What Does Jesus Say About Persecution and Mockery on Account of Him

Day 39

Topic: What Does Jesus Say About Persecution and Mockery on Account of Him?

Text: Mathew 5:11-12 (NKJV)

 

INTRODUCTION: 

Persecution and mockery:  By way of definition, is when a believer is met with hostility, discrimination, and ill-treatment because of what you stand for, identify with, and your belief. This is saying that when we are born again, we are a new person, spirit filled, and not conforming to our old self (2Corithians 5:17). Living a spirit filled life will meet with opposition from all premises because we are not conforming to the old self that died in Christ. Through the power of the Holy Spirit a believer starts to live Christ-like in attitudes and behavior to the point that people around him will notice the difference. Then, there will be periods of mockery and animosities, but in all this, we should count it all joy (James 1:2). 1Peter 4:14 says that if you are reproached for the sake of Christ; blessed are you.

 

LIFE LESSONS 

Endurance: James 1:12 – believers will face persecutions in diverse forms even death by proclaiming the name of Christ. Nevertheless, it is a booster to our faith and spiritual upliftment.

Faith endures persecutions and mockery. Endurance will separate us from sin and submission to the Word of God.

Transformation: Transformation is a believer that continues to metamorphose spiritually. In other words, it is a believer yielding to the power of the holy spirit. That is being fruitful in such that the believer is not living in the old self. Galatians 5: 22-25 says the fruits of the spirit is love, joy, peace longsuffering, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. 

Joy: 2 Corinthians 12:10 says believers should rejoice whenever we face mockery, discrimination, verbal abuse, and all sorts because we confess Christ as our Lord and leaving a transformed life. It is pleasing and rewarding whenever we lose friends, earthly treasure and focus on pleasing God – our creator than to gain the world (Mark 8: 38-38). 

 

 

LIFE APPLICATIONS 

Spiritual Growth: This is evidence of spiritual growth and validates that Christ lives in you. Mathew 5: 14-16 says we are the light of the world —-.  The light of God cannot be hidden.  

Evangelism: A transformed behavior is telling the world that you something changed and would be curious to know what has happened. This is moment to tell the world that I have met with Christ just like the Woman of Samaria. The woman of Samaria called her community that she met a Man that knows everything about her, and they came an met with Jesus Christ. 

Empowerment: There is breakthrough over sin. When a believer is mocked, persecuted, discriminated, and has to go through all kinds of animosities; it is indirectly telling me that I have breakthrough over the power of sin that is holding me. Romans 8: 35-37 – Nothing shall separate me from the love of Christ.

 

LESSON OF THE DAY: Romans 8: 3-5. Rejoice in the Lord!! Believers should not conform to the dictates of the world. Persecutions and mockery are a confirmation that we need to continue in the race of salvation; knowing fully well that eternal life and a glorious life is awaiting us.