Perseverance and Eternal Rewards in Christ

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound truth that while following Jesus may lead to persecution and hatred from the world, there is a great reward awaiting us in heaven. We began with the intriguing story of Lord Glenconnor and Kent Adonai, illustrating how dedication and perseverance can lead to unexpected blessings. This theme of reward through perseverance was further exemplified by the story of NFL quarterback Kurt Warner, whose journey from stocking shelves to Super Bowl MVP is a testament to the power of resilience and faith.

We then delved into the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5, particularly the Beatitudes, which present an upside-down view of happiness and blessing. Jesus teaches that those who are persecuted for righteousness are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. This counterintuitive perspective challenges us to see persecution as a reminder that we are not of this world but are destined for eternity with God.

The message also highlighted the importance of maintaining our focus on the eternal reward rather than the temporary trials we face. By keeping our eyes on the horizon, we can navigate the challenges of this life with hope and perseverance. We are encouraged to remain faithful, even when the world opposes us, and to love those who persecute us, following the example of Jesus.

In closing, we were reminded that the reward is coming, and it is worth the trials we endure. Our present troubles are small compared to the eternal glory that awaits us. As we live out our faith, let us be encouraged by the promise of heaven and the assurance that we are not alone in our struggles.

Key Takeaways:

1. Perseverance Leads to Reward: The stories of Kent Adonai and Kurt Warner remind us that perseverance and dedication, even in the face of adversity, can lead to unexpected blessings and rewards. These narratives encourage us to remain steadfast in our faith, trusting that God sees our efforts and will reward us in due time. [00:00]

2. The Upside-Down Kingdom: Jesus' teachings in the Beatitudes challenge our understanding of happiness and blessing. Being persecuted for righteousness is a sign of our alignment with God's kingdom, reminding us that our true home is in heaven. This perspective helps us endure trials with joy, knowing that our reward is eternal. [15:47]

3. Focus on the Eternal: By keeping our eyes on the horizon, we can navigate life's challenges with hope and perseverance. This eternal perspective allows us to see beyond our current circumstances and remain faithful, knowing that our ultimate reward is in heaven. [23:43]

4. Faithfulness in Adversity: Even when the world opposes us, we are called to remain faithful to God's calling. The story of George Galantis illustrates the importance of doing what is right, even when it is difficult, trusting that God will honor our faithfulness. [34:38]

5. Loving the Persecutor: Jesus calls us to love those who persecute us, a challenging but essential aspect of our faith. The example of Hassan John in Nigeria demonstrates the transformative power of love, even in the face of hatred and danger. By loving our enemies, we reflect the heart of Christ and open the door for reconciliation and healing. [37:14]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - The Story of Lord Glenconnor and Kent Adonai
- [03:30] - Kurt Warner's Journey
- [07:15] - Introduction to the Beatitudes
- [10:00] - Understanding Persecution
- [12:30] - The Upside-Down Kingdom
- [15:47] - Blessed Are the Persecuted
- [18:20] - The Reward of Heaven
- [21:00] - Focus on the Eternal
- [23:43] - Faithfulness in Adversity
- [27:00] - Loving the Persecutor
- [30:00] - The Story of Hassan John
- [34:38] - Encouragement for Believers
- [37:14] - Invitation to Follow Jesus
- [40:00] - Closing Prayer and Worship

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Matthew 5:10-12

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Observation Questions:

1. What are the specific blessings mentioned in Matthew 5:10-12 for those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake?
2. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of perseverance leading to reward through the stories of Kent Adonai and Kurt Warner? [00:45]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of persecution and its role in reminding believers of their eternal home? [15:47]
4. How does the story of George Galantis exemplify faithfulness in adversity as discussed in the sermon? [23:43]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the Beatitudes present an "upside-down" view of happiness and blessing? [15:47]
2. How does the sermon interpret the idea of focusing on the eternal reward rather than temporary trials? [23:43]
3. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between loving one's persecutors and reflecting the heart of Christ? [37:14]
4. How does the sermon use the example of Hassan John to illustrate the transformative power of love in the face of persecution? [37:14]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you faced adversity for doing what you believed was right. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in light of the sermon? [23:43]
2. The sermon encourages believers to keep their eyes on the horizon. What practical steps can you take to maintain an eternal perspective in your daily life? [23:43]
3. Consider someone in your life who may oppose your beliefs. How can you show them love and reflect the heart of Christ this week? [37:14]
4. The sermon highlights the importance of perseverance. Identify an area in your life where you need to persevere. What specific actions can you take to remain steadfast? [00:45]
5. How can the story of Kurt Warner inspire you to trust in God's timing and plan for your life, especially when facing setbacks? [03:30]
6. Discuss how you can support fellow believers who are experiencing persecution or adversity. What role can your small group play in this support?
7. Reflect on the idea that persecution can be a reminder of our eternal home. How does this perspective change the way you view challenges in your life? [15:47]

Devotional

Day 1: Perseverance Brings Unexpected Blessings
Perseverance is a powerful force that can lead to unexpected blessings and rewards. The stories of Kent Adonai and Kurt Warner serve as vivid illustrations of how dedication and resilience, even in the face of adversity, can result in remarkable outcomes. Kent Adonai's journey, marked by dedication, mirrors the unexpected blessings that can arise from steadfastness. Similarly, Kurt Warner's rise from stocking shelves to becoming a Super Bowl MVP exemplifies the transformative power of perseverance and faith. These narratives encourage us to remain steadfast in our faith, trusting that God sees our efforts and will reward us in due time. [00:00]

"Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9 ESV)

Reflection: Think of a challenge you are currently facing. How can you persevere in faith, trusting that God will bring about unexpected blessings in His timing?


Day 2: The Paradox of the Upside-Down Kingdom
The Beatitudes present a counterintuitive perspective on happiness and blessing, challenging our understanding of what it means to be truly blessed. Jesus teaches that those who are persecuted for righteousness are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. This upside-down view of the kingdom of God reminds us that our true home is not in this world but in heaven. By aligning ourselves with God's kingdom, we can endure trials with joy, knowing that our reward is eternal. This perspective helps us to see persecution as a sign of our alignment with God's purposes and a reminder of our eternal destiny. [15:47]

"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:10 ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you embrace the upside-down values of God's kingdom in your daily life, especially when facing opposition or misunderstanding?


Day 3: Keeping an Eternal Perspective
Focusing on the eternal reward rather than temporary trials is essential for navigating life's challenges with hope and perseverance. By keeping our eyes on the horizon, we can see beyond our current circumstances and remain faithful, knowing that our ultimate reward is in heaven. This eternal perspective allows us to endure hardships with a sense of purpose and hope, trusting that our present troubles are small compared to the eternal glory that awaits us. As we live out our faith, let us be encouraged by the promise of heaven and the assurance that we are not alone in our struggles. [23:43]

"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day." (2 Corinthians 4:16 ESV)

Reflection: How can you shift your focus from temporary challenges to the eternal promises of God today? What practical steps can you take to maintain this perspective?


Day 4: Faithfulness Amidst Opposition
Remaining faithful to God's calling, even when the world opposes us, is a vital aspect of our spiritual journey. The story of George Galantis illustrates the importance of doing what is right, even when it is difficult, trusting that God will honor our faithfulness. In times of adversity, we are called to stand firm in our convictions and continue to pursue righteousness, knowing that God sees our efforts and will reward us in due time. This faithfulness in adversity not only strengthens our character but also serves as a powerful testimony to those around us. [34:38]

"Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV)

Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you face opposition for your faith. How can you remain faithful and steadfast in this situation, trusting in God's promises?


Day 5: Loving Those Who Persecute Us
Jesus calls us to love those who persecute us, a challenging but essential aspect of our faith. The example of Hassan John in Nigeria demonstrates the transformative power of love, even in the face of hatred and danger. By loving our enemies, we reflect the heart of Christ and open the door for reconciliation and healing. This radical love not only transforms our own hearts but also has the potential to change the hearts of those who oppose us. As we follow Jesus' example, we are reminded that love is the most powerful force for change in the world. [37:14]

"But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Matthew 5:44 ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life do you find difficult to love? How can you begin to extend Christ's love to them today, even in small ways?

Quotes

"Pretty incredible story. When Lord Glenn Conner passes away, he leaves to Kent Adonai $26 million in the island estate. From poverty, unloading banana boats, to a millionaire. Now he put in the time, he put in several decades of work. I don't know if you're like me though, I love stories like that. Don't you kind of like the, hey this guy put in the work and at the end like he gets the big reward, right? All the time and all of the serving and all of a sudden now he is rewarded for it." [00:01:57] (36 seconds)


"But when we talk about Kurt Warner, the Kurt Warner story is different than a lot of other quarterbacks who were similarly as good as Kurt Warner was. If you don't know his story, played football at Northern Iowa University. You're not going to find them on ESPN on a Saturday. Little small school, graduates from Northern Iowa, doesn't get drafted to the NFL even though playing quarterback in NFL is one of his dreams." [00:02:52] (27 seconds)


"gets the call starting quarterback for an nfl football team and his skill set shows off he ends up taking the rams to the super bowl they win it he's named super bowl 34 mvp best player in the super bowl goes on to have a fantastic career but the same fantastic career that a lot of fantastic quarterbacks have had the reason why he has a book and the reason why he has a movie made after him is because his story is one of these like from the very bottom the rags to the riches and we celebrate a guy like that who put in the work who struggled who didn't quit when it seemed like the the door was closing and he got the reward in the end we love those stories" [00:05:50] (44 seconds)


"verse 10 Jesus says this he says God blesses those or happy are those who are persecuted for doing right for the kingdom of heaven is theirs so here's what we mean it's upside down happy are those blessed are those who are persecuted like like happy are those who are in trouble with the world happy are those who lose their job because they stood up for what was right happier those who everybody's bashing on social media because they said something that was true from the Bible's perspective but not from the world's perspective I'm gonna be really honest with you when persecution happens to me happy isn't the first thing I think of I'll be honest like I'm not yes some more people hate me been waiting for that like oh some people are talking bad about me that that is not my natural response but Jesus says hey it's upside down you should be happy and I'm trying to get to the point in my own spiritual journey like Brett Levi's path to Jesus as he walks that when persecution comes and and I do something that is right now listen if you're persecuted we'll talk about this in a second too if you're being persecuted because you're a jerk that's on you right he says but he says in verse blessed are those who are persecuted for doing right when I do right I do what Jesus says and the world goes we don't like that that agenda doesn't look like ours and I'm persecuted I want to get to the point in my own spiritual journey where I'm happy because it's the reminder to me that I wasn't made for this place it's the reminder for me that God created me for eternity it's the it's the flag waving goes hey pay attention pay attention you're here for about 80 trips around the Sun maybe" [00:09:46] (117 seconds)


"then the rest of eternity you're in the presence of God right to be honest I don't think that way daily like right I get thinking about I gotta I gotta prep a sermon I got bills to peg this to do I got a kids event to go to I don't spend my afternoons often thinking about eternity I don't spend most of my days thinking about hey this is not what life is life is coming and so what I want my own spiritual journey is when persecution comes when all of a sudden I'm in trouble with the world that it's it's the reminder oh hey wake up because all of this is really meaningless you were made for that you're made for heaven I'm made for eternity with Jesus this is just one step at the very beginning before the real life happens and I forget that persecution comes and it should be a blessing because it reminds me yet oh that's right I don't fit here oh yes I'm not from this place I'll come from another place then he goes on he says this Matthew chapter 5 verse 11 he says God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things about you because you're my followers now look at that list like they're going to insult you like people are gonna say bad things about you they're gonna persecute you that word literally means it gives the idea that someone's coming after you and they're not gonna stop that that's scarier than just reading persecute like they're coming after you they're not gonna say they're gonna lie about you and they're not just gonna lie about you they're gonna say all kinds of evil things about you not because you were a jerk hopefully but because you were aligned with Jesus that's that that happens now now listen we are living in a country" [00:13:39] (117 seconds)


"it has religious freedom we have it good persecution happens around the world way more than it happens here but it does happen and you will experience it if you align yourself with Jesus you might have followed the story a couple months ago of the Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker you remember that story he was speaking a graduation address he's a Catholic he was speaking to a Catholic University and he said some things that were very Catholic to a very Catholic audience that the media picked up on and they went wild with it now he said a lot of different things about a little bit a lot of different subjects but I want to read you one thing that he said here's the quote from the speech I'm not reading all the speech he was talking to some of the ladies in the audience and that's where it got dicey for him he said you should be proud of all that you've achieved to this point in your young lives I want to speak directly to you briefly because I think it is you the women who have had the most diabolical lies told to you how many of you are sitting here now about to cross the stage and are thinking about all the promotions and titles you're going to get in your career some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world I can tell you that my beautiful wife Isabel would be the first to say that her life truly started when she began living her vocation as a wife and as a mother that quote led to this headline NFL response after Chiefs kicker Harrison Bucker tells female graduates to become homemakers that's not what he said but that was the controversy Catholic man talking to Catholic women at a Catholic University in line with what the vast majority of people from speaker to audience believe he didn't say you should be homemakers in fact here was one of the quotes you may go on to lead successful careers in the world" [00:15:47] (118 seconds)


"Now, let me say this, why I don't think this should be controversial. Let me just reframe this. Let's just say that this was Amanda Levi, my wife, speaking about me. And she said, I can tell you, I'm just going to insert me in here to the quote. I can tell you that my amazing, wonderful, awesome, incredible husband, Brett, would be the first to say that his life truly started when he began living his vocation as a father and as a husband. That's true. That's true. Yeah, I love what I do. My calling has significance. I hope you love what you do as a career. I hope your career and your job is something that aligns with what God created you for and you're living your best life. And this may not be you, but this is me. At the end of the day, if I have to choose between pastor or whatever career it is or husband and dad, it's not a hard choice." [00:18:20] (77 seconds)


"I actually had to make that choice a couple years ago. I was, I was, I'll go work at Starbucks, go do whatever for my wife and for my kids because they're the first priority. It's not really controversial. No, like I hope that if you're a husband or a wife, if you're married, I hope that your spouse is more important to you than your job. I hope that your kids matter more than your career. Because that's biblical. Like your family comes first over a career. Not controversial. But because, and he said some other things in the world would push back on about LGBTQ and some other things. So it wasn't just this. It was a lot that kind of stirred up what the media came against him. We got quotes like that. And 95 ,000 people signed a petition asking the chiefs to fire him. So persecution happens. People are going to lie about you possibly. People are going to persecute you." [00:20:15] (59 seconds)


"This word I said means coming after you. People are still going after him. That's several months ago. That's the world in which we live. But remember, the reward's coming. That's what Jesus is saying. The reward is coming. Like you're going to go through it with the light at the end of the tunnel is an eternal light. And it's worth it. Verse 12, he says this. Let me just go back to verse 11 so you can hear it in context. God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things about you because you're my followers. Be happy about it." [00:21:56] (34 seconds)


"Be very glad for a great reward awaits you in heaven. You see that? Be happy about it because a reward is coming. It's awaiting you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way. Here's what I love about that. He says, hey, yes, it's still like we've talked about the last couple weeks. It might get rough. You might be hated. But a reward is coming. It's worth it. And then I love this. He adds on. He says, the prophets. Now for a Jewish reader. And Matthew is writing specifically to Jewish readers because Matthew is a very strongly rooted Hebrew." [00:23:28] (36 seconds)


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Transcript
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