly understanding of what it means to be blessed. Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:10 invites believers to align their desires with the values of God's kingdom, which often stand in stark contrast to the comforts and values of the world. This upside-down kingdom perspective encourages Christians to find joy and purpose in suffering for righteousness' sake, knowing that their reward is the kingdom of heaven. [01:00:44]
Matthew 5:10-12 (ESV): "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 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."
Reflection: In what ways can you shift your perspective to see challenges in your life as opportunities to align more closely with God's kingdom values?
Day 2: Embracing Persecution as Part of Faith
Persecution is an expected part of the Christian journey, as the Bible assumes it will be a reality for those who follow Christ. It serves as both a test of faith and a declaration of God's truth, which can often offend the world. Christians are called to respond to persecution with a heart rooted in the righteousness of Christ, trusting that their faithfulness will bear witness to God's truth. This perspective encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, even when faced with opposition. [01:03:43]
2 Timothy 3:12-13 (ESV): "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived."
Reflection: How can you prepare your heart to respond with Christ-like righteousness when you face opposition or misunderstanding because of your faith?
Day 3: The Cost of Discipleship
The stories of persecuted Christians, such as Asa in Afghanistan and the Vietnamese farmers, highlight the profound cost of discipleship. These narratives challenge believers to consider what they are willing to sacrifice for their faith. The willingness to endure hardship and make sacrifices for the sake of Christ is a powerful testimony to the depth of one's commitment to following Jesus. These stories inspire believers to reflect on their own discipleship journey and the sacrifices they are called to make. [01:06:31]
Luke 14:27-28 (ESV): "Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?"
Reflection: What is one specific area in your life where you feel called to make a sacrifice for the sake of your faith? How can you take a step toward that sacrifice today?
Day 4: Supporting the Persecuted Church
Organizations like Open Doors play a crucial role in supporting persecuted Christians around the world. By standing in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Christ, we strengthen the global church and deepen our own discipleship. This support can take many forms, including prayer, financial contributions, and raising awareness about the plight of persecuted Christians. Engaging in these acts of support not only aids those in need but also enriches our own spiritual journey by connecting us to the broader body of Christ. [01:15:27]
Hebrews 13:3 (ESV): "Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body."
Reflection: How can you actively support the persecuted church this week, whether through prayer, financial support, or raising awareness in your community?
Day 5: Reorienting Our Lives Toward God's Kingdom
Persecution has the potential to deepen our discipleship and reorient our lives toward God's kingdom. It serves as a reminder that our greatest treasure is the grace given through Jesus, and it calls us to be sensitive to the needs of the persecuted church. By embracing this perspective, believers are encouraged to live lives that reflect the values of God's kingdom, even in the face of adversity. This reorientation challenges Christians to prioritize their relationship with God and the well-being of the global church above worldly concerns. [01:19:28]
Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to reorient your life toward God's kingdom and prioritize your relationship with Him above worldly concerns?
Quotes
It is an uncommon but important question for us as Christians in this country. Important because it really does draw us back to parts of the Bible that we may skim past when you open up your Bible and read it, and it also connects us to millions of brothers and sisters in the global body of Christ who are severely persecuted for their faith. [00:41:05] (26 seconds)
Now that I've been there and I've seen what I've seen, heard what I've heard, and I've come back, my honest confession to you all is that I'm honestly not sure. I'm truly not sure if I could do it. I'm really not sure. [00:44:38] (16 seconds)
In this environment, however, in this country, giving a day's wages meant that you and your family were not going to be able to eat that day. Their simple desire in this village was to have a place to worship. [00:45:19] (17 seconds)
Now it's a very romantic picture and we honestly thought that when we were there and we heard testimonies of the people who had done this and it very much reminded you of all the stories that you read about about church unity in the book of Acts. [00:46:21] (17 seconds)
Our World Watch List is an annual report that quantifies the top 50 countries in the world where it's hardest to be a Christian. And this report actually remains the best and most authoritative report of its kind and gives an accurate picture of the difficulties facing persecuted Christians worldwide. [00:48:10] (23 seconds)
The reality is that the degree of squeeze persecution can be so intense and all pervasive, it actually results in fewer measurable incidences of persecution. Because many Christians in reality have to hide their faith and acts of defiance are incredibly rare because it can get you killed. [00:53:32] (25 seconds)
As you go through scripture again and you read through your Bible, you start to realize just how much it assumes that persecution will be a part of the Christian life. Take, for example, passages like this in John 15, which says, if you belong to the world, it would love you as its own. [01:03:17] (19 seconds)
When we live our life in response to Jesus' ultimate righteousness and pursue righteousness in response to the grace we have been given, it does offend the world. It offends because we are declaring God's truth with our lives and showing Jesus to them. [01:09:17] (16 seconds)
And this gets us to our final point today, that persecution can indeed deepen our discipleship to Jesus and reorient us to God's kingdom instead of the world. In a country in Central Asia that I am not allowed to name because it would jeopardize our work there, a refugee family from Afghanistan has been living in various refugee camps after fleeing from the terrible situation in that country. [01:10:47] (30 seconds)
I share this with us because we are unlikely to ever experience persecution anywhere near that extreme. And it is painful to see all that the family has lost because of their faith. Make no mistake, this happened because they were Christians. Yet, I hope it both confronts and strengthens us in our discipleship. [01:13:42] (27 seconds)
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