Persecution Equals Reward

1. Have you ever been teased? What did it feel like?

   READ ROMANS 8:17-18

   (Romans 8:17-18) Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. {18} I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

2. What is "the glory that will be revealed in us?"

   Our rewards – our blessings.

   Picture being made fun of and getting a reward side by side.

   Which do you prefer? Of course, the reward – there’s no comparison!

3. What’s persecution?

   Suffering inflicted because of what we believe.

   Do you know of any recent examples? (Paducah)

   How about in the Bible? (Stephen stoned – Acts 7)

   Webster’s:

   Main Entry: per·se·cute
   1 : to harass in a manner designed to injure, grieve, or afflict; specifically : to cause to suffer because of belief
   2 : to annoy with persistent or urgent approaches (as attacks, pleas, or importunities)

   READ MATTHEW 5:10-12 / 13-16

   (Matthew 5:10-12) Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. {11} "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. {12} Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

   "Blessed are those who are injured, who are made to grieve or suffer because of Me."

   (Matthew 5:13-16) "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. {14} "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. {15} Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. {16} In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

   So our light should shine before men. Why? So they can see our good deeds and what? Glorify God.

4. What does it mean, to let our light shine?

It all boils down to : BE A WITNESS

(1 Chronicles 16:8-9) Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. {9} Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.

(Psalms 18:49) Therefore I will praise you among the nations, O LORD; I will sing praises to your name.

5. Knowing that – is it God’s will for you to tell your friends about Him? To invite them to church, or Cross Club, or the February rally coming up? YES!! Do the right thing! But…

READ 1 PETER 3:14-17

(1 Peter 3:14-17) But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear ; do not be frightened." {15} But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, {16} keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. {17} It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

6. What should we do when persecuted?

MATTHEW 5:44-45

CONCLUSION

Knowing that sharing Jesus is right – what can we do today to share Him?

Life isn’t easy. All to often we want Heaven on earth and keep forgetting that it’s Heaven that we’re heading to – not where we are now. Persecution will come, simply because you are a Christian. But the greatest thing to know is that because of that Persecution, we will be blessed even more… it makes us better Christians.

remember

"You don’t have to prove yourself right
in order to do what God wants you to do."
and "You don’t have to prove other people wrong
in order to do what God wants you to do."