Blessed Are the Persecuted

Matthew 5:10-12

Summary
All the beatitudes call for us to live a certain way, to live like Jesus. And today we find where this living leads us – of course to blessing, but, perhaps surprisingly, to persecution and suffering. On the road of blessing, happiness, inheritance, life, we find suffering. Let’s explore why we are called to this and how we are to live amid this.
 
Discussion Questions

1. Do you expect suffering and persecution for following Jesus? Why or why not?
2. What happens to your faith when following Jesus costs you something?
3. What's the difference between being persecuted “for righteousness' sake” and experiencing opposition that we may have brought on ourselves? How can you tell the difference?
4. Jesus says people may “revile” us, speak falsely about us, or reject us “on my account.” What might that look like in our everyday lives today?
5. Where in your life right now are you most tempted to hide, soften, or compromise your faith because you're concerned about what other people might think?
6. How should knowing “...great is your reward in heaven” change what we’re willing to risk or give up to faithfully follow Jesus now? Does this motivate you? Why or why not?
7. Look back at all the beatitudes. Review the sermons. Examine your heart. Are you displaying all of these in your life? Where do you need to repent and ask for the Lord’s help? Pick an issue where you need to grow and act more Christ-like -  ask the Lord to change you.