Adversity and the Kingdom’s Reward

 

 

 

Sermon on the Mount- 8

 

TITLE: Adversity and the Kingdom’s Reward

TEXT: Matthew 5:10-12

TONE: Encouragement

TARGET: Believers

TASK: To encourage believers to remain steadfast in Christ under trial.

TEACH: If you would, imagine a small candle burning in the middle of a dark room. The flame flickers with life and warmth, providing light to those around it. Now, picture a strong wind attempting to blow out the candle. Despite the powerful gusts, the flame persists, unyielding, offering hope and illuminating the darkness.

 

In the same way, Christian persecution throughout history has been like that strong wind. From the early disciples to believers around the world today, many have faced immense trials for their faith. Yet, their unwavering commitment to Christ has not only kept the flame of faith alive but also spread its light even further. Just as the wind’s intent to extinguish the candle only serves to strengthen its resolve, the trials and tribulations faced by Christians can refine their faith, demonstrating the profound impact of their unwavering trust in God. In moments of persecution, their perseverance becomes a beacon of hope and courage for others, reminding us that in the darkness of adversity, the light of faith shines brightest.

 

We will now explore how we, too, can find strength in times of trial by looking at the blessings promised to those who endure.

 

TRUTH: Set within the context of the Beatitudes, these verses cap off a series of blessings pronounced by Jesus. At this pivotal moment in the early part of His teaching ministry, Jesus is addressing a diverse crowd gathered on a hillside. With His disciples nearby and the broader multitude listening in, Jesus outlines the characteristics of those who are truly blessed in the eyes of God.

 

By contextualizing these final Beatitudes in His broader sermon, Jesus emphasizes that following Him -truly living out righteousness and aligning with His teachings -may invite opposition. Yet, he assures us of the profound blessings and eternal rewards that accompany such hardships.

 

I.   Persecution is a reality we should expect.

 

Explanation: Persecution is a normal part of the Christian experience. It is not an exception but an expectation for believers. Paul wrote to Timothy, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and imposters will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2Timothy 3:12). Why? Because living according to God’s standards often conflicts with worldly values and will attract opposition. Remember what Jesus told his disciples? He said, “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (John 15:19).

 

Illustration: The persecution of the early apostles refers to the violent and oppressive measures takes against Jesus’ first disciples as they spread Christianity. (1) Peter and John were arrested by the Jewish Sanhedrin for preaching the resurrection of Jesus. They were flogged and ordered to stop teaching in Jesus’ name -Acts 4-5. (2) Stephen, one of the first deacons and a powerful preacher, was seized, accused of blasphemy, and ultimately stoned to death, becoming the first Christian martyr -Acts 6-7. (3) Paul, formerly known as Saul, initially persecuted the Church, but converted after an encounter with the risen Christ. He faced numerous persecutions, including beatings, imprisonment, stoning, and shipwrecks, as he traveled extensively to preach the Gospel -Acts 9; 2Cor. 1:23-28. (4) James, he was the first of the twelve apostles to be martyred, killed by King Herod Agrippa I in Jerusalem -Acts 12:1-2. (5) Widespread Persecution: Following the martyrdom of Stephen and James, believers in Jerusalem were scattered due to severe persecution, leading to the spread of Christianity throughout Judea, Samaria, and beyond -Acts 8:1-4. (6) Roman Persecution: As Christianity grew, it attracted the eye of the Roman Empire. Emperor Nero infamously blamed Christians for the Great Fire of Rome and subjected them to brutal executions. Other emperors, like Domitian and Diocletian, also actively persecuted Christians in later periods. Despite these severe trials, the apostles and early Christians remained steadfast in their faith.  

 

In these verses, Jesus does not mention specific prophets by name but rather refers to “the prophets which were before you.” This implies a general reference to the experiences of many of God’s prophets in the Old Testament who faces persecution for their faithfulness to God’s message. For example:

 

1.        Jeremiah: Known as the ‘weeping prophet’ faces imprisonment, death threats, and ridicule from his own people (Jer. 20:1-2; 32:2-3).

 

2.        Elijah: Was persecuted by King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, who sought his life on multiple occasions (1Kings 19:1-2).

 

3.        Isaiah: Tradition holds that Isaiah was sawed in half during the reign of King Manasseh.

 

4.        Daniel: Faced threats from rulers and was cast into a lions’ den for his faithfulness, though he was miraculously delivered (Dan. 6).

 

5.        Zechariah: He was stoned to death by order of King Joash in the temple court (2Chron. 24:20-22).

 

Application: Expect persecution as a part of Christian discipleship. Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matt. 16:24). 

 

II.                          Persecution is a blessing we should embrace.

 

Explanation: Of course, in this context, “blessed” implies a deep, enduring joy and favor from God, despite external circumstances. We need to identify the promised attaches to persecution. Theirs “is the kingdom of heaven” this phrase affirms both current participation in God’s reign and future inheritance. Peter wrote, “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you…yes if anyone suffers as a Christian let him not be ashamed. But let him glorify God in that name” (1Peter 4:14,16). 

 

Illustration: During the first 200 years of church history, early Christians faced significant persecution from both local authorities and the Roman Empire. (1) Nero Persecution 64 AD: The first major Roman persecution under Emperor Nero, after a large fire destroyed much of Rome. Nero blamed Christians for the fire, leading to brutal tortures and executions. Christians were crucified, burned alive, and thrown to wild beasts. (2) Domitian’s Reign 81-96 AD: Though not as widespread as Nero’s persecution, Emperor Domitian demanded to be worshiped as a god and persecuted Christians who refused. Notably, John the Apostle was exiled to the Island of Patmos during this period. (3) Trajan’s Policy 98-117 AD: Emperor Trajan established a policy whereby Christians were not sought out, but if brought before authorities and refusing to recant their faith, they were executed. Pliny the Younger, a Roman governor, sought clarification from Trajan on how to deal with Christians. (4) Persecution under Marcus Aurelius 161-180 AD: This period saw increased animosity, partly due to natural disasters which some Romans blamed on Christians. Notably, Justin Martyr, an early Christian apologist, was executed in Rome during this time. (5) Decian Persecution 249-251 AD: Under his reign, a widespread and systematic persecution affected Christians. Decius issued an edict demanding all citizens to perform religious sacrifice to the Roman gods, leading to imprisonment and execution of many Christians who refused. (6) Valerian Persecution 257-260 AD: He intensified persecution, targeting Christian leaders. Many clergy members, such as Bishop Cyprian of Carthage, were martyred.

 

There have been grievous periods of persecution throughout the history of the church, but they have generally been localized. Now, however, persecution has spread throughout the world. There are Christian people who are actively and bitterly persecuted in many countries at this very moment. For example:

             

1.        Nigeria: Various reports indicate that extremist groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic militants have targeted Christian communities. Incidents include abductions, massacres, and destruction of property, particularly in Northern Nigeria.

2.        China: The Chinese government has been reported to exert increasing pressure on religious practices. This includes the destruction of church buildings, restrictions on house churches, and the arrest of church leaders. The situation is particularly severe for underground unregistered churches.

 

3.        India: Rising Hindu nationalism has led to increased incidents of violence against Christians, including attacks on churches, forced conversions, and social boycotting.

 

4.        North Korea: Christianity is illegal and possessing a Bible can lead to severe punishment, including execution or lifetime imprisonment in labor camps. North Korea remains one of the most dangerous places for Christians according to various human right organizations.

 

5.        Middle East: Countries like Iran and Pakistan have laws against blasphemy that are often used against Christians. Christians in Iraq and Syria have faced severe persecution from extremist groups like ISIS, leading to displacement and targeted killings.

 

6.        Egypt: Christians, largely Coptic Orthodox, face discrimination and there have been attacks on churches and Christian neighborhoods. Despite some improvement in government security, sporadic violence still occurs.

 

7.        Ethiopia: Various reports indicate that ethnic conflict and political instability sometimes result in targeted attacks against Christian communities.

 

8.        Sudan: Over the past year, Global Christian Relief has drawn attention to several stories of Christian persecution in Sudan. Among a Muslim-majority population of 48 million people, only 5% of the populace identifies as Christians, and these individuals often face increased vulnerability during times of conflict. 150 churches have been damaged, looted or destroyed. Militants have purposefully targeted houses of worship with the intention to loot and steal resources. For example, armed men recently stormed a Sundanese church and shot four believers, including a church leader and his son, as well as security personnel. Then took the church property by force.

 

9.        4,998 Christians were killed last year. 1 and 7 are persecuted worldwide.

 

Application: Embrace persecution as a part of Christian discipleship.  Understand that spiritual blessings and eternal reward far outweigh earthly suffering. Paul wrote, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed” (Rom. 8:18).

 

 

III.                      Persecution is a tactic we should endure

 

Explanation: Jesus shifts from a general statement to addressing His listeners directly (‘Blessed are you”). We see here that not just physical harm but also insults and false accusations are forms of persecution rooted in hatred for Christ. Be prepared for personal attacks on character and intentions due to alignment with Christ. Furthermore, Jesus instructs us to “rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matt. 5:12).

 

Both God and Satan can have different intents behind the persecution Christians face. Understanding these differences biblically can provide greater insight into how believers can navigate trials with discernment and faith.

 

1.        Refining Faith vs. Destroying Faith: God’s purpose is the refine and strengthen faith. James wrote, “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith -more precious than gold that perish though it is tested by fire -may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Ja. 1:6-7). Whereas, Satan’s aim is to shake believers, intending that through pressure and pain, they might abandon their faith or fall into doubt and discouragement.

 

2.        Promoting Godliness vs. Promoting Sinfulness: Paul wrote, “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that sufferings produces endurance and endurance produces character and character produces hope” (Rom. 5:3-4). Thus, persecution leads to spiritual growth and development. Satan seeks to promote sinful reactions. “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He himself tempts no one” (Ja. 1:13). Satan seeks to tempt believers to respond to persecution with bitterness, anger, hatred or despair, leading them away from godly character.

 

3.        Amplifying Witness vs. Silencing Witness: God’s purpose in persecution is to amplify our witness to the world. “Now those who were scattered went about preaching the Word” (Acts 8:4). Thus, God uses persecution to scatter believers, resulting in the spread of the Gospel. Satan’s purpose is to silence the witness. In Revelation 12:17, we read, “Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring -those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus.” Satan aims to intimidate and silence to prevent the proclamation of the Gospel.

 

4.        Drawing Close to God vs. Creating Separation from God: Paul wrote in 2Corinthians 1:9, “Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raise the dead.” Persecution teaches reliance on God’s power rather than our own, deepening our relationship with Him and our trust in His sovereignty. Satan’s purpose is to create separation. Isaiah the prophet stated, “but you iniquities have a made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear” (Isa. 59:2). Satan aim is to use suffering to make believers feel abandoned, leading them to question God’s presence and love, thus creating emotional and spiritual distance.

 

Illustration: The Great Persecution 303-311 AD: Under Emperor Diocletian, the Roman Empire launched one of the most severe persecutions of Christians ever experienced. The persecution escalated under the influence of his junior co-emperor Galerius, who issued edicts that sought to purge the empire of Christianity. The orders included the destruction of churches, the burning of scriptures, and the forbidding of Christian worship. Harsh measures were used to compel Christians to sacrifice to the Roman Emperor our face the death penalty. Those who refused faced severe punishment such as torture, imprisonment and execution. During this time many prominent Christians figures were martyred. (1) Saint Sebastian: Initially a commander of the Praetorian Guards, Sebastian was discovered practicing Christianity. He was condemned to be shot with arrows and left for dead but survived only to be executed by clubbing. (2) Saint Agnes: A young Roman noblewoman, she was executed at around the age of 12 or 13 for her steadfast dedication to the Christian faith. They drug her, burned her and then beheaded her. (3) Saint George: A soldier who vocally opposed the Roman decree against Christians, George was tortured and beheaded for his faith.

 

The Great Persecution ultimately failed to eliminate Christianity. This period highlights the resilience and devotion of early Christians, whose willingness to endure suffering became a testament to their faith.

 

Application: Endure persecution as a part of Christian discipleship.

 

TAKE-AWAY: Understanding the dichotomy between God’s and Satan’s purposes in persecution equips believers to stand firm. God uses persecution to refine, promote godliness, amplify witness, and draw believer close to Himself. Meanwhile, Satan sims to destroy faith, promote sinful reactions, silence witness, and create separation from God. Recognizing these distinct purposes helps Christians to respond in faith, hope, and reliance on God’s unfailing promises.

 

RC Sproul sums it up well when he wrote, “If you have been slandered in this world for the sake of Christ, for righteousness’ sake, you will indeed receive a great reward when you get to heaven, but even now you will be numbered among the prophets of the OT. Even now, in God’s sight, you are included in the company of those who have gone before and tasted the same slander. If you have experienced this, you are in the company of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and all the prophets before you. That is splendid company in which to be numbered. The reward is not future only but comes to us even now, if we understand the blessed way in which our Lord looks at us” (RC. Sproul, An Expositional Commentary: Matthew, pg. 74).

 

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