March 30, 2025
SERMON SERIES: MOVE INTO BLESSED LIVING
(A STUDY OF THE BEATITUDES) Tommy C. Higle
Matthew 5:1-12
SERMON # 9: REJOICING IN REJECTION
Matthew 5:10-12
Persecution is not a sign of defeat but a confirmation that we are on the right path. When we face opposition in ministry, we must not be discouraged but rejoice, knowing that we are partaking in Christ’s sufferings. The Gospel is unstoppable, and no amount of persecution can hinder God’s plan.
Persecution is inevitable part of ministry. Jesus Christ warned His followers that they would face opposition for proclaiming the Gospel. From the early church to modern times, believers who share the Good News of Salvation have faced resistance, rejection, and even death.
As children of God, we are called to spread the Gospel to those around us. However, when we spread the Gospel and are met with negativity, criticism, or ingratitude, it can be disheartening and make us question our worth.
Here, Jesus reminds us that the world’s reaction to our kindness is not a reflection of our worth. Instead, we should focus on God’s approval and the external rewards that await us.
Remember, Jesus was perfect, the epitome of love and integrity, and not everyone liked Him. Also, we must remember that our integrity is not measured by the world’s reaction but by God’s standard of love and character. When we focus on pleasing God rather than people, we can continue to spread kindness and love without expectation of reward or recognition.
If we live in accordance to the first seven beatitudes, we will experience the eighth (Mt. 5:10). “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heave
No one wants to be persecuted because it is a form of rejection, and we all want to be accepted. Yet, Jesus said that we can rejoice in rejection. Rejoicing in rejection are three requirements.
I. THE RIGHT REASONS FOR REJECTION
Many believers are persecuted because they deserve it. Some think they are holier-than-thou, rude, and judgmental. Jesus gives us two right reasons for rejection or persecution.
A. The first right reason for rejection or persecution is for righteousness, which means right actions. Doing what’s right that is written in God’s Word. You will be rejected or persecuted when you live an honest and ethical life in this world.
B. Jesus says the second reason for persecution is for my sake (Mt. 5:11). When you are devoted to the Lord Jesus Christ, you will be persecuted or rejected.
Rejoicing in rejection, we need to understand three requirements:
1. The Right Reasons for Rejection
II. THE TYPES OF REJECTION
Persecution – The hatred and affliction that follows the witness and holy life of God’s people in a hostile world. This how Jesus describe persecution in (Mt. 5:11). Some will attack me verbally (“revile” me), lie about me and falsely say all sorts of evil things about me, because I am a follower of Jesus. There are two primary ways Christians are persecuted today.
A. Verbal Persecution – The word reviles, or insult, us. The word revile (ONEIDIZO, o-nee-did-zo) means to defame or attack verbally. When we teach what the Bible says about marriage or sexual immorality, people will attack you and call you a trouble maker.
B. Covert Persecution – The word “covert” means concealed, hidden, or disguised. In the workplace you won’t get promoted because you will not commit adultery. Covert persecution is when you don’t get invited to certain events because of your Christian behavior. Remember what David said in (Psalm 5:12 NKJV), “For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield.”
Rejoicing in rejection, we need to understand three requirements:
1. The Right Reasons for Rejection
2. The Types of Rejection
III. THE RIGHT RESPONSE TO REJECTION
(Mt. 5:12 KJV), “Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” We have three ways to respond righteously to rejection.
A. Receive Rejection as A Compliment – When people reject you, you must be living holy. You are different, because you will overcome evil with good! (1 John 4:4c KJV), “Because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
B. Recognize The Real Culprit – How does (2 Corinthians 4:4a NKV), “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not.” The god of this world is the same person Jesus called the prince of this world (John 12:31 & 16:11) It is Satan himself who spiritually blinds people. We should pray for those people.
C. Remember The Compensation – Jesus says, for great is your reward in heaven (Mt. 5:12). Great means immeasurably great, because it is a reward that lasts for eternity. There is another reason to rejoice. We have another part of the compensation package in (Mt. 5:12b). The prophets were persecuted in the same way. This means we are in some great company. We should be exceedingly glad (5:12a) to be associated with Elijah, Elisha, and Jeremiah. Look at your neighbor and say, “Hot Diggy dog.”
Rejoicing in rejection, we need to understand three requirements:
1. The Right Reasons for Rejection
2. The Types of Rejection
3. The Right Response To rejection
Responsive Reading John 15:18-27
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