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Bruce Hempel continues his series on the Beatitudes, focusing on the eighth and final one concerning persecution for righteousness’ sake. He emphasizes that this teaching is meant to prepare disciples to respond faithfully when faced with opposition, viewing it not as a misfortune but as a blessing and a testimony. The sermon draws on examples from the prophet Jeremiah, a parable from Jesus, and the experience of the Apostle Paul to illustrate that persecution is a consistent reality for God’s faithful servants.
[00:00:23]The sermon focuses on the eighth Beatitude from Matthew 5:10-12, which pronounces a blessing on those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.[00:02:48]The Amish community’s response to a school shooting is cited as a modern example of being prepared through teaching to pass a severe test of faith with forgiveness.[00:05:51]An outline of the book of Jeremiah is provided to give context, explaining it contains prophetic messages, historical events, and a song of comfort.- Chapter 1 – who Jeremiah is (a priest yet a prophet)
- Chapter 2-25 – prophetic messages to Judah
- Chapter 26-28 – events that happened as he gave those messages
- Chapter 29-33 – song of comfort and hope
- Chapter 34 – prophecy that Zedekiah to die in Babylon
- Chapter 35 – faithful Rechabites
- Chapter 36-45 – how it turned out (the fall of Judah)
- Chapter 46-51 – prophecies to other nations
- Chapter 52 – epilog
[00:11:09]In Jeremiah 26, the prophet is seized and accused of being worthy of death after delivering a message calling for repentance, showing how his words were twisted.[00:14:19]In Jeremiah 38, the prophet is thrown into a muddy cistern for advising surrender to Babylon, demonstrating repeated persecution for delivering God’s word.[00:18:26]The Parable of the Wicked Tenants (Matthew 21:33-39) is presented as a prophetic story where Jesus foretells his own death, identifying the prophets as the servants who were beaten and killed.[00:22:19]In Acts 14:19-22, Paul is stoned and left for dead but gets up, re-enters the city, and later returns to strengthen the disciples, teaching that we must enter the kingdom through many tribulations.[00:26:55]The death of God’s faithful is precious in His sight (Psalm 116:15), whether from a long life or martyrdom.[00:28:31]Mark 10:28-30 is referenced, where Jesus promises a hundredfold return in this life for what is left behind for His sake, but adds “with persecutions,” indicating it is part of the package of following Him.
Scripture References
- Matthew 5:10-12
- Jeremiah 26
- Jeremiah 38
- Matthew 21:33-39
- Acts 14:19-22
- Psalm 116:15
- Mark 10:28-30
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