Matthew 5:10
The sermon emphasizes the significance of righteousness and the inevitability of persecution for those who live according to Christ's teachings.
Chuck Smith discusses the implications of Matthew 5:10, emphasizing that true persecution arises from being a peacemaker and living righteously, rather than from being objectionable or foolish. He clarifies that suffering for righteousness' sake is a mark of true faith, contrasting it with suffering due to personal folly or fanatical behavior. Smith highlights that the Christian's identity in Christ may lead to persecution, as exemplified by biblical figures like Abel and Jeremiah, and warns against seeking approval from the world, as true righteousness may not always be recognized or celebrated by others.
Text
Not so much description as what is likely to result because the Christian is what we have seen
him to be.
Follows peacemaker, it is because he is a peacemaker, he is persecuted.
Same promise as first started and finished with kingdom of heaven.
Jews false notion of kingdom.
Searching:
Misinterpreted and misapplied - "For righteousness sake," "Thank you Lord."
Persecution in world today.
Not blessed because persecuted for being: objectionable, difficult, lacking in wisdom and
blundered.
Some suffer entirely from own folly. Fanatical, over-zealous, can lead to persecution.
The way they say their amen or hallelujah, not sign of spirituality.
Suffer - busy bodies in other man's matters. I Pet. 4:15.
Not persecuted for a cause. Martyr spirit.
Religious, political views.
Christian faith as such, not anti -Communism, Concerned for souls of communist as well as
anyone else.
Not being good, noble, self-sacrificing.
What does righteousness mean?
- Being like Christ.
- "If the world hate you, know it hated me."
- If ye were of the world. John 15:18-20.
"Yea all that live godly shall suffer persecution." II Tim. 3:12.
Are you suffering persecution?
Abel - David - Elijah - Jeremiah - Daniel.
By whom are they persecuted?
Church herself - religious people.
Why righteous and not noble?
Noble we feel are like us at our best. "I am capable of that." Righteous different.
If we are admired and applauded by unbelievers Woe unto you if all men speak well of you.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Understanding Persecution - The Nature of Righteousness - The Role of the Peacemaker
- II points: - Misinterpretations of the Kingdom - The True Meaning of Righteousness - Examples of Biblical Figures
- III points: - The Source of Persecution - Distinguishing Between Noble and Righteous - The Response to Persecution
- IV points: - The Christian's Attitude Towards Persecution - The Promise of the Kingdom of Heaven - Living Godly in a Hostile World
Key Quotes
“If the world hate you, know it hated me.” — Chuck Smith
“Yea all that live godly shall suffer persecution.” — Chuck Smith
“Woe unto you if all men speak well of you.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Reflect on the nature of your suffering and ensure it aligns with righteousness, not folly.
- Embrace your identity as a peacemaker and understand that persecution may follow.
- Seek to live a life that mirrors Christ, knowing that true righteousness may lead to opposition.