Embracing Persecution: The Path to Spiritual Growth

 

Summary

In our gathering today, we explored the profound teachings of Matthew 5:10-12, focusing on the theme of persecution and the blessings and rewards that accompany it. We began by acknowledging the unique privilege of serving a congregation that deeply values the Word of God, a rarity in a world increasingly seeking comfort over truth. This evening, we delved into the reality of persecution as a normative Christian experience, as Jesus himself foretold. Persecution manifests in two forms: the persecution of the hand, which involves physical suffering, and the persecution of the tongue, which includes verbal ridicule and mockery. Both forms serve a sanctifying purpose, purifying and strengthening the church.

We reflected on the testimonies of historical figures like Samuel Rutherford and John Bunyan, who found profound spiritual growth and closeness to Christ in their times of suffering. Bunyan, in particular, offered wisdom on discerning when to stand firm and when to seek an easier path, emphasizing that such decisions should be guided by one's present strength and the weight of arguments upon the heart.

We also considered the concept of heavenly rewards, as Jesus taught that our actions here have eternal significance. The idea that there are degrees of reward in heaven, as articulated by Jonathan Edwards, challenges us to live lives of costly obedience, even in the absence of persecution. We are called to be thankful for our freedoms, remember those who are persecuted, ensure our righteousness is visible, persevere in difficulties, and stretch ourselves in costly obedience.

In a culture that often equates ease with blessing, we are reminded that true spiritual growth often comes through enduring hardship. We are encouraged to use our freedoms to live sacrificially for Christ, choosing to lay down our lives in service to Him, just as He laid down His life for us. Let us be a church that embraces the challenge of living for Christ, using our blessings to advance His gospel with fervor and dedication.

Key Takeaways:

1. Persecution as a Normative Experience: Persecution is a common experience for Christians, as Jesus warned. It can take the form of physical suffering or verbal ridicule, both of which serve to purify and strengthen the church. This sanctifying process raises the spiritual temperature of the church, reminding us that comfort can make us soft, while trouble makes us strong. [03:34]

2. Heavenly Rewards and Earthly Actions: Our actions on earth have eternal significance, as Jesus taught that there are degrees of reward in heaven. This challenges us to live lives of costly obedience, even in the absence of persecution, by laying up treasures in heaven rather than seeking comfort here on earth. [12:01]

3. Wisdom in Facing Persecution: John Bunyan's insights remind us that there is biblical warrant for both standing firm and seeking an easier path in times of persecution. The decision should be guided by one's present strength and the weight of arguments upon the heart, emphasizing Christian liberty and personal discernment. [36:48]

4. Living a Costly Life in Freedom: Even in the absence of persecution, we can choose to live a costly life for Christ by using our freedoms to serve Him sacrificially. This involves stretching ourselves in costly obedience, just as Jesus chose to lay down His life for us. [42:11]

5. The Call to Authentic Christian Living: We are challenged to let our light shine before others, ensuring that our righteousness is visible. Avoiding trouble by hiding our faith comes at the cost of influence and authenticity. We must persevere in the face of difficulty, choosing to live an authentic Christian life before an unbelieving world. [24:37]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:14] - Introduction and Gratitude
- [00:32] - The Centrality of God's Word
- [01:05] - A Congregation's Hunger for Scripture
- [02:03] - Turning to Matthew 5:10-12
- [02:55] - The Pattern of Persecution
- [03:34] - Forms of Persecution
- [04:37] - Sanctifying Work of Persecution
- [05:10] - Blessing and Reward in Suffering
- [06:01] - Testimonies of Faith in Suffering
- [07:16] - Bunyan's Insights on Persecution
- [09:12] - Degrees of Reward in Heaven
- [12:01] - Laying Up Treasures in Heaven
- [17:31] - What to Do When Not Persecuted
- [24:37] - Letting Your Light Shine
- [36:48] - Wisdom in Facing Persecution
- [42:11] - Living a Costly Life in Freedom
- [46:59] - The Call to Authentic Christian Living

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Matthew 5:10-12
- 1 Peter 4:14
- Hebrews 13:3

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Matthew 5:10-12, what are the two forms of persecution mentioned, and how do they serve the church? [03:34]

2. How does the sermon describe the role of persecution in the spiritual growth of historical figures like Samuel Rutherford and John Bunyan? [05:43]

3. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between earthly actions and heavenly rewards, as taught by Jesus? [12:01]

4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of living a costly life for Christ, even in the absence of persecution? [42:11]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that persecution can purify and strengthen the church? How does this align with the teachings in 1 Peter 4:14? [04:37]

2. How does the sermon interpret the idea of heavenly rewards, and what implications does this have for how Christians should live their lives? [12:01]

3. What insights does John Bunyan provide about when to stand firm and when to seek an easier path during persecution? How does this reflect Christian liberty and personal discernment? [36:48]

4. How does the sermon challenge believers to use their freedoms to live sacrificially for Christ, and what examples are given to illustrate this point? [42:11]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you faced verbal ridicule or mockery for your faith. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in light of the sermon’s teachings? [03:34]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of laying up treasures in heaven. What specific actions can you take this week to prioritize eternal rewards over earthly comforts? [12:01]

3. Consider the wisdom shared by John Bunyan about facing persecution. How can you apply this wisdom in your current life situation, especially when deciding whether to stand firm or seek an easier path? [36:48]

4. In what ways can you make your righteousness visible in your community, ensuring that your light shines before others? Identify one specific action you can take this week. [24:37]

5. The sermon calls for living a costly life in freedom. What is one area of your life where you can stretch yourself in costly obedience to Christ? [42:11]

6. How can you actively remember and support those who are persecuted for their faith, as encouraged by Hebrews 13:3? Consider practical steps you can take to engage with this cause. [20:42]

7. Reflect on the freedoms you currently enjoy. How can you use these blessings to advance the gospel with fervor and dedication, as the sermon suggests? [42:11]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Persecution as Spiritual Growth
Persecution is a reality for Christians, as Jesus warned in Matthew 5:10-12. It can manifest as physical suffering or verbal ridicule, both of which serve to purify and strengthen the church. This sanctifying process raises the spiritual temperature of the church, reminding us that comfort can make us soft, while trouble makes us strong. Historical figures like Samuel Rutherford and John Bunyan found profound spiritual growth and closeness to Christ in their times of suffering. Their testimonies encourage us to view persecution not as a curse but as a unique opportunity for spiritual development. [03:34]

"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." (2 Timothy 3:12-13, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a recent challenge or criticism you faced for your faith. How can you view this experience as an opportunity for spiritual growth and strength?


Day 2: Eternal Significance of Earthly Actions
Our actions on earth have eternal significance, as Jesus taught that there are degrees of reward in heaven. This challenges us to live lives of costly obedience, even in the absence of persecution, by laying up treasures in heaven rather than seeking comfort here on earth. Jonathan Edwards articulated the idea that heavenly rewards vary, encouraging believers to focus on eternal outcomes rather than temporary ease. This perspective invites us to evaluate our daily choices and prioritize actions that align with God's eternal purposes. [12:01]

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil." (2 Corinthians 5:10, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you can shift your focus from earthly comfort to eternal significance. What practical steps can you take today to align your actions with this eternal perspective?


Day 3: Discernment in Facing Persecution
John Bunyan's insights remind us that there is biblical warrant for both standing firm and seeking an easier path in times of persecution. The decision should be guided by one's present strength and the weight of arguments upon the heart, emphasizing Christian liberty and personal discernment. This wisdom encourages believers to seek God's guidance in determining when to endure hardship and when to seek relief, always prioritizing faithfulness to Christ. [36:48]

"Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." (Matthew 10:16, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a situation where you faced opposition for your faith. How can you seek God's wisdom to discern whether to stand firm or seek an easier path in similar future situations?


Day 4: Living Sacrificially in Freedom
Even in the absence of persecution, we can choose to live a costly life for Christ by using our freedoms to serve Him sacrificially. This involves stretching ourselves in costly obedience, just as Jesus chose to lay down His life for us. We are encouraged to use our blessings to advance His gospel with fervor and dedication, living lives that reflect His sacrificial love. [42:11]

"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel." (Philippians 1:27, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific way you can use your freedom to serve Christ sacrificially this week? How can you make this a regular practice in your life?


Day 5: Authentic Christian Living
We are challenged to let our light shine before others, ensuring that our righteousness is visible. Avoiding trouble by hiding our faith comes at the cost of influence and authenticity. We must persevere in the face of difficulty, choosing to live an authentic Christian life before an unbelieving world. This call to authenticity invites us to be bold in our faith, allowing our actions to reflect the transformative power of the gospel. [24:37]

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a situation where you have hidden your faith to avoid conflict. How can you take a step towards living more authentically for Christ in that area today?

Quotes

"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." [00:03:00]

"Persecution takes two forms: there is the persecution of the hand... one person laying down their life every five minutes... for the sake of Christ somewhere in the world... persecution of the hand and then persecution of the tongue... even in this, the Lord Jesus has a sanctifying work that goes on... persecution is actually sanctifying for the church." [00:03:55]

"Samuel Rutherford said, 'I never knew in 9 years of preaching so much of Christ's love as he taught me in Aberdeen by six months of imprisonment.' And a slightly longer quote comes from John Bunyan... 'I have never in all of my life had so much of the Word of God opened up so plainly to me before... Jesus Christ was never more real to me than now here.'" [00:05:43]

"Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great. Now the emphasis seems to be that the reward in heaven is somehow increased on account of the suffering... this verse goes alongside a number of other verses that I want just to commend to you for your thinking this evening." [00:08:56]

"Jonathan Edwards... speaks about this more clearly than anyone else I have ever read... the Scriptures indicate that there are degrees of reward in heaven... there are different degrees of happiness and of glory in heaven... Christ will reward all according to their works... he that flies has warrant to do so, and he that stands has warrant to do so." [00:12:56]

"Remember those who are persecuted. This is a clear command of Scripture... remember those who are in prison as though you are in prison with them... and those who are mistreated, since you are also in the body... suffering believers get forgotten, and Paul says, 'Don't let that happen, whatever you do, remember those who are in prison.'" [00:20:42]

"Make sure that you really are doing what is right... Jesus says here, 'Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake.'... if there is not much persecution, at least a question that is worth asking is, could a reason for that be that there's not much righteousness?" [00:23:47]

"Let your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. If nobody knows in your school that you're a Christian, if nobody knows in your workplace that you're a Christian, then you will avoid a great deal of trouble, but at what cost?" [00:24:35]

"Persevere in the face of difficulty and opposition... one of the easiest ways to avoid pain, difficulty, and opposition in life is simply to move on whenever it appears... some Christians remain spiritual infants because they have formed the habit of always taking the easier path." [00:26:04]

"Ajith Fernando... says this is a very powerful quote: 'Somehow there seems to be this idea... that if you are suffering, you must be doing something wrong... as people keep changing from job to job, from neighborhood to neighborhood, from church to church, long-term commitments are becoming a culturally rare phenomenon.'" [00:29:49]

"Stretch yourself in costly obedience... there is more than one way to live a costly life... if God allows me the blessing of living with unusual peace and freedom... then we can use that freedom to choose to live a costly life... persecution imposes it from the outside, but if Jesus Christ should give to us today in America the blessing of peace and freedom... we could choose to use that freedom for the purpose of living a costly life for the sake of Christ." [00:42:11]

"Joseph Parker... spoke about the occasion when Thomas was doubting the reality of the risen Lord Jesus... Joseph Parker said this: 'What Thomas said of Christ, the unbelieving world today is saying of the church: unless we see the marks of the nail prints in your hands, we will not believe.'" [00:46:59]

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Transcript
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