Sermon Notes For 2024
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Sermon Notes From The Gospel Of Matthew 5: 1-12, The 1st Unique Separate Challenging Topic That Can Be Life-Changing And That Will Reveal How Superficial Or Serious Our Commitment Really Is To Obey The Lord Jesus, The Messiah King!
Sermon Notes For 9-4-24 Part 9, From The Gospel Of Matthew 5: 7-12.
Please have available a pen, pencil, and some paper or your Wednesday Noon Bible Study Notebook.
Now, let’s turn to The Gospel Matthew Chapter 5. And let’s return back to these life-changing Beatitudes from Our Lord Jesus Christ has revealed unto us here in The Gospel of Matthew 5: Verses 3 Thru 12.
Also, remember these life-changing Beatitudes from our Lord, have the potential if they are received & applied, to bring about in us a transformation of *our attitudes *our thinking *or our mindset concerning some very important matters.
Now today, beginning here in The Gospel of Matthew 5: verses 7 thru 12, for this begins the second and final section of the Beatitudes from our Lord as He Exposes, *The Bad Attitudes, *The Wrong Thinking, *And the worldly mindset any one of us can have when it comes to dealing with certain people, or with a particular individual. For example, let’s notice Matthew 5: 7, Which says, Blessed are the Merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. (Stop here)
Now, for many during the times of the Old and New Testaments whether they were Jewish or Gentile, being merciful or showing mercy was considered a sign of weakness, and was totally irresponsible for not bringing about justice, or revenge, or righteous, or retribution, or punishment to the one or the ones who deserved it!
In fact, some would misuse a particular statement from the Bible, in order to justify their actions and their rights! (Show you what I mean)
Now, turn to Exodus Chapter 21.
Now, let’s notice Exodus 21:
23 But if any harm follows, then you shall give life for life,
24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,
25 burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe. (Stop here)
But it is extremely important to go back and read the entire context here in Exodus 21, beginning at verse 12 thru 36, in order to understand why God allowed and permitted this type of action.
Now, let’s see Deuteronomy 19:21. Your eye shall not pity: life shall be for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot. (Stop here)
And again, it is extremely important to go back and read the entire context here in Deuteronomy 19, beginning at verse 1 thru 21, In order to understand why God allowed and permitted this type of action.
Now, let’s go back to Matthew Chapter 5.
Now, notice again Matthew 5: 7 which says, Blessed are The Merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. (Stop here)
(Question) So what does the word Mercy or Merciful really mean?
I have available upon request a really good article that does a good job of explaining the biblical understanding of “Mercy” or being “Merciful.“ However, for now, allow me to give a very simple definition regarding “Mercy” or being “Merciful. “
Listen, to show “Mercy” or to be “Merciful is an act of leniency by one who is compassionately and deliberately withholding back that which is really deserved, or is justified. Or, it can be an act of kindness, or pity, or forgiveness, or concern for another or others who are undeserving or unworthy of such a response! (Repeat)
What is the definition of mercy?
Mercy describes a divine attribute of God’s nature He is “rich in mercy” (Ephesians 2:4) and His “mercy is great” (2 Samuel 24:14; see also Daniel 9:9).
Mercy is revealed in the actions God takes to relieve suffering and demonstrate His faithfulness and steadfast love.
Mercy is such an exceptionally complex concept that several Hebrew and Greek words are used to express the dimensions of its meaning.
Synonyms like compassion, lovingkindness, favor, and steadfast love often appear in Bible translations to illustrate the idea of mercy.
A brief biblical definition of mercy is “the gift of God’s undeserved kindness and compassion.”
On a human level, mercy is the benevolent or compassionate treatment of someone suffering or in need.
Mercy is an attitude that moves us to act on behalf of the unfortunate.
On a divine level, mercy is the foundation of forgiveness expressed in God’s pardon of human sin. By His divine quality of mercy, God remains faithful to His covenant promises and His relationship with His people despite their unworthiness and faithlessness (Deuteronomy 30:
1–6; Isaiah 14:1; Romans 9:15–16, 23; Ephesians 2:4–9).
When God revealed Himself to Moses, He emphasized the prominence of His mercy: The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out, ‘Yahweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy!
I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But I do not excuse the guilty’ Exodus 34:6–7, NLT).
In God’s mercy, He shows leniency. He withholds punishment from sinners even though they deserve it:
“But in your great mercy, you did not destroy them completely or abandon them forever.
What a gracious and merciful God you are!” (Nehemiah 9:31, NLT).
God’s mercy also causes Him to give good gifts to those who are undeserving: “Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us.” (Luke 1:78, NLT). Thus, mercy is related to grace.
Jesus Christ is the fullest, most dynamic expression of God’s mercy (Ephesians 2:4–5). In His earthly ministry, Jesus demonstrated compassion and mercy for the helpless and suffering (Matthew 9:36; 14:14; 20:34; Mark 6:34; Luke 7:13).
Mercy motivated Christ to give “himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2; see also Galatians 2:20) so that through Him we might be forgiven of our sins (Hebrews 2:17) and granted the gift of eternal life (1 Peter 1:3; 1 Timothy 1:14–16; Jude 1:21).
In Titus 3:4–7, the apostle Paul gives us one of the best descriptions of God’s mercy as revealed in Jesus Christ: But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” God’s mercy not only forgives and saves us but also withholds the punishment we deserve.
The Bible beckons Christians “to love mercy” (Micah 6:8) and “be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36).
Believers must show the same mercy and compassion toward one another that God demonstrates toward them (Zechariah 7:9; Matthew 5:7; 18:33–35; Colossians 3:12; James 2:12–13; 1 Peter 3:9).
Mercy is also pronounced as a greeting and a blessing on God’s people (1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:16–18; 2 John 3; Jude 1:2, 21).
Now, notice again Matthew 5: 7 which says, Blessed are the Merciful. (Stop here)
Now see Luke 6: 36: Therefore, be merciful just as your Father also is merciful.
Now, see Luke 10:
30 Then Jesus answered and said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves or robbers, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him and departed leaving him half dead.
31 Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
32 Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side.
33 But a certain Samaritan as he journeyed came where he was. And when he saw him, and he had Compassion.
34 So, the Samaritan went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
35 On the next day, before the Samaritan departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatever more you spend when I come again I will repay you!
36 Then Jesus ask a question, so which of these three do you think was neighbor unto him who fell among the thieves?
37 And the man said to Jesus, the Samaritan who showed Mercy on him. Then Jesus said unto him a certain lawyer in vs. 25. Go and do likewise!
Now, let’s go back to Matthew Chapter 5.
Now, Remember Here In the Gospel of Matthew 5: Verses 7 thru 12, for this begins the second and final section of the Beatitudes from our Lord as He exposes, *the bad attitudes, *the wrong thinking, *and the worldly mindset any one of us can have when it comes to dealing with certain people, or with a particular individual.
For example, let’s notice Matthew 5: 8, Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God! (Stop here)
Now, notice again Matthew 5: 8, Blessed are the pure in heart. (Stop here)
(Question) What does it mean to be pure in heart? Actually, the word “unfeigned” would be a great synonym to give a better understanding of what it means to be pure in heart!
Because the word unfitting can also mean to be pure and without hypocrisy. In other words, the actions stem from a pure motive. No secret agenda. And no hidden beneath the surface, a self-driven motivation to take advantage of another or others.
Also, the Greek word for “pure” in Matthew 5:8 is katharos. It means to be “clean, blameless, unstained because of wrongdoing.
Interestingly, the word can refer specifically to that which is purified by fire or by pruning. John the Baptist told people that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire (Matthew 3:11). Malachi speaks of the Messiah as being like a “refiner’s fire” (Malachi 3:2).
Jesus refers to believers as being the branches and to Himself as being the vine (John 15:1-17). For a vine to produce fruit, it must be pruned. Those who are truly “pure,” then, are those who have been declared innocent because of the work of Jesus and who are being sanctified by His refining fire and His pruning.
The Greek word for “heart” in Matthew 5:8 is kardeeah. This can be applied to the physical heart. But it also refers to the spiritual center of life. It is where thoughts, desires, sense of purpose, will, understanding, and character reside. So, to be pure in heart means to be blameless in who we actually are.
Being pure in heart involves having a singleness of heart toward God. A pure heart has no hypocrisy, no guile, no hidden motives. The pure heart is marked by transparency and an uncompromising desire to please God in all things. It is more than an external purity of behavior; it is an internal purity of soul.
The only way we can be truly pure in heart is to give our lives to Jesus and ask Him to do the cleansing work. Psalm 51:10 says, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
God is the one who makes our hearts pure by the sacrifice of His Son and through His sanctifying work in our lives (see also 1 John 3:1-3).
Therefore, if our attitude is right with God‘s help then our desire and determination is to be at all times, any place, and with anyone. We are to be pure in Heart for the rest of our days.
Now, let’s see Matthew 23:
25. Woe unto you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within (they) scribes and Pharisees are full of extortion and excess.
26. You blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, so that the outside of them may be clean also.
27. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like unto whited sepulchres which indeed appear beautiful outward but are within full of dead men's bones and of all uncleanness.
28. Even so you outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
Now, let’s go back to Matthew Chapter 5.
Now, here in The Gospel of Matthew 5: Verses 7 Thru 12, For this begins the second and final section of the Beatitudes from our Lord as He exposes, *the bad attitudes, *the wrong thinking, *and the worldly mindset any one of us can have when it comes to dealing with certain people, or with a particular individual.
For example, lets notice Matthew 5: 9, Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
What does Blessed are the peacemakers mean?
The Greek word translated "peacemaker" is used in only one other place in the New Testament, in a slightly different form. Colossians 1:20 says, "For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross.
Jesus laid down His life to make peace between God and sinners, and when we can carry that message of peace to others, we are peacemakers. God delights in those who reconcile others to Himself—those who bring the gospel are “beautiful” (Isaiah 52:7). God “reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18). Those who bring reconciliation to broken relationships are carrying on the work of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Those who give of themselves as Jesus did in order that others may know God are called "blessed." There is no real peace apart from a relationship with God (Romans 5:1). What may masquerade as worldly peace is merely a temporary lull in chaos (John 14:27). True peace is found only in a restored relationship with God. “‘There is no peace,’ says the LORD, ‘for the wicked’” (Isaiah 48:22).
Only children of God can bring the peace of knowing God to others. A person must have a real relationship with God before he or she can help someone else know God. Those who witness for Christ, share their faith with their friends, and serve others in the name of Christ are the ambassadors for peace this verse identifies (see also Matthew 10:41-42). Those who bring the wonderful message of God's peace to the world are "peacemakers," and Jesus calls them the "children of God."
Therefore, if our attitude is right, with God’s help then our desire and determination is to be at all times, any place, and with anyone, to be Peacemakers for the rest of our days.
Now, let’s notice Matthew 5:
23 Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar and there, remember that your brother or sister has something against you,
24 leave your gift there before the altar and go your way and first be reconciled unto your brother or sister and then come and offer your gift.
Now, see Romans 12:
17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.
18 If it is possible as much as depends upon you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord.
20 Therefore, If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.
Sermon Notes For 9-11-24 Part 10, From The Gospel Of Matthew 5: 7-12.
Please have available a pen, pencil, and some paper or your Wednesday Noon Bible Study Notebook.
Now, let’s turn to The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 5.
Now, today let’s continue our in-depth look at these life-changing Beatitudes from our Lord Jesus Christ that He has revealed unto us here in The Gospel of Matthew 5: Verses 3 thru 12.
Always remembering that these life-changing Beatitudes also have the potential if they are received & applied. They can bring about in us a transformation of *our attitudes, *our thinking, *and our mindset concerning some very important matters.
For example, let’s notice Matthew 5: 10. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Stop here)
Now, this is our 8th Beatitude from our Lord Jesus as He now shocks and surprises His Audience of would be Disciples or wanna be Disciples of the potential risk when you take a stance for God and His righteousness!
So today, we now come to the last 2 Beatitudes depending how you count them.
Some say there are 8 Beatitudes, but I’m suggesting there’s actually 9 Beatitudes.
Now, in this second section here in The Gospel of Matthew 5: Verses 7 Thru 12, our Lord Jesus once again exposes, *the bad attitudes, *the wrong thinking, *and the worldly mindset any one of us can have when it comes to dealing with certain people, or with a particular individual.
Now, let’s notice Matthew 5:
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake,
12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (And stop here)
Now, with God’s help, we’re going to look at one of the most difficult, unpopular, unwelcome, and misunderstood topics in all the Bible. And that is the topic of The Predicted Persecution of God’s people, either in the past. And also, in our present times. And in the future ahead!
Turn to 2nd Timothy 2.
Now, we need to have a little soldier talk with each other one on one as soldiers of the Lord in our day!
Now, see 2nd Timothy 2:
3 You must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
Now, back to Matthew Chapter 5.
Now, notice Matthew 5:10. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Stop here)
Now, remember the word “Blessed,” in the way The Lord is using it here in Matthew Chapter 5, verses 3 thru 12, should be seen as one of the other Beatitudes within The Bible.
•Psalms 1: 1-3. •Deuteronomy 28:1 thru 6. •The Book Revelation 1: 3.
Now remember, a Beatitude is, a pronouncement, or a declaration, or a statement of
a spiritual fact that may not be obvious to the one it was given to.
Therefore, a Beatitude becomes a reminder or a focal point, regardless of one’s earthly position or status.
Or, regardless of one’s situation or circumstances. Or, regardless of One’s feelings or emotions. So may they rejoice as one who is highly favored, because The Lord is with them! And therefore, Blessed are they among men and women.
Now, I know that is a very long definition to remember, so then we could say it this way as well.
Rejoice as one who is highly favored, because The Lord is with you! And Blessed are you among men and women of all kinds.
Now, let’s talk about this word Persecution, or persecuted or persecute. Now, please look up later in English or Bible dictionary to see the many definitions for the word persecution
Now, see Acts 22.
4 I persecuted this way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women,
5 as also the high priest bears me witness, and all the council of the elders, from whom I also received letters to the brethren, and went to Damascus to bring in chains even those who were there to Jerusalem to be punished.
6 Now it happened, as I journeyed and came near Damascus at about noon, suddenly a great light from heaven shone around me.
7 And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?'
8 So I answered, 'Who are You, Lord?' And He said to me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.
Now, see Acts 26:
9 Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
10 This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them.
11 And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them,
I persecuted them even to foreign cities.
12 While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,
13 at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me.
14 And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.
15 So I said, Who are You, Lord? And He said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.
Now, see John 16:
1 These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble.
2 They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service.
3 And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me.
4 But these things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you of them. And these things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you.
Now, see The gospel of John 15:
18 If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.
19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet, because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
20 Remember the word that I said to you, A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.
21 But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.
Matthew 10:
21 Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.
22 And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.
23 When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
24 A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.
25 It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household!
28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will.
30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
32 Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.
33 But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.
34 Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.
35 For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;
36 and a man's enemies will be those of his own household.
37 He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.
38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.
39 He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.
Sermon Notes For 9-18-24 Part 11, From The Gospel Of Matthew 5: 7-12
Please have available a pen, pencil, and some paper or your Wednesday Noon Bible Study Notebook.
Now, let’s turn to The Gospel Of Matthew Chapter 5.
Now, let’s continue with our in-depth look at these life-changing Beatitudes from our Lord Jesus Christ that He has revealed unto us here in The Gospel of Matthew 5: verses 3 thru 12.
nd let’s always remember that these life-changing Beatitudes also have the potential if they are received & applied. They can bring about in us a transformation of *our attitudes, *our thinking, *and our mindset concerning some very important matters.
For example, let’s notice Matthew 5:
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake,
12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (And stop here)
Now, here in Matthew 5: 10 thru 12, represents the final Beatitudes from our Lord as he shocks and surprises His audience of would be Disciples, or wanna be Disciples, about the potential risk when you believe in the true God and you take a stance for God and His Truth and His Righteousness!
So Today, We Continue To Looking At These Last 2 Beatitudes Depending How You Would Count Them. For There Are Those Who Say There Are Only Beatitudes, But I am Suggesting That There Are Actually 9 Beatitudes. Show You What I Mean!
Now Notice Again Matthew 5:
*10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Now This Would Be The 8th Beatitude Our Lord Jesus Christ That He Has Revealed Unto Us.
*11 Blessed are You When they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake, (Stop Here)
However, This Would Be The 9th Beatitude Our Lord Jesus Christ That He Has Revealed Unto Us.
Now for me, I don’t know about for you, But There is A Definite Distinction In the way Our Lord emphasizes Those who are in verse 10, compare to those who are in verse 11.
Notice one more time, see Matthew 5:
*10 Blessed are those (now I believe the lord Jesus is referring to those Disciples
either of the past, or the present. or yet in the future to come).
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
*11 Blessed are You (now I believe the lord Jesus is referring to those Disciples
either of the past, or the present. or yet in the future to come shortly after.
Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake, (Stop here)
So again, with God’s help, we’re going to look at one of the most •difficult, •unpopular,
•unwelcoming, •and misunderstood topics in all the Bible, and that is the topic of the predicted persecution of God’s people •Either of the past. •Or, in our present times. •Or, in the future that is ahead!
And remember, this entire second section of Matthew 5: verses 7 thru 12. Our lord is once again exposes *The bad attitudes. *The wrong thinking. *And the worldly mindset any one of us can have when it comes to dealing with certain people, or with a particular individual, especially when they are the source of the persecution. And yet, when, not if, but when the time comes
and our families, or our friends, or our governments are the source of the persecution in our lives,
(Question) •What should we know? •And how should we act? First what should we know?
Now, let’s notice again, Matthew 5:10. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake, (Stop there)
Again, the word “blessed” could also mean, one who is highly favored because The Lord is with them!
Next, they which are persecuted for righteousness sake!
Now remember when, not if! But when the time comes, and our families, or our friends, or our governments are the source of the persecution in our lives,
(Question) And how should we act?
Now, let’s see again Matthew 10:
16 Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore, be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
17 But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues.
18 You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony unto them and to The Gentiles.
21 Now, brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.
22 And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.
23 When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
32 Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.
33 But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.
34 Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.
35 For I have come to set a man against his father a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother -in-law.
36 And a man's enemies will be those of his own household.
Now, let’s notice Matthew 5: 11, Blessed are you when men shall revile you and persecute you and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My Sake.
Now, also see Luke 6:22. Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you,
and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake.
Now, remember, our Lord Jesus is exposing *the bad attitudes, *the wrong thinking, *and the worldly mindset any one of us can have when it comes to dealing with certain people, or with a particular individual, especially when they are the source of the persecution.
Yet, when, not if, but when the time comes and our families, or our friends, or our governments are the source of the persecution in our lives,
(Question) what should we know and how should we act?
Well, let’s notice Matthew 5:
43 You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.
44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so?
48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
Now, see Matthew 24:10. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
Now, see Revelation 6:9. And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:
Now, see Revelation 20:4. And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. (Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands.) And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
Now, see 1st Peter 2:
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:
11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, Abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
Now, see The Gospel of Luke 6:26. Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so did their fathers to the false prophets.
Now, see 2nd Timothy 3:
10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance,
11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra, and what persecutions I endured. Yet out of them all the Lord delivered me.
12 Yes, and all who desire to live Godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.