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en and women of all ages and classes have suffered as Christians: noble senators, educated bishops, nursing
mothers, feeble men, respected teachers, young virgins, poor slaves, skilled craftsmen and honored pastors.
The early Christians were severely tortured because they believed and followed Jesus. Society was not tolerant;
it was offended. During the Decian persecution, A.D. 249-251, thousands of Christians were systematically persecuted.
History tells us “Christians” and “pastors” were given the opportunity to renounce their
faith, offer incense to other gods or give up their sacred books. Many did. Those who did were called the lapsi or
the “Lapsed” because they had returned to paganism. Those who gave up their sacred books were called “traditores” or
traitors. Meanwhile, history records that other Christians with whom they had worshipped died by fire and other
exotic forms of death. Yet, when it was all over, the traitors and the lapsi sought restoration to
the church.
Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (NASB) Matthew 5:10-12 Running the Race. These two beatitudes promise Christians who have suffered
for Jesus down through time a great reward in heaven. In the previous beatitude Jesus told us to be peacemakers
with all men, including our enemies, but not to the point of compromise. In these two beatitudes, Jesus makes
it clear that true Christians will suffer for holiness and because they follow Jesus.
What kind of persecution was Jesus talking about? Jesus was talking about ongoing, non-stop
persecution that hurts body and pride. Jesus used a Greek word, DIOKO, which has the sense of being pursued
and persecuted. It is a picture of someone who has been aggressively hunting you and they are still seeking
you to hurt you. Have you ever been persecuted like this because you have tried to live a holy life - to do
what Jesus wants of you? Today some Christians are too willing to be lapsi.
Persecution for Righteousness. Jesus is talking about suffering for righteous
conduct. Sometimes we suffer not because of righteousness but because of our own sin and bad conduct towards
others. Sometimes we suffer because we are angry or make bad decisions. Jesus did not say, “Blessed are
those who are objectionable Christians.” He did not say, “Blessed are the hateful;” “Blessed
are those who make bad money decisions;” “Blessed are the hot tempered” or “Blessed are
the self-centered.” Listen to 1 Peter 3:17,
For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. (NASB) 1 Pet. 3:17 He is talking about those who are persecuted for holy living. Listen to 2 Timothy 3:12,
All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. (NASB) 2 Tim. 3:12 |
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| Sermon on the Mount | |||||