Counter Cultural – “Blessed are those who are persecuted”

Truths About Persecution and Opposition:

• We Will Face

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

“When we live counter-cultural ___ society;
we will face opposition __________ society….

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”    John 16:33

“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”    II Timothy 3:12

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”  I Peter 4:12-13

• It Will Strengthen Our Faith.

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”    Romans 5:3-4

“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”       II Corinthians 12:10

“These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.”                   I Peter 1:7

How should we respond to Opposition and Persecution in our lives:

1. Maintain a Proper Perspective.

“Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”     James 5: 10-11

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised. In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.”    Job 1:21-22

“Though he slay me, yet I will hope in Him…”       Job 13:15

2. Focus on Eternity.

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”    Romans 8:18      

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”              II Corinthians 4:16-18

3. Trusting God Unconditionally.

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”            Isaiah 26:3

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding in all of your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.”    Proverbs 3:5-6

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.”  Philippians 1:29