Lesson # 9

Translations of Matthew 5:10Translations of Matthew 5:10• Matt 5:10-12 (KJV) 10 Blessed are they which

are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

• (Matthew 5:10 NKJV) “Blessed are those who are those who areare persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Translations of Matthew 5:10Translations of Matthew 5:10• Blessed are they that have been they that have been

persecutedpersecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ASV

• God blesses those people who are those people who are treated badly for doing righttreated badly for doing right. They belong to the kingdom of heaven. CEV

• Happy are those who are persecuted persecuted because they do what God requiresbecause they do what God requires; the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them! GNB

• Blessed are they who are persecutedwho are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. NAB

Translations of Matthew 5:10Translations of Matthew 5:10• “Blessed are those who have been persecutedwho have been persecuted

for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. NASB

• Those who are treated badly for doing goodtreated badly for doing good are happy, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. (NCV)

• Blessed are those who are persecuted because because of righteousnessof righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. NIV

• God blesses those who are persecuted those who are persecuted because they live for Godbecause they live for God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. New Living Translation

• “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. RSV

The Raw Biblical Data of Matthew 5:10The Raw Biblical Data of Matthew 5:10• Blessed 3107 are they which 1377 5772 are

1377 5772 persecuted 1377 5772 for 1752 righteousness’ sake: 1343 for 3754 theirs 846 is 2076 5748 the kingdom 932 of heaven. 3772 11Blessed 3107 are ye, 2075 5748 when 3752 men shall revile 3679 5661 you, 5209 and 2532 persecute 1377 5661 you, and 2532 shall say 2036 5632 all manner 3956 of evil 4190 4487 against 2596 you 5216 falsely 5574 5730 , for my sake. 1752 1700 12Rejoice, 5463 5720 and 2532 be exceeding glad: 21 5737 for 3754 great 4183 is your 5216 reward 3408 in 1722 heaven: 3772 for 1063 so 3779 persecuted they 1377 5656 the prophets 4396 which 3588 were before 4253 you. 5216 – The King James Version with Strongs Voice and

Mood numbers, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

The Raw Biblical Data of Matthew 5:10The Raw Biblical Data of Matthew 5:10• Blessed 3107 are they which 1377 5772 are

1377 5772 persecuted 1377 5772 for 1752 righteousness’ sake: 1343 for 3754 theirs 846 is 2076 5748 the kingdom 932 of heaven. 3772 11Blessed 3107 are ye, 2075 5748 when 3752 men shall revile 3679 5661 you, 5209 and 2532 persecute 1377 5661 you, and 2532 shall say 2036 5632 all manner 3956 of evil 4190 4487 against 2596 you 5216 falsely 5574 5730 , for my sake. 1752 1700 12Rejoice, 5463 5720 and 2532 be exceeding glad: 21 5737 for 3754 great 4183 is your 5216 reward 3408 in 1722 heaven: 3772 for 1063 so 3779 persecuted they 1377 5656 the prophets 4396 which 3588 were before 4253 you. 5216 – The King James Version with Strongs Voice and

Mood numbers, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

What is persecution? • 1377 dioko { dee-o’-ko} • a prolonged (and causative) form of a primary verb dio (to flee,

cf the base of 1169 and 1249); TDNT - 2:229,177; v• AV - persecute 28, follow after 6, follow 4, suffer persecution 3,

misc 3; 44

• GK - 1503 { diwvkw }• 1) to make to run or flee, put to flight, drive away• 2) to run swiftly in order to catch a person or thing, to run

after– 2a) to press on: figuratively of one who in a race runs swiftly to

reach the goal– 2b) to pursue (in a hostile manner)

• 3) in any way whatever to harass, trouble, molest one– 3a) to persecute– 3b) to be mistreated, suffer persecution on account of something

• 4) without the idea of hostility, to run after, follow after: someone

• 5) metaph., to pursue• 5a) to seek after eagerly, earnestly endeavour to acquire

– Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon, (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.) 1995.

The Raw Biblical Data of Matthew 5:10The Raw Biblical Data of Matthew 5:10

• 1343 dikaiosune { dik-ah-yos-oo’-nay} • from 1342; TDNT - 2:192,168; n f• AV - righteousness 92; 92

• GK - 1466 {dikaiosuvnh}• 1) in a broad sense: state of him who is

as he ought to be, righteousness, the condition acceptable to God– 1a) the doctrine concerning the way in which

man may attain a state approved of God– 1b) integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness,

correctness of thinking feeling, and acting• 2) in a narrower sense, justice or the

virtue which gives each his due– Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon, (Oak Harbor,

WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.) 1995.

The Raw Biblical Data of Matthew 5:10The Raw Biblical Data of Matthew 5:10

Understanding Matthew 5:10Understanding Matthew 5:10• One thing we have stressed thus far in

our studies of the beatitudes is that Jesus is relating things that pertain to the “kingdom of heaven”, the very kingdom Jesus had been preaching as “at hand”. – The principles so far show that the nature

of this kingdom is spiritual, pertaining to the heart.

– When this kingdom is in the heart it changes the very heart and life of the individual and gives him new priorities and values.

• In the final beatitude of this series, we notice that even the outlook is changed regarding rejection and persecution.

Understanding Matthew 5:10Understanding Matthew 5:10• In being one of Jesus’ disciples, each

person takes up his cross daily (Luke 9:23).– The cross stands for the suffering

involved in living for Christ (Matt. 10:21-22).

• The Christian gladly endures persecution for the sake of righteousness knowing that no form of persecution can separate him from God’s love and promise of salvation (Rom. 8:35-39; cf. Matt. 5:10-12).

Understanding Matthew 5:10Understanding Matthew 5:10• (1 Thessalonians 3:2-3 NKJV) “and

sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, {3} that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to thiswe are appointed to this.”

• (2 Timothy 3:12 NKJV) “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecutionwill suffer persecution.”

Understanding Matthew 5:10Understanding Matthew 5:10• How will you respond to your God given

appointment? • Jesus wants you to know about it ahead of

time so you can think about it and be prepared. (Jn 15:18-21)– (John 15:18-21 NKJV) “”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.”

Understanding Matthew 5:10Understanding Matthew 5:10PERSECUTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS’ SAKE.

• Jesus Lived For the Sake of Righteousness.– Those who hate what He stood for, will hate what

we stand for. – He came to always do the will of God.

• Matt 3:15 - “But Jesus answered and said to him, "Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he allowed Him. (NKJ)

• He expects righteousness to be top priority for His people.– 1 Pet 3:14 - But even if you should suffer for

righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled." (NKJ)

– I Jn 2:29 - If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him. (NKJ)

– I Jn 3:7 - Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. (NKJ)

Understanding Matthew 5:10Understanding Matthew 5:10PERSECUTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS’ SAKE.

• Persecution Is Part of Standing Up For Right.– It is right to believe in Jesus.– It is right to follow His commands.– In many countries today, it is a crime

to be a Christian.– In time, we may see more in this

country IF you really stand up for the sake or cause of RIGHTEOUSNESS.

– In China, Christians are meeting underground.

Understanding Matthew 5:10Understanding Matthew 5:10• Why Should Christians Expect

Persecution?– What happens when you suddenly turn a

bright light on those who have been asleep in the darkness? Do they like the light? Jno.3:20

– People do not like to be reminded that their deeds are evil. Jno.7:7

– Error is broad. Truth is narrow. Jno.14:6; 15:18-25

– Preaching truth results in rejection and persecution. If we tell them they are all right, they will love us.

– Truth demands change. Error preaches that no change is needed. 2Chron.18:6-7

– Jesus can divide families. Matt.10:34-36

Understanding Matthew 5:10Understanding Matthew 5:10• Be Sure The Reason You Are

Persecuted Is For Righteousness’ Sake, and Not for Self-righteousness or Evil.– Sometimes must suffer for wrong-

doing. •1 Pet.2:20. Make sure you do not have

to suffer because you sinned.

– But, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed. 1 Pet.4:15-16

Understanding Matthew 5:10Understanding Matthew 5:10• HOW TO THINK ABOUT PERSECUTION.

– Persecution means that you have really taken a stand.•You are making your calling and election

sure.•You really belong to the kingdom of God.•You really hold righteousness up as a

light to the world.•You have put yourself in the best of

company. So persecuted they the prophets...

– You really believe in Jesus and have made Him preeminent in your life.

Understanding Matthew 5:10Understanding Matthew 5:10• HOW TO THINK ABOUT PERSECUTION.

• There Is Comfort In Persecution.– You can realize that it is a privilege to

suffer for the One Who suffered for you.– It is a way to show Him how much you love

Him. Phil.1:29– You are blessed. The Spirit of God rests on

you. 1 Pet.4:14– It can tell the true quality of your faith and

purify it. 1Pet.1:6– It can put things in a better perspective. 2

Cor.4:17-18

• You know your reward is well worth it. Great is your reward in heaven.

The Reward Of Matthew 5:10The Reward Of Matthew 5:10• Types of Persecution: What are the several kinds of

persecution? There is a twofold persecution; a persecution of the hand; a persecution of the tongue. – A persecution of the hand.

• 'Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted?' (Acts 7:52).

• 'For thy sake we are killed all the day long' (Romans 8: 36; Galatians 4: 29).

– This we call a bloody persecution, when the people of God are persecuted with fire and sword.

• We read of the ten persecutions in the time of Nero, Domitian, Trajan etc.; and of the Marian persecution.

• England for five years drank a cup of blood and lately Piedmont and the confines of Bohemia have been scourged to death with the rod of the persecutor.

• God’s Church has always, like Abraham’s ram, been tied in a bush of thorns.

The Reward Of Matthew 5:10The Reward Of Matthew 5:10• The persecution of the tongue, which is twofold.

– Reviling. This few think of or lay to heart, but it is called in the text, persecution. 'When men shall revile you and persecute you’.

– This is tongue persecution. 'His words were drawn swords’ (Psalm 55:21).

– You may kill a man as well in his name as in his person.

– A good name is as 'precious ointment’ (Ecclesiastes 7: 1).

– A good conscience and a good name is like a gold ring set with a rich diamond. Now to smite another by his name is by our Saviour called persecution.

– Thus the primitive Christians endured the persecution of the tongue.

• 'They had trial of cruel mockings’ (Hebrews 2: 36). • David was 'the song of the drunkards’ (Psalm 69:

12).

The Reward Of Matthew 5:10The Reward Of Matthew 5:10• The persecution of the tongue, which is twofold.

– Slandering. So it is in the text: 'When they shall persecute you and say all manner of evil against you falsely’. Slandering is tongue persecution. • Thus Saint Paul was slandered in his doctrine.

– Report had it that he preached, 'Men might do evil that good might come of it’ (Romans 3:8).

– Thus Christ who cast out devils was charged to have a devil (John 8: 48).

• The primitive Christians were falsely accused for killing their children and for incest.

– The primitive Christians were falsely accused for being cannibalistic – a misconception of the Lord’s Supper.

• 'They laid to my charge things that I knew not' (Psalm 35: 11)

Understanding Matthew 5:10Understanding Matthew 5:10• HOW TO AVOID PERSECUTION.

– Be A Friend of The World.• You’ll stay in the kingdom of darkness and enjoy

acceptance with worldly people, but you’ll pay for in other ways here and forever.

• Friendship with the world is enmity with God. Jas.4:4ff.

– Preach What Will Be Popular.• The false prophets said, “peace, peace”.• They tickled the ears of the people.

– Simply Do Not Stand Up For Jesus and His Righteous Principles.

• Those who live godly WILL suffer persecution at some time or another.

• Beware when all men speak well of you. – Doing better in that regard than Jesus and

Paul?

Understanding Matthew 5:10Understanding Matthew 5:10• The fact that a stand for Christ

will cost us the tears of repentance and the blood of persecution can’t be denied. – But we see here a great encourage-

ment that may keep us from fainting in the day of adversity.

– For the present, blessedblessed; for the future, crowned. •The words fall into two general parts.

– The condition of the godly in this life: “They are persecuted”.

– Their reward after this life: “Theirs is the kingdom of heaven”.

In ConclusionIn Conclusion• In trying to be liked by everyone, we reveal

what really “rules” in our hearts.– We reveal that “righteousness” is not our

primary interest. – Therefore, the kingdom of God is not within

us, ruling and prioritizing and setting the standards for a misguided and lost world.

• When we have greater concerns than standing for right, God is only a side interest, and He had better not get in our way. – Theirs is NOT the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:10-12Matthew 5:10-12“Blessed are they which

are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye,

when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and

shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my

sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for

so persecuted they the prophets which were before

you..”The King James Version, The King James Version,

(Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.(Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.