Matthew 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven.
As if being blessed with the kingdom of heaven weren’t enough one might venture to ask the question, is there any earthly benefit to being persecuted for righteousness’ sake, is there any way to speed up the process and get something from our trials here on earth? Let’s take a look at what some other verses tell us about suffering and persecution… Romans 5:3-5 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. Yes, there are definitely benefits to persecutions, and we are not only supposed to get through them, but to glory in them and count them all joy, what a seemingly counterintuitive mindset to take. But we are not to take glory for ourselves because we are able to grow through the pain; rather we are to glorify God in our persecutions. 1st Peter 4:12-16 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. 1st Peter 3:13-15 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; So here we see that we have earthly benefits to persecutions, however, we must not forget to look at the heavenly perspective. 2nd Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,
heaven.
As if being blessed with the kingdom of heaven weren’t enough one might venture to ask the question, is there any earthly benefit to being persecuted for righteousness’ sake, is there any way to speed up the process and get something from our trials here on earth? Let’s take a look at what some other verses tell us about suffering and persecution… Romans 5:3-5 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. Yes, there are definitely benefits to persecutions, and we are not only supposed to get through them, but to glory in them and count them all joy, what a seemingly counterintuitive mindset to take. But we are not to take glory for ourselves because we are able to grow through the pain; rather we are to glorify God in our persecutions. 1st Peter 4:12-16 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. 1st Peter 3:13-15 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; So here we see that we have earthly benefits to persecutions, however, we must not forget to look at the heavenly perspective. 2nd Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,
Application- To not be afraid of threats, nor be troubled.” But instead to sanctify the Lord God in my heart, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks a reason for the hope that is in me, with meekness and fear;
