Title: Is It Worth It

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February 24, 2002 - Matthew 5.1-2, 11-12

Open It

  1. What insults have you had to bear for Jesus?
  2. Why do you think that some individuals need to be insulting?

Explore It

  1. What unexpected command is given to Christians who are insulted, hassled, and lied about? (5:11-12)
  2. What people in history have endured nasty persecution? (5:12)
  3. What purpose, if any does the opposition of those who revile and falsely accuse serve? James 1.24
  4. What may be the result of enduring false accusations of those who would malign you? 1 Peter 2.12
  5. Why is the Christian to be a person of convictions and courage? 1 Peter 3.13-14
  6. How is the Christian to respond to personal attacks? 1 Peter 3.9
  7. What does God offer for faithfulness in the face of the malicious treatment of others? 1 Corinthians 1.8-9

Get It

  1. What is the most common type of persecution that you face?
  2. What peacemaking responses work well at diffusing hostility?
  3. How does society's list of admirable virtues compare and contrast with these kingdom virtues?
  4. How (if at all) does the promise of future blessing affect us in the present?
  5. Which of these promises means the most to you today? Why?
  6. What do you believe it means to "rejoice always" and "in all circumstances"?
  7. How is it possible for you to live in a state of "joy" in the midst or trials and trouble?
  8. What meaning do you give to the promised "reward" offered to us by God?

Apply It

  1. What work do I need to do to develop and enduring strength of character?
  2. What kind of example am I being to those who do not understand the meaning and purposes of the Christian faith?
  3. What can I do this week to bear witness to one who does not appreciate the qualities of the Christian way of life?

Notes

Jesus said to rejoice when we're persecuted. Persecution can be good because (1) it takes our eyes off earthly rewards, (2) it strips away superficial belief, (3) it strengthens the faith of those who endure, and (4) our attitude through it serves as an example to others who follow. We can be comforted to know that God's greatest prophets were persecuted (Elijah, Jeremiah, Daniel). The fact that we are being persecuted proves that we have been faithful; faithless people would be unnoticed. In the future God will reward the faithful by receiving them into his eternal kingdom where there is no more persecution.

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