Blessed, Part 8 Today's Three-minute Bible Study Print, Study and Apply Title: Blessed, Part 8------------------------- Date: 9/8/2001 Keywords: "blessed" "persecuted" Welcome to eXXit, the web site designed to help you stand strong in the face of sexual temptation. This is part eight of a nine-part series on the "Blessed" verses from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. Passage: Matthew 5:3-11* 3. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. 10. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Question What does it mean to be persecuted because of righteousness?   Practical help Take a righteous stand on porn, and some of your co-workers, friends and even family may ridicule you. Why? Often their contempt is a veiled rationalization of their own porn habits. Agreeing with your stand would mean having to clean up their own act. Easier to scorn you, even persecute you. How does this make you blessed (see verse 10 above)? At least two ways: 1. You know the truth about porn — that it's unwise and sinful. In the long run, truth delivers more freedom and security no matter how much persecution you face (see John 8:32). 2. You belong to the kingdom of heaven, a formidable society of saints and martyrs who, through the ages, have stood strong and will live forever. Just don't be smug about your knowledge of truth and membership in the kingdom of heaven. Act haughty, and those around you have a right to scorn you. Act blessed instead. eXXit homepage Index of three-minute studies Copyright 2001 by eXXit *Scriptures are from The Holy Bible: New International Version, © Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved.