The Blessing No One Asks For

Obedient On the Inside – Part VIII
The Blessing No One Asks For
Matthew 5:10-12  |  Pastor Terry Wilcox

Amazingly, Jesus connects persecution with .

1. The reality.
   II Timothy 3:12
   A silent witness will avoid both criticism and .
2. The reason.
   Matthew 5:10 – “…because of righteousness…” and “…because of me…” – Matthew 5:11
   I Peter 4:15-16
   Suffering for Jesus is not the same suffering because of  .
3. The reward.
   Matthew 5:10 – “…for theirs is the kingdom of heaven…” is in the  .
   II Corinthians 4:17 – “…for great is their reward…” Eternity brings a new  to persecution. When he paid the fine, he answered the reporter’s question with, “Better to be faithful than .”
   James 1:12

When we experience persecution for his sake, we “rejoice and be glad” because:

1. It confirms our  in Jesus.
2. It connects us with those who “were commended for their .” – Hebrews 11:39
3. It crowns us with eternal .
   Never trade  for ease.

Personal Notes