22 – Bienaventurados los Que Padecen Persecución (I) – [El Sermón del Monte]

The Beatitudes: A Radical Message

Reading the Beatitudes

• The speaker reads from Matthew 5:1-12, presenting the Beatitudes, which describe the blessedness of various groups such as the poor in spirit and those who mourn.

Expectations vs. Reality

• Many listeners likely felt disappointment; they had anticipated a Messiah who would bring national benefits and elevate Israel above other nations.

• Jesus claims to be that Messiah but contradicts their expectations by emphasizing spiritual over ethnic privileges.

The Nature of True Blessing

• Christ's message focuses on individual qualities rather than group identity; He does not promise blessings based on being Jewish.

• Instead of affirming their hopes for political power or material wealth, Jesus highlights spiritual attributes like humility and mercy.

Spiritual Kingdom vs. Earthly Aspirations

• The kingdom Jesus offers is spiritual, promising consolation and communion with God rather than earthly riches or political influence.

• This perspective challenges worldly views held by both ancient Jews and modern dispensationalist theologians regarding what constitutes true happiness.

True Happiness Defined

• According to Christ, genuine happiness comes from forgiveness of sins and acceptance by God, not from material possessions or social status.

• David’s Psalm 32 emphasizes that only those whose transgressions are forgiven can experience true joy.

Understanding the Kingdom of God

• Paul clarifies in Romans 14:17 that God's kingdom is about justice, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit—not physical sustenance or earthly concerns.

• Those seeking additional benefits beyond what Christ offers will find themselves disappointed; His focus remains on spiritual fulfillment.

Conclusion on the Last Beatitude

Sermon on the Mount: The Beatitudes and Persecution

Understanding the Final Beatitude

• The sermon concludes with a focus on those who suffer persecution for righteousness, emphasizing that they are blessed as they will inherit the kingdom of heaven.

• This beatitude is unique as it elaborates more than previous ones, indicating a deeper understanding of the implications of being persecuted for faith.

• Unlike earlier beatitudes which state conditions simply, this one warns against false hopes often propagated by prosperity gospel preachers. Jesus clarifies that following Him does not guarantee an absence of problems.

The Nature of Christian Character and Worldly Reaction

• The previous beatitudes describe the essence and aspirations of Christians, while this one shifts focus to how the world reacts to these virtues. It highlights that true Christian character may lead to persecution rather than acclaim.

• Jesus warns that as believers embody His teachings, they will face increasing hostility from society, contradicting expectations of universal praise for virtuous living.

Evaluating Faith Through Persecution

• This beatitude encourages self-reflection on one's faith based on external reactions rather than internal qualities alone; it prompts believers to consider how their faith is perceived in a hostile world.

• It serves both as a means for self-evaluation and comfort for those experiencing persecution due to their beliefs, affirming their place in God's kingdom despite worldly suffering.

Reality of Persecution in Christian Life

• Christ asserts that true children of God have always faced persecution; this reality is consistent throughout biblical history and continues today. Believers should expect opposition as part of their spiritual journey.

• The Greek verb used indicates ongoing persecution—blessed are those who have been and continue to be persecuted—highlighting its persistent nature throughout time.

Historical Context and Examples

• Biblical examples illustrate this paradox where righteous individuals like Abel faced severe consequences (e.g., murder) due to their virtue; such narratives confirm the historical truth about suffering for righteousness' sake.

Persecution of Christians Throughout History

Historical Context of Persecution

• The suffering and persecution faced by early Christians were not exclusive to the Apostles; they endured significant hardships under Roman rule.

• John Fox's "Book of Martyrs" highlights the atrocities committed by the Roman Catholic Church, particularly during the Inquisition, which surpassed even pagan persecutions.

• The papal church wielded power over God's church for centuries, leading to widespread oppression and violence against dissenters like the Waldensians in France.

• Puritans in England also faced severe persecution for their commitment to pure worship, exemplified by William Tyndale's execution in 1536 under King Henry VIII.

• Queen Mary I's reign is marked by her brutal efforts to restore Roman Catholicism, earning her the title "Bloody Mary" due to her violent actions against Puritans.

The Nature of Christian Persecution

• True followers of Christ have historically been persecuted, reflecting Jesus' own experiences with hatred despite His innocence and love.

• Jesus warned His disciples that if they were hated, it was because He was first hated by the world (John 15:18-20). This indicates a fundamental aspect of Christian life—persecution is expected.

• Paul emphasized that entering God's kingdom requires enduring many tribulations (Acts 14:22), reinforcing that suffering is an integral part of faith.

Reasons Behind Persecution

• Christians are blessed when persecuted for righteousness' sake; this specific cause distinguishes their suffering from other forms of persecution.

• Not all who suffer are blessed; Jesus specified that only those persecuted for justice receive His blessing (Matthew 5:10). Thus, context matters significantly in understanding persecution.

• Examples like Martin Luther King Jr., who fought against racial segregation at great personal cost, illustrate noble causes but do not equate with gospel-centered persecution as defined by Christ.

Misconceptions About Persecution

• It’s crucial to differentiate between various types of social injustices and the specific spiritual calling associated with Christian persecution; fighting discrimination does not inherently align with evangelistic missions.

Understanding Persecution and Wisdom in Faith

The Nature of Persecution

• The concept of superiority often leads to antagonism between different nationalities, but the discussion here focuses on a different type of persecution.

• Jesus warns Christians in Matthew 10:16 about being sent as sheep among wolves, emphasizing the need for prudence and simplicity in their conduct.

• Some professing Christians ignore these warnings, leading to imprudent actions that result in persecution due to their fanatical behavior rather than genuine faith.

Misunderstanding Persecution

• There are instances where individuals create disturbances under the guise of promoting the gospel, which can lead to ridicule rather than true suffering for Christ.

• Such actions are not considered true faith; instead, they reflect a lack of wisdom and prudence as advised by Christ.

• True blessedness comes from suffering for righteousness' sake, not from imprudence or fanaticism.

The Importance of Gentleness and Timing

• Philippians 4:5 emphasizes that gentleness should be known to all men; aggressive preaching is discouraged.

• Paul advises that our words should be seasoned with grace so we know how to respond appropriately in various situations.

• Preaching the gospel must be context-sensitive; sometimes it’s wiser to wait for an opportune moment rather than confront a hostile group directly.

Understanding True Suffering

• When faced with opposition from non-believers, it may be more effective to engage individuals separately rather than as a group due to collective resistance against change.

• If one suffers due to lack of wisdom or inappropriate communication methods, this does not align with the blessedness described by Jesus regarding suffering for justice's sake.

Biblical Clarification on Suffering

• Jesus specifically states that those who suffer for righteousness are blessed; other forms of suffering do not carry this promise.

• John Brown notes that "for righteousness' sake" means suffering due to adherence to Christian beliefs and duties.

Persecution of Christians: Understanding the Reasons

The Nature of Persecution

• The world hates Christ, and consequently, it also hates those who resemble Him. This concept is rooted in John 15:18, where Jesus teaches that if the world hates His followers, it is because they first hated Him.

• Christians face persecution primarily because they embody Christ-like behavior and live for Him. The intensity of this persecution can vary from rejection and mockery to physical harm or even death.

Reasons for Christian Persecution

• The world paradoxically praises human goodness while simultaneously persecuting Christians. This contradiction arises from three fundamental reasons:

• First, the conduct of Christians exposes the moral failings of others.

• According to John 3:19-20, people prefer darkness over light because their deeds are evil; thus, they hate Christians who represent that light.

Evidence Against the World

• In John 7:7, Jesus explains that He is hated by the world because He testifies against its evil works. This testimony serves as a mirror reflecting the world's shortcomings.

Distinction Between Nobility and Righteousness

• Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones notes that noble individuals are rarely persecuted since they reflect common human ideals. However, true righteousness often leads to persecution due to its inherent difference from societal norms.

• People admire nobility but resent those who challenge their comfort zones through righteous living. For instance, Jesus was rejected not for being good but for being different.

Internal Church Dynamics

• Within churches, there can be tension when one believer's commitment challenges another's complacency. Those striving for deeper faith may be viewed as extreme or excessive by others who feel threatened by such standards.

• A specific example illustrates how a faithful believer’s adherence to biblical principles can provoke discomfort among peers who do not wish to confront their own spiritual inadequacies.

Understanding Persecution and Isolation in the Church

The Role of Talents and Mission

• The mission of believers involves using their intellect, gifts, and talents to serve others, which is independent of temperament. This highlights a call to action for faithful Christians amidst challenges.

Criticism from Within the Church

• Those who begin to stray from obedience often start criticizing the church, perceiving faults everywhere as an excuse for their actions. This reflects a common pattern among believers facing isolation or persecution.

The World's Reaction to Christian Values

• The world reacts negatively towards Christians because their lifestyle exposes moral failings in society, leading to hostility against them. This aligns with 1 Peter 4:4, where non-believers find it strange that Christians do not partake in certain behaviors.

Absolute Truth vs. Moral Relativism

• Christians face backlash for holding absolute truths regarding salvation and morality; they are accused of being narrow-minded for insisting on non-negotiable values. This tension illustrates a fundamental clash between secular views and Christian doctrine.

Mercy and Truth in Faith

• Believers are encouraged not to sacrifice truth for mercy; both should be held together as essential aspects of faith (Proverbs 3:3). This balance is crucial despite societal pressures that promote relativism over absolutes.

The Consequences of Moral Stance

Defending Absolute Truth

• There is a clear distinction between truth claims; if one belief system is true, others cannot be simultaneously valid. This assertion emphasizes the importance of standing firm on biblical truths despite societal pushback against perceived dogmatism.

Ongoing Condemnation of Sin

• Christians must continue to label sin as sin regardless of societal acceptance or rejection; this commitment persists until Christ's return, reflecting unwavering adherence to scriptural teachings despite external criticism.

Persecution as Part of Christian Identity

Warning Against Moral Confusion

• Isaiah warns against those who confuse good with evil; this serves as a cautionary note about societal trends that challenge biblical morality while emphasizing the need for clarity in moral judgments among believers.

Dual Paternities: Children of God vs. Children of the World

• Ultimately, individuals belong either to God or Satan; this binary perspective underscores the spiritual conflict inherent in Christian identity and its implications for how believers are treated by society at large (Revelation 2:10).

Encouragement Amidst Suffering

Perspective on Suffering

• Jesus reassures believers facing persecution that suffering will come but encourages them not to fear it; He promises eternal rewards for faithfulness even amid trials (Revelation 2:10). This message provides hope during difficult times faced by Christians today.

Spiritual Warfare Context

Understanding Persecution in the Context of Faith

The Nature of Spiritual Conflict

• The speaker references Galatians 4:28-29, drawing a parallel between Isaac (the child of promise) and the ongoing spiritual conflict where Ishmael (born of the flesh) persecutes Isaac (born of the Spirit).

• It is emphasized that throughout history, persecution faced by God's people often masquerades as religious zeal, highlighting a deeper spiritual battle between the "seed of the serpent" and "the seed of the woman."

Deception and Misguided Zeal

• The speaker warns about Satan's cunning nature, noting how he deceives even his own followers into believing they are serving God while actually opposing His true people.

• A reference to John 16:1-3 illustrates that those who persecute Christians may think they are doing God's work but are misled due to their lack of knowledge about God.

Historical Examples of Persecution

• The speaker recounts historical events such as the massacre of Huguenots during the Reformation, where perpetrators celebrated their actions under a guise of religious victory, demonstrating extreme misinterpretation of faith.

Self-reflection on Faith and Actions

• A reflective question is posed to listeners regarding their own stance—whether they identify more with being persecuted for righteousness or as a persecutor themselves.

• The speaker challenges individuals to consider if they rationalize sin or dismiss calls for holiness as exaggerations from evangelical leaders.

Growth in Righteousness

• True Christians strive for justice and growth in righteousness rather than conforming to worldly standards; this pursuit leads them closer to Christ’s image.

• Proverbs is cited to illustrate that the path of righteousness is progressive and transformative, leading believers toward perfection over time through divine guidance.

Assurance Through Faith

• Emphasis is placed on Christ's righteousness being credited to believers through faith, which assures them forgiveness and acceptance before God.