I THOUGHT FOLLOWING JESUS WOULD BE EASY

Series: Upside Down Kingdom | Pastor Daniel Norris

Text: Matthew 5:10-12 (ESV)

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 

Following Jesus isn’t difficult because you’re out of His will. It’s difficult because you’re in the middle of it.

“But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.” (John 15:21, ESV)

1. Persecution is Promised

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

“For righteousness sake” 

‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.  John 15:18–20 (ESV)

Sometimes the opposition is evidence you’re exactly where God wants you to be.

2. Perseverance is Produced

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.” Matthew 5:11 (ESV)

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2–4 (NIV)

Perseverance – capacity to continue to bear up under difficult circumstances

God is often more interested in developing your character than removing your circumstances.

3. Perspective is Powerful

“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:12 (ESV)

A. Look up

“Great is your reward in heaven.”

B. Look back

“So they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

C. Look ahead

“for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

You can endure almost any pressure when you remember what’s waiting on the other side.