"Satan loves your silent ineffectual testimony."
[This sermon is one of a series entitled "Sermon on the Mount, Concentrating on the Beatitudes," which is being preached on Sunday mornings by Pastor Tim Senter.]
Last week we talked about freedom. We talked about the cost of it and the price we found in scripture was the shedding of blood. We also found that God had to exercise or authorize power for freedom. We know it is a dear price to pay, and that we pay it regularly to maintain our earthly freedom. Today, we get back to our regular study, the Sermon on the Mount with a concentration on the Beatitudes. To refresh us in our regular study, I think we should review our last study together. We studied through verse 10 and found that the world, as it has always been, is set against God, the things of God, and the people of God. It was set against Christ when He was here on earth, and it remains set against Him today. Where we have an increasing level of acceptance of so-called Christian beliefs, there may be indications of the lack of true Christianity. We considered the people who persecute, those whom are persecuted, the reasons for this persecution, and the results thereof. We also considered the perfect example of persecution. Finally, we looked briefly at pseudo Christian persecution – persecution brought upon ourselves by our own heart, not born from the pure righteousness and service to Christ. Today, we look more specifically at persecution we might meet in our everyday lives. This is not, and does not mean, we are devaluing persecution that is suffered all over the globe today for Christ–persecution that takes more a severe form (death, imprisonment, torture, or dismemberment). Far from it, this pastor would never attempt to belittle the sufferings for Christ of any sort. We simply look specifically at the scriptures as they sit before us, and apply them to our lives. That, my dear beloved, is what we must do and what we endeavor to do today.
Our Tim’s translation for verse 11 is,
“You are contented whenever you are accused and persecuted and spoken against wickedly, you are falsely accused because of me.” For verse 12 we read, “Rejoice and be glad because the reward is great in the heavens, since indeed in the same way did they persecute the prophets, which were before you.”
Many people consider religion as a crutch. It is something that weak people need in order to make it in life. A well-known and controversial public figure, Jesse Ventura, is just such a person. He is rather outspoken concerning self-preservation, self-determination, and developing your own destiny. Just as many thousands, maybe millions, have been before him, Mr. Ventura has chosen to believe he has the power to manipulate his life anyway he wants it. Others, who do not believe in themselves, are not strong enough to be self-reliant. They are weak and need to create a god from whom to gather strength. When these people are believers in Christ–this, folks, is the persecution mentioned in these verses.
I have seen a video recently concerning the science community and all attempts to discredit, disrepute, and disrupt any attempt at the study of, or considered validity of intelligent design. One of the scientists in this video actually stated that any attempt to introduce the intelligent design theory in science was an attempt to introduce religion. The scientists that dominate our institutions today scoff at, vilify, denigrate, and manipulate the careers of anyone who even seems to hint at a possibility of intelligent design for our beginning. One well-known atheist who was interviewed went so far as to say science does not know really how our world and universe all started. It certainly was not intelligent design, though a more advanced and intelligent race from another planet may have seeded this planet. But it certainly was not God, because there is no God–so it could not be intelligent design. The scientists who do see all the real evidence (and not use evidence selectively) regularly find evidence of intelligent design. In fact, there is more evidence mounting that argues for intelligent design, than there is for evolution each day. However, those who choose to hint at believing all the evidence as it is presented, the truth thereof, are stereotyped, minimized, mocked, discounted, and specifically vilified and denied opportunities for advancement and professorships. When those scientists are believers in Christ, this is the type of persecution discussed in these passages.
Christian universities are regularly downplayed as places where individuals can receive good educations. You can only get a first-hand education at a State college, a secular university. The Christian standards are viewed as being distorted, and therefore second rate. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) specifically discounts Christian universities as institutions capable of producing good law enforcement personnel through their Criminal Justice programs. I was told that in a phone call with one of the FBI recruiters, a Christian university representative was told that their students had too much a sense of right and wrong to be good FBI agents. Because they believe there is actually right, and wrong, they were ineligible for recruitment into the FBI. This is the persecution discussed here.
There are countless other examples of this subtle “conform or suffer” persecution that takes place all over the world. Here, specifically, in our home in the United States it takes on more subtle forms. We have mentioned the actors and actresses who have berated Christians in general for their beliefs. We find more frequently that, “persecution in our country takes on a more subtle tone, but it is still persecution.” “Many think that persecution always takes a very hideously physical form, but many times it is simply psychological and verbal.”
Instead of being astonished at the world’s reaction to the gospel and its hatred of God’s people, we are to expect it.[1]
Therefore, let us look at persecution that is “closer to home.” I use this reference rather loosely folks, so please bear with me. There is a specific reason our Lord mentions types of persecution specifically. We will look today at verbal abuse that includes false accusations and hateful comments. We will also consider why many do not suffer these attacks. We will find that this is a far more personal discussion as well. In this gospel, all of the Christian attributes we have seen from “poor in spirit” through the “persecuted ones” in verse 10 have been in third person. “They,” “those,” or “the ones,” who are poor in spirit, mourning, meek, etc. have been the subject previously. In this verse, we find “you” being personally pointed at in the second person. Everyone feels this very personal, very close, and very real persecution. This is about the individual, not about Christianity as a whole. This concerns each person who feels the sting of false representation, ridicule, and defamation for Christ.
I. Verbal Abuse (11a)
I want to provide a qualifier for the beginning of this discussion. We will not be talking about persecution and tying it directly to righteousness today. We discussed righteousness and the associated persecution the last time we were together. This is a discussion about the verbal assault levied upon Christians for their faith in Jesus Christ, and especially the things Christians do as a result of this faith. The obedience one gives God and His Son Jesus Christ, the deference given to Jesus, the specific guidance sought in the Word of God, and the life one lives in this guidance are the specific reasons for persecution. Jesus Christ tells us how to live in His Word. We need only look to it for that guidance. The Christian who seeks this counsel and forgoes the things of the world is persecuted simply because he believes in Christ Jesus, and Jesus alone for salvation. We are ridiculed because we believe what scripture says that Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life,”–that no one comes to the Father except through Him. He is the bread of life and He provides life. We are admonished to fear those who can take the spirit’s life, not those who can take physical life. This faith in Christ is the focus of the persecution. For this reason Jesus is the persecuted One, not the believer.
Verbal abuse can take on many forms. It can be mixed with accusations that are intended to develop a loss of self worth. Claims by the abuser such as, “You are worthless” are a good example. These comments are usually presented in a very venomous tone, almost spat at the subject. This helps reinforce (whenever the subject does anything wrong) that they are in fact without value unless the abuser says they have value.
Many people have pointed to God’s Word specifically and said that it “brain washes people” by using this very form of abuse. Those who accuse God of maniacal, chauvinistic, and dictatorial tendencies claim He uses these very tactics to convince Christians of their utter depravity, therefore developing dependency upon Him for all things. There are some differences in the verbal abuser, and God. First, God only asks us to honor Him, and in doing so, He rewards us. Second, God never blatantly calls us worthless. He simply points out that we can be much more with Him, working within His will, while pointing out that He created us for His great glory – with purpose in mind. Third, God created us and, in this position, has rights over us that no other being has. Fourth, unlike the verbal abuser of our world, God actually has power over us whether you choose to submit to Him or not. Those who are verbally or psychologically dominated, fall prey because they choose to submit to this. All of us in Christ are free to choose to submit to God or not. When we do submit, we glorify Him better than when we rebel.
So, you ask, what does all this have to do with the persecution mentioned here in verse 11 where, “men revile you”? First, let us consider disparagement.
A. Disparagement
When the Christian seeks employment with any major retailer, they will find that working on Sunday is a requirement. When we first moved to Greenville, South Carolina, so that I could enter Seminary, Chris and I considered where she would work. Leigh was a senior in High School, and would soon be in College. Our lives were changing for the Lord in many ways, and Chris felt she would be the better choice to contribute toward most of the family’s needs by seeking employment. Her experience is in retail and crafts, therefore, some major craft store chains were prime targets. As we prayed and considered this though, we also considered her availability to worship on Sunday. We knew that she would be required to work Sundays, and thought that this was not the avenue we should seek. We knew that there would be a major conflict with her working retail and our honoring the Lord in worship. I often wondered how many individuals in interviews with these organizations received a response or label of “worthless” when they asked for Sunday and Wednesday nights off to worship. I could picture the interviewer saying words to the effect that, “if you are not available for weekends, you are of no value to the organization.” Of course, many have become more savvy over time and simply do not consider candidates who ask for these days off, for whatever reason. This way they cannot be accused of discrimination. The fact remains, if you are not one who will conform to the world’s expectations, you will suffer this type of persecution.
The FBI example in my introduction is another form of this disparaging persecution. I have been involved with security for a number of years and, honestly, I think individuals in security, law enforcement, and criminal justice in general should have a sense of right or wrong. Some people have attempted to make things such as prostitution and drug abuse legal under the auspices that people are going to do it anyway, why not legalize it? This, I think, is where the world misses the mark, and the FBI wants to remain objective. To the FBI there can be no real right and wrong, because their definition depends upon man. Right and wrong to man is ever changing, never constant, and seldom is rational or commonsensical.
Let me present a juxtaposition of man’s logic, and God’s logic as represented by the obedient and submitted Christian. Take the claim to legalize prostitution. It is a matter of morality, biblically. To the Christian there is no question; prostitution must be illegal because it is immoral. God gives woman and man to be joined in marriage to glorify Him and any sexual activity outside of marriage is sin (1 Cor 7). To man it is simply a matter of practice. Man claims that people are going to do it anyway, why not make it legal then? If it is well regulated, it can be safe. The question should be asked then to man, rationally and commonsensically–people are going to commit murder, pedophilia, rape, and other crimes whether it is legal or not; therefore, why do we not abolish laws against these crimes? The Christian knows that laws govern and bring order to society, and God’s laws are always consistent. If murder, pedophilia, and rape were permitted, society would be chaotic. The Christian knows that a society without morality is equally as chaotic, in disorder, disarray, and dysfunctional.
Consider the extended version of the unbeliever’s logic. To non-Christians, they can manage things according to personal preference. The unbeliever claims biblical laws are based on Christian beliefs alone and therefore cannot properly apply to secular society. Christian belief, therefore, is only applicable to Christians, not society as a whole. Our beliefs are “limited in applicability and scope.” Christian beliefs are, “not for everyone.” The beliefs Christians hold to because of biblical principles are, “good for Christians, but not for everyone else.” In essence, this says that atheism and agnosticism should dominate society, not Christianity. Christians, therefore, cannot govern, they cannot be elected president, they cannot rule objectively. Christians are antisocial because of their beliefs. They believe in absolute rights and wrongs. They cannot speak of their beliefs in public, therefore, because it may offend someone. Others cannot tolerate their “great commission” because their commission is given by God. Christians are too narrow-minded, intolerant, illiberal, conservative, prejudiced, and bigoted. Christians only believe in Christian things and Christian people. Christians are told not to love the world and the things in the world (1 John 2:15-17 –access messages on this text by clicking here and here). The Christians that follow such teaching hate the world and the things of the world, therefore they are to hate all non-Christians – all the people of the world that do not believe as they do. Christians hate people.
This secularist logic is illogical, uneducated, misunderstood, and wholly misrepresents true Christianity, and it breeds persecution against the Christian. These arguments are openly presented and regularly discussed on news programs, talk shows, and in our major media outlets today.
Having discussed disparagement, we should also just look at compromise and concession.
B. Compromise
In the logic of the world, man asks, why is the Christian so dead-set against the things of the world? The average man considers himself good when compared to other men. This is akin to the Pharisee standing at the altar saying, “at least I am not as that publican.” In many ways, man wants us to compromise our Christian principles because they see no reason to compromise theirs. In other words, many men have some semblance of principled understandings and beliefs, but they expect everyone to negotiate concessions to their level. Man is essentially afraid to hold others to a higher level because he sees no way to hold a high standard himself. Concession is the only way to continually be satisfied that one has at least succeeded at some level. God’s standard is high. Man cannot meet it. Compromising on the standards given in scripture then says that God will compromise on His standards to permit others to be with Him. God, unfortunately for the unsaved man, is an absolutist. God’s standard will be met. There is no compromise. The Christian gets into trouble when they hold to God’s standards, and man is convicted in the true righteousness of the principle. If the Christian worker maintains uncompromising ethics in the work place, goes the extra mile to complete all the repairs needed, whether paid for this work or not, then others in the shop are threatened because their lax principles are highlighted. Therefore, the brilliant beacon of light the Christian sheds upon black deceptive sin illuminates the lack of character and ethics in some. This draws persecution.
How many of you have been asked, “Are you some kind of goody two shoes?” “You are too nit picky.” “Can’t you leave well enough alone?” There are Christians who are passed over for promotion because they have a well-developed view of right and wrong business practices. Christian students in public schools are openly mocked and ridiculed by teachers because their faith is an “uneducated approach to life.” Yet we find in some Michigan public school systems that a study of Islam is acceptable and encouraged to develop the child’s religious understanding.[2] Custer makes the point in his commentary that other religions are to be tolerated, but Christ, not at all.[3]
Government leaders without morals break laws, steal money, and regularly deceive people, are held up by the media as our great leaders. One president in our recent history was actually lauded for how well he could lie. Christians in government are all but ignored, which marginalizes their effectiveness. The Christian is not discussed or mentioned for fear they might shed guilt-revealing light. This is the persecution of silence. If the Christian is mentioned, their faith is questioned, not the policies for which they stand–unlike the unbeliever whose unbelief is never questioned, just the policies they stand for, and those policies are normally presented in the best possible light.
No one would, for instance, call government health care the system of assessments. In government, healthcare assessments must be made concerning patient viability in order to save money. The older you are, the lesser chance you have of receiving care for severe illnesses. No one would call abortion infanticide, or murder by choice, or child abuse in the womb. Christians will, and do.
When a Christian is asked questions, the questions are aimed at revealing some perceived negative aspect of Christianity; and if the Christian does not answer the question as expected, the interviewer will interject a supposition as an attempt to besmirch the one being interviewed. We found this with respect to questions Mike Huckabee received during the Presidential campaign in 2008. He was repeatedly asked about his faith, and about his views concerning creationism. Commentators interjected questions about proper teaching in schools. Was Mr. Huckabee advocating teaching Bible in school, and was he, in his belief of creation, going to subject the country to a theocracy? These are ludicrous questions, considering that no non-believer was ever asked if they were going to subject the country to atheistic or agnostic beliefs.
That should also enlighten something for us. If an individual is not therefore antagonized for their faith in some way, are they then recognized for faith in Christ? The answer is no. We should not be content when we do not suffer some sort of societal or political persecution.
C. Why
The question we have to ask is, why is this type of persecution specifically identified by the Lord in this scripture? Why does He address verbal abuse, false accusations, and general evil oriented toward the Christian? The answer, folks, is actually very simple. These attacks are what hurt the most: they are the most frequently experienced, and this type of persecution is more likely to elicit a response from you that is not Christlike. James tells us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to answer. Have you ever wondered why the scripture says, “slow to answer” just after “slow to speak” if you are already speaking to answer? The reason is if you listen carefully, not only can you answer the questions, but also your speech, if it is done slowly, and properly, more effectively glorifies God. Speaking quickly is a response that is not normally born from truth, but from reaction. People like the quick fix for things, but for the Christian this can be devastating.
When someone verbally assaults you, tells lies about you, intentionally misrepresents you, or even innocently does so, you are immediately on alert for defense. This is an improper attitude, and it is this improper attitude that is in focus here. You should be contented, not angry, when people assault you verbally. A kind word turns away wrath. We should be understanding when people attack us because they do not believe. We are to mourn for the souls of the lost and encourage them in Christ. Christians should show the love of Christ to all those who would attack. We are commanded to love our enemies. Every individual who attacks you for Christianity is a minion of the Evil one, and you are to love them. The most loving thing you can do for them is to show them the Savior, not the sinful nature within yourself.
The reason, therefore, that our Savior specifically points this persecution out is because we are most apt to destroy our testimony in Christ with this kind of persecution than any other. We are more likely to feel irreparable emotional pain with this type of attack than any other. God experiences this type of pain with each denial of His being. He knows how much it hurts, and He is preparing us for this pain. These attacks become very personal, they are very stinging. A few choice words by anyone can forever damage another person. That goes for the Christian, as well as the unbeliever.
How then are we to handle these things if they are so painful, if it is so disruptive, if we are so challenged by this personally?
II. Rejoice (12)
Folks – you should rejoice and be glad. Note first in verse 12 that both of the words “rejoice” and “be exceeding glad” are actually amplifications of one another, and they are both imperatives. It is as if to say, “rejoice and be extremely joyful.” It is a command of God that we be glad to receive this persecution. Second, we should note that there are rewards that are derived from properly handling these persecutions, in Christ. Third, you are not alone, and there have been many before you with whom you join company.
Following the commands of God is really the reason you are at this point. It is because you follow Him and not the world that you are seen as weird, anti-social, and ignorant.”. In today’s society rebellion is celebrated, anti-social behavior is a norm (as long as it is not Christian), and any extreme example of behavior is an avenue to bring fame upon oneself. To the Christian, living a life for Christ is paramount, not living life the way we want to individually. Submission and obedience are key marks of the Christian life. People are truly scared if they see someone they know to be a devout believer in Christ do something unexpected and unorthodox, and it should scare them. It should also scare the believer.
People question whether we should focus upon receiving rewards in heaven. We should note that the word translated “rewards” could also be translated “wages.” These are things that are earned. This is not to say we earn heaven–far from it. Those who undergo this persecution have already submitted to and live in the faith that will place them in heaven. This is simply an indication that those who are already destined for eternal life with God, earn more. What the wages or rewards are have not been told to us, but we earn them.
We have pointed out in the past that the act of accepting Jesus as your Savior was a selfish activity in itself – it is a form of self-preservation. Do you want to die and be smitten by God for eternity, or do you want to live with Him in Heaven? The choice should be easy, and usually is. However, the true Christian actually seeks what God would have them do with their life after this gift is taken. Christians do not take the gift for granted or as a license for misbehavior. Focusing upon the reward is what Christianity is all about. Christians focus upon living a life in heaven with the Creator God instead of dying a horrid eternal death in damnation. What will the reward be for suffering this persecution? Only the Lord knows, but it is in heaven so it cannot possibly be bad, or anything man can contemplate or dream up.
Finally, you are in league with the likes of David, Jeremiah, Moses, Elijah, Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Jonah, and many others who suffered and died for speaking the truth. The prophets that are all gone now suffered just as you will suffer today. You are in great company.
There is one other reason to rejoice and that has to do with next week’s lesson. The fact is, Jesus was first persecuted, and now as a believer, you are persecuted in His name, for being like Him. You are identified as a Christian, as a Christlike individual. You are seen as a CHRISTian. This, folks, is the greatest reason to rejoice. As we noted in “Blessed are the Persecuted,” when you are persecuted for Christ, He is seen in you and it gives you further assurance that you know Him, He knows you, and your name is in the Lamb’s Book of Life. It confirms your salvation in Christ Jesus. What a joyous thing to contemplate.
When you feel as though you are pushed out of a group because you have testified Christ, take heart. Jesus knows how you feel; He has been there. If, when you enter a room everyone hushes because they know you would not approve of the conversation, take heart. Jesus knows just how you feel, He has been there. When certain people will not share things with you, associate with you, and seem to always be defensive around you concerning their personal habits, take care. Jesus knows how you feel, He’s been there. In fact, folks, Jesus experiences this every day with every person on the face of the earth, even some Christians. Jesus felt the pressure of false representation, false witness, deceivers, and even very powerful people schemed, connived, and contrived to kill Him by both character assassination and physical destruction.
The question is, have you ever felt this level of persecution? This can be the most subtle you may experience, and it will be difficult to wait for your day to open a discussion of Christ with the persecutor(s). It can be a very ” in your face” frontal assault concerning your character, your ethics, or your attitude. Either way, when it happens you must count it all for Christ, because to live is Christ, therefore to die is for gain. Our whole life is bent upon pleasing a God not of this world so we can be in His heaven. Have you been persecuted? If not, what testimony are you putting forward concerning your life? I submit to you, if you do not experience this persecution, if it is not evident in your life, if you have not fallen prey to it, you are not seen as CHRISTian. Your life is not seen as one related to, oriented toward, or identified with Christ. That, folks, is a problem you have, not a blessing that you remain untested. Satan loves your silent ineffectual testimony.
[1] Phillips, John, Exploring the Gospel of Matthew, An Expository Commentary, Kregel: Grand Rapids, 1999. p 91.
[2] http://www.crossroad.to/articles2/08/textbook.htm – This article reviews a seventh grade textbook and documents the disparagement and misrepresentation of Christianity in history as opposed to the pass received by Islam in the factual blood letting development and violent beginnings. There appears to be no mention of the continuing growth and loyalty that Islam extorts from people through innocent bloodshed, threat, and hatred.
[3] Stewart Custer, The Gospel of the King: A Commentary on Matthew (Greenville: BJU Press, 2005), 69.
