Pattern in Suffering for Righteousness

Introduction: The Necessity of Considering Christ's Example in Suffering

0:03 This sermon was preached on Sunday morning, May 13, 1990, at the Trinity Baptist Church in Montville, New Jersey. For you who are visiting with us and would not be aware of these things, we have been studying for several years in our Lord's Day morning expositions with various digressions along the way, the gospel according to Mark. And in our regular expositions of that gospel, following it paragraph by paragraph, we have been for the past several months in chapters 14 and 15, in which the events pertaining to the sufferings and the ultimate crucifixion of our Lord are set forth in great detail by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. And we know from the clear teaching of the Holy Spirit that the Lord is the only one who can do it. And we know from the clear teaching of the Holy Spirit that the Lord is the only one who can do it.

0:59 And we know from the clear teaching of the Holy Spirit that all of the indignities which our Lord underwent and all of the agonies he experienced had as their central purpose and explanation the fact that he was undergoing these agonies and undertaking all that he did as the divinely appointed substitute for the Lord. And we know from the clear teaching of the Holy Spirit that the Lord is the only one who can do it.

1:59 And we know from the clear teaching of the Holy Spirit that the Lord is the only one who can do it. And we know from the clear teaching of the Holy Spirit that the Lord is the only one who can do it.

3:00 And we know from the clear teaching of the Holy Spirit that the Lord is the only one who can do it. And we know from the clear teaching of the Holy Spirit that the Lord is the only one who can do it.

4:01 And we know from the clear teaching of the Holy Spirit that the Lord is the only one who can do it. And we know from the clear teaching of the Holy Spirit that the Lord is the only one who can do it.

5:05 And we know from the clear teaching of the Holy Spirit that the Lord is the only one who can do it. And we know from the clear teaching of the Holy Spirit that the Lord is the only one who can do it.

6:06 And we know from the clear teaching of the Holy Spirit that the Lord is the only one who can do it. And we know from the clear teaching of the Holy Spirit that the Lord is the only one who can do it.

7:07 And we know from the clear teaching of the Holy Spirit that the Lord is the only one who can do it. And we know from the clear teaching of the Holy Spirit that the Lord is the only one who can do it.

8:19 And we know from the clear teaching of the Holy Spirit that the Lord is the only one who can do it. And the words of Jesus to his people who are suffering for righteousness' sake. All of the exposition and almost all of the applications in recent months have focused upon that central foundational truth. Christ dying in our root as the substitute appointed by God to bear the sins that we might be forgiven. But lest we pass this section without pausing to contemplate our Lord amidst all of the things we have beheld in these past months.

9:35 Also as our example, I wish this morning to take up that thread of thought and to concentrate upon it for the hour that is before us. The example and words of Jesus to his people who are suffering for righteousness' sake. Now why am I taking up this subject? Well let me give you three very simple answers to that question.

Three Compelling Reasons to Address Suffering for Righteousness

10:02 Number one, because the scripture demands that we so consider our Lord Jesus Christ. The scripture demands that we consider him as the great example of suffering for righteousness. We find it in Hebrews 12, 1 to 4. In which we are exhorted to run the Christian race.

10:24 Looking off unto Jesus for consider who endured such contradiction of sinners against himself. We are commanded to consider him. In the passage I just read in your hearing, verse 21 of 1 Peter. We are told that Christ has suffered leaving us an example that we should follow his steps.

10:52 So the scripture demands that we consider Christ. As our example of suffering in the way of righteousness. And furthermore Jesus said that when men are made disciples according to Matthew 28, 20. They are to be taught whatsoever he commanded.

11:11 And he has some very specific commands to his people with reference to what they are and are not to do when they suffer in the way of righteousness. So any ministry committed to teaching. And preaching the whole council of God will sooner or later have to address this subject. Scripture demands that we consider the subject.

11:35 Secondly, the scriptures affirm that all Christians will suffer in the way of righteousness. The scriptures affirm that all Christians will suffer in the way of righteousness. When Jesus is giving that beautiful composite picture. Of the character traits of true disciples in what we call the Beatitudes.

12:00 He concludes those Beatitudes, those eight blesseds in Matthew 5 verses 10 through 12 with these words. Blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness sake. For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. The kingdom of heaven belongs to a people who will be persecuted for righteousness.

12:25 Blessed are you when men shall reproach you and persecute you and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. You see a subject like this must sooner or later be considered because the scripture affirms that all true Christians will suffer in the way of righteousness. And that affirmation is given also in 2nd Timothy 3.12.

12:52 For all who will live godly in Christ. Jesus shall suffer persecution. All who will live godly in Christ. Jesus shall suffer persecution.

13:08 And the key words are all and shall.

13:14 Godly in Christ. And if you're truly in Christ you will live godly. For without holiness no man shall see the Lord. This is not talking about two levels of Christians.

13:23 It's saying all who live godly in Christ. Jesus shall suffer persecution. And therefore it's crucial that we know how we are to respond to that opposition and persecution in the way of righteousness. And then the third reason I take up the subject is this.

13:43 Because the scriptures indicate that there are special seasons of concentrated suffering in the way of righteousness.

13:52 The scriptures indicate that there are special seasons of concentrated suffering in the way of righteousness. That's why Peter goes on to say in his epistle. 1 Peter chapter 4 and verse 12. Beloved think it not strange concerning the fiery trial among you which cometh upon you to prove you.

14:13 But in so much as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings rejoice. He tells them that an unusually concentrated season of suffering in the way of righteousness is about to come upon them. Many of them were already suffering. Many of them were already suffering.

14:30 Many of them were already suffering. Many of them were already suffering. Many of them were already suffering. Many of them were already suffering.

14:31 He opens up the very epistle by saying right now though you have not seen Christ you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. Though for happiness through manifold trials. But he tells them that another concentrated season of suffering is about to come upon them. Jesus said the same thing to his own disciples in John 16 1 and 2.

14:55 He had warned them in the middle part of chapter 15 that a servant is not above his master nor the disciple above his team. He had warned them in the middle part of chapter 15 that a servant is not above his master nor the disciple above his team. He had warned them in the middle part of chapter 15 that a servant is not above his master nor the disciple above his team. And he says that if they persecuted me they'll persecute you.

15:08 And he goes on in chapter 16 to say the time will come when those who kill you will think they are doing service to God. He said a time of unusual concentrated opposition will come upon you. So sooner or later in the life of every believer in the life of the people of God. And we see it in the book of Acts.

15:29 A period of relative peace in the opening chapters. Then emerges. persecution which comes to its apex under the mad dog vicious murderous spirit of the unconverted Saul of Tarsus breathing threatenings and slaughters the scripture says graphic language but then when the Lord saves him they have a relative period of peace then had all the churches in Judea peace and were multiplied walking in the fear of God and in the Holy Spirit so dear brethren I take up this subject for those three compelling reasons I take it up because scripture demands that we address it I take it up because every believer will experience opposition and suffering in the way of righteousness I take it up because the scriptures indicate there are special seasons of concentrated suffering in the way of righteousness and to be forewarned is to be forearmed now then how do we in one message in the time allotted even begin to address this subject that is treated with such fullness in the word of God well what I want to attempt to do is to set before you from the scriptures that both the example in the words of Jesus with regard to this issue

Negative Directives: What We Are NOT to Do When Suffering

16:58 come to us in two simple categories the negative what we are not to do when we suffer in the way of righteousness the positive what we are to do when we suffer in the way of righteousness first of all then the negative what we are not to do in the face of suffering in the way of righteousness and I want to highlight three of the major negative directives of Holy Scripture number one we are not to be shaken in our faith number two we are not to be shaken in our faith are not to be ashamed of our suffering, and thirdly, we are not to respond in kind to those who oppose us. Number one, we are not to be shaken in our faith. Now here I ask you to turn to the passage to which I made reference a few moments ago in John 15 and 16. Our Lord is preparing His own people for the suffering and for the opposition they will face as they go out into the world to bear witness to Him. He says in verse 19 of

18:12 John 15, if you were of the world, the world would love its own, but because you are not of the world, but I've chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you. He said, now this is not the first time you heard this. Bring back to remembrance what I told you previously.

18:34 A servant is not greater than his Lord. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute me. You, if they have kept my word, they will keep yours also. Verse 16, chapter 16, verse 1, I'm sorry. These things have I spoken unto you that you should not be called. They shall put you out of their synagogues. Yea, the hour that whosoever kills you will think that he offers service. Now, why is Jesus telling them this? He says, I do not want you to be shaken in your faith.

19:15 I'm telling you that when it comes, you won't become unstrung. I do not want you to be shaken in your faith. For remember, this is the very Lord who in the teaching of the parable of the sower and the soils describes a response of a certain type of soil when receiving the seed. It's called the rocky soil. The seed is received on a very shallow band of earth beneath which there is rock. And because the heat of the sun is absorbed by the rock and there are no deep root systems, it immediately springs up and seems to promise to be a marvelously thriving plant. But when the sun arises, it soon causes the plant to wither, Jesus says, because it has no root. And he said, that is a picture of the root system. That's the

20:08 picture, Matthew 13, 20 and 21, of the person who receives the word with joy, has no root in himself, but when tribulation and persecution arise because of the word. In other words, when they begin to give themselves to a lifestyle conformed to the word of God, and what happens? They are shaken in their faith. They are overthrown.

20:41 They turn away from what they profess to believe. And it was tribulation and persecution that, like the sun that withered the plant and exposed its true condition, it is suffering in the way of righteousness that shows the validity of our faith, or the lack of the validity of it. And it will always be an occasion for the devil to come to us. And it will always be an occasion for the devil to come to us. And it will always be an occasion for the devil to seek to shake the faith of a true child of God. And therefore, whenever we encounter unjust opposition, persecution, slander, hatred, or even death itself in the way of righteousness, we are not to be shaken in our faith. Turn to 1 Peter 3 and verse 14. This is Peter's comment.

21:41 Upon the same principle, but even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, blessed are ye neither be troubled. 1 Peter 3, 14. Do not fear their fear, neither be troubled. Don't be upset.

22:06 Don't be distraught. Do not be shaken in your faith. And isn't our Lord Jesus the great example of this very negative instruction? The scripture says he set his face like a flint to go to Jerusalem, knowing that at Jerusalem he would be arrested by the authorities. He would be scourged and ultimately spat upon and crucified and put to a shameful death. And yet in the midst of all of this, as we have seen in our studies over past months, even in the midst of all of this, we have seen even when his soul reaches the apex of its suffering and its pain and what I call even a state of holy confusion, he is still the man of faith who says, My God, my God, why didst thou abandon me? He refuses to walk by sight and as the great example of faith suffers.

23:18 Suffering in the way of righteousness, even the suffering of the abandonment of his father as a man of faith, God is his covenant God and calls him my God. And once the father lifts up the light of his countenance upon him again, his faith rises to those beautiful words, Father, into your hand I commit my spirit. Our Lord Jesus suffered in the way of righteousness, but in the midst of that suffering, a suffering that you and I will never, ever, ever, ever be able to fathom, were we to live out, if possible, a hundred eternities. He was not shaken in his faith and we are called to follow in his steps. But then secondly, we are not to be ashamed of our suffering. When opposed for doing righteousness, when opposed while doing the will of God, because we are out of step with others, there is always a temptation to be ashamed. We never get so old unless we become old and demented,

24:41 but that we are both conscious of the prevailing acceptable standards around us and we have an innate desire to fit in with those standards. And that we have a natural desire to fit in with all of the conditions that we are given and a natural desire to fit in with all of the conditions that we are given in Christ. and that we are be accepted. It's only people who've lost their mental faculties who are utterly unconcerned about what they look like, how they appear, and how they are regarded by other people. God has created in the very texture of our society a social consciousness, one expression of which is that we want to be accepted by our fellow human beings. And when God calls us to an alternate lifestyle in Christ that puts us out of step, we'll not be accepted. and then there is opposition and suffering and persecution the temptation is to be ashamed but now the word of God says we must not be ashamed of that suffering 2nd Timothy 1 verse 8 the apostle Paul writing to his beloved but timid spiritual son Timothy who physically and temperamentally was far from a granite like man

25:53 he was more like expensive velvet 2nd Timothy 1 in verse 8 he says to his spiritual son be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord nor of me his prisoner but now notice what the opposite of that shame is but suffer hardship with the gospel according to the power of God don't be ashamed but suffer the apostle knew that if a man is ashamed of what may come and cause him suffering he will either cling to his principles and suffer in order to be accepted he will relinquish his principles that he might not have shame cast upon him be not ashamed suffer and the apostle had set the example verses 11 and 12 where unto I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher for which cause I suffer these things he's in a prison he said I suffer these things yet he said I suffer these things he was suffering but he said I'm not ashamed of my sufferings they have come in the train of my allegiance to my blessed Lord

27:17 who in grace and mercy laid hold of me according to his own purpose given to me before times eternal and I am not ashamed of my suffering in 1 Peter chapter 4 the same emphasis comes through 1 Peter chapter 4 verses 15 and 16 for let none of you that is professing Christian suffer as a murderer or as a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler in other men's matters only place this word is used in the New Testament some feel this translation is a bit weak but be that as it may he's saying don't suffer for real crimes murdering thievery evildoing a meddler in other men's matters could mean a murderer meddlesome to the point of subversive activities verse 16 but if a man suffer as a Christian look let him not be ashamed you think Peter had anything in his mind when he wrote that you remember when he was called upon possibly to suffer what did he do he turned away from the potential suffering

28:43 and he cursed and he swore I don't know the man it was shame of Christ it led to the cursing and the swearing and the denial that he ever knew Christ so Peter writes having learned the lesson in the bitter school of experience if any man suffer as a Christian in the way of righteousness and obedience to God let him not be ashamed so according to the scriptures then we are not to be shaken in our faith when we suffer in the way of righteousness secondly we are not to be ashamed of our sufferings and again our Lord is the great example in fact Hebrews 12.2 uses this fascinating phrase looking unto Jesus who for the joy that was set before him did what despise something he treated as unworthy of consideration a thing of contempt he despised the shame follow his steps for him the shame meant standing before one false act accusation after another for it says many false witnesses were brought before him none of their witness agreed but they hurled one accusation

30:11 after another after another until the scripture tells us in the passage we studied some weeks ago standing before Pilate nothing but he never hung his head in shame before all of the false accusation the mockery the nakedness with all the appearance of a criminal from his condemnation to his crucifixion to his cry of dereliction he was not ashamed of his suffering and you and I are called upon to follow his steps not to be ashamed of our suffering in the way of righteousness did you ever see a man who bears in his body scars received on the battlefield defending his country dressed out in his dress uniform with all of his medals on his chest and his battle ribbons to show the various theaters in which he fought do you ever see him ashamed of those insignia of his courage and of his suffering in the face of opposition that's why Paul could say to the Galatians trouble me no more I beg you bear in my body the marks

31:40 of the Lord Jesus even his scars from the many times that he was scourged he said I wear them as proud battle ribbons battles fought in the great conflict between the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent we are not to be shaken in our faith we are not to be ashamed of our sufferings but then thirdly and perhaps that which is the most difficult injunction but the most repeated we are not to respond in kind to those who oppose us when like our Lord accusations may be heaped upon us well turn to Romans 12 and verse 17 and let the word of God answer the question for us Romans 12 and verse 17 render to no man Donnybrook they still do it the way they do it

33:06 they did it when I was a kid they stand there glowering at one another says you started now you start you start you start so one of them pushes the guy in the shoulder the other one pushes him in the shoulder the next guy whacks him in the shoulder he whacks him in the shoulder he gives him a fist in the arm he gives him a fist and before long what happens they are going at it the fur is flying tit for tat shoves him shoves him back whacks him whacks him back the Lord says look render to no man nudge for nudge shove for shove slap for slap punch for punch render to no man render to no man this is a prohibition same emphasis comes through in 1 Peter 3 8 and 9a 1 Peter 3 verses 8 and 9a not is reviling

34:30 your fists with your tongue with your pen with your tongue with your pen that's what the word of God says and who's the great example of that turn back to 1 Peter chapter 2 it's our blessed Lord our blessed Lord when Peter sets him forth as our example it's interesting the first two things he highlights are in the negative isn't that interesting first two things he highlights are the negative verse 21 of 1 Peter 2 Christ suffered for you leaving you an example that you should follow his steps verse 22 who will follow you who did no sin he was in the way of righteousness in the way of obedience to his father neither was guile found in his mouth it wasn't because he spoke out of both sides of his mouth was deceptive and willfully and deliberately put people off track of reality

35:57 using words that could be taken one way or another no is revived negative when threatened not and if I understand the difference in the two words it's this when he was reviled that's verbal abuse he did not revile back in kind with words when he suffered that was his physical he didn't threaten physical abuse upon those who abused him therefore he had no desire to inflict it that's why he didn't threaten it for remember he said do you not think that I could even now speak to my father and he would send me to you and he would send me one hundred and forty four thousand angels he didn't even threaten to send them let alone send them revive the scriptures we are called to follow

37:20 you see innocent guileless man that ever lived did not come to his own defense nor threaten when false accusations were heaped upon him every one of us in one sense deserves to have a chance to live in the light of the Lord and to have a chance to live in the light of the Lord and to have a chance to live in the light of the Lord and to have a chance to live in the light of the Lord Have the worst accusations hurled at us. Because by nature and practice we're hell deserving sinners. But if the only sinless one. Who along the injustice of the false Asians. As none of us could ever feel them. Yet when he was reviled. Reviled not again.

38:13 When he suffered. He threatened not. But well that's what we're not to do when we encounter suffering. In the way of righteousness.

38:24 We're not to be shaken in our faith. How could this happen? I'm seeking to please God. I'm just seeking in the scripture.

38:44 I'm facing suffering. Opposition from my relatives. From my friends. From my neighbors.

38:51 From within my own family. What am I to do? God says don't be shaken in your faith. This is part and parcel of being a Christian.

39:03 For the scripture says. We shall be glorified with him. If we suffer with him.

39:10 Now you see our suffering doesn't add to the uniqueness of his suffering as our substitute. That's why I laid the groundwork there. This is not some kind of penance. This is not some kind of virtue and merit that we add to the sufferings of Christ.

39:25 No.

39:31 In heaven.

39:33 Having fellowship with his person. Which is always one of the accompaniments of faith. We are. Called upon to imitate him and to follow his steps.

39:44 And we shall indeed face opposition and suffering in the way of righteousness. We're not to be shaken in our faith. We're not to be ashamed of our suffering. And we're not to respond in kind to those who oppose us.

Positive Directives (Part 1): What We ARE to Do Within Ourselves

40:00 Now we move quickly to the positive. What then are we to do? We've considered what we're not to do. But what are we to do?

40:09 And again I can only be. Selective in these things. And as I tried to organize them under some simple headings. It seemed to me that basically the biblical directives fall into two categories.

40:23 What we're to do within ourselves. With respect to suffering. In the way of righteousness. And then what we're to do with respect to those who bring.

40:34 The suffering upon us. May I illustrate it this way? A man's making a political speech. Someone in the audience.

40:41 The audience doesn't share his political views. And they begin to heckle him. And the heckling gets louder and more vehement. But he goes right on with his speech.

40:49 Till suddenly someone lets loose with a rotten egg. And it hits him right in the forehead. Splat. And down comes the smelly rotten egg.

40:57 All over his face. Down in his tie. Down in his shirt. Now there are two things he needs to deal with.

41:04 What am I going to do with the egg on my face? And what am I going to do with the guy who threw it?

41:10 Now when you suffer in the way of righteousness. You've got two things. What do I do with respect to my own heart. In my own person.

41:18 In dealing with the egg that's now on my face. How do I respond to it? And then secondly. How do I respond to the person that let it loose?

41:28 So that's the organizing principle. First of all. What are we to do within ourselves? I say the Bible sets out at least three very clear positive directives.

41:39 Under this head. Number one. We are to maintain. A good conscience before God.

41:46 First Peter 3. 13 to 16. Who is he that will harm you. If you be zealous of that which is good.

41:54 Who can really hurt you. If you're committed to a life of righteousness. But even if you should suffer for righteousness. Blessed are ye.

42:03 And fear not their fear. Neither be troubled. But sanctify in your hearts. Christ is Lord.

42:09 Being ready always to give to every man that asketh you a reason. Concerning the hope that is. In you yet with meekness and with fear. Having a good conscience.

42:21 That wherein you are spoken against. They may be put to shame. Who revile your good manner of life in Christ. For it is better if the will of God should so will.

42:32 That you suffer for well doing. Than for evil doing. Because Christ also suffered for sins. You see how we're brought back to Christ again.

42:43 Is our great pattern. And what we are to do within ourselves. Is to determine no matter what the crucible of suffering may be. Into which we walk in the path of the will of God.

42:57 We're not out for it. We don't have a martyr spirit. We're taken up with his glory. And in the midst of doing the will of God.

43:10 We're in a baptism of suffering. What are we to do? What are we to do within ourselves? We are to say.

43:19 I must maintain a good conscience before God. I must not allow the suffering to move me from the path of duty. And bloody my conscience. I must not allow the suffering to provoke and bring into activity.

43:35 Sinful attitudes and dispositions. Even at the level of thought and desire. Though they never get out on my lips or my hands. That will defile my conscience.

43:45 I am in the midst of whatever baptism of suffering. May come upon me.

43:57 You see that was Jesus great consolation. I do always the things that please my father. And when they said you do the worst thing any man could do to the father. You claim to be God.

44:14 But he had a good conscience. Because he was God.

44:19 That's the first thing we must do within ourselves. In a positive way. Maintain a good conscience before God. Secondly.

44:29 We are to commit ourselves. And ourselves. Commit our cause into the hands of God. Commit ourselves and our cause into the hand of God.

44:38 First Peter 2.23. Who when he was reviled. Negative.

44:43 Reviled not again. When he suffered. Negative. Threatened not.

44:47 But positive. Committed. And then it could be rendered himself or his cause. To him who judges righteously.

44:57 He committed himself. His cause. He committed it into the. Hands of the God.

45:05 Who judges not according to appearance. But judges righteously.

45:11 Jesus has gone before us. And set the pattern. Maintaining a good conscience before his father. We are to be like him.

45:19 He committed himself. And his cause to God. First Peter 4.19.

45:24 The similar emphasis. Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of God. What are they to do? Commit their souls.

45:33 Souls in well-doing. Unto a faithful creator. I'm not quite sure all that's involved in this. But I think a little bit is this.

45:45 In the midst of opposition. In the midst of unrighteous. And untrue accusations. That may come to the people of God.

45:56 In the path of doing righteousness. There are times when they become so fearful. That they wonder what will become of me. And Peter says look.

46:06 Commit your fragile soul with all of its feelings. And all of its vulnerability and fragility. Into the hands of the God who spoke worlds. Into being out of the womb of nothing.

46:21 And if he can create galaxies and worlds and universes by the word of his mouth. You think he can take care of your little soul? I think so. Because he's a faithful God.

46:34 Worthy of our trust. All by his providence. He never got forgetful for half a minute. And let a few galaxies drop out of place.

46:48 He never got impotent for a moment or two. And allowed the sun to sneak a few hundred thousand miles closer to the earth than it should. And burn us all up.

47:02 Or drift a few hundred thousand miles further out. And cause us all to freeze to death. He who created faithfully upholds and sustains all. All that he made.

47:13 Can't you commit your soul to him?

47:16 That's what we're to do. Commit ourselves.

47:24 Then thirdly. We are to rejoice in the light of the coming reward of God. We are to rejoice in the light of the coming reward of God. Matthew 5 again.

47:35 Listen to what our Lord says. When it becomes known to you. That you are being reproached and persecuted. And listen.

47:44 People are saying all manner. And manner of evil against you falsely. For my sake. You're walking in the way of righteousness.

47:54 And as a result your life and conduct is a barb in the conscience of others. And what do they do? Rather than humble themselves and acknowledge their sin. They begin to make up stories about you.

48:07 And he says when you become aware of it. It all met against you falsely for my sake. What are you to do? Write a 50 page vindication of yourself?

48:18 No. He says go out and have a glory fit. Verse 12. Rejoice.

48:29 Just putting in capital for you in the bank of heaven. For great is your reward in heaven. For so persecuted they the prophets that were before you. He gets even more vigorous in his language in the parallel passage in Luke chapter 6.

48:45 Some of us. If we took this literally and began to do it. Some of the rest of you would think we had become something more than closet charismatics. You'd say uh-uh.

48:54 He's out of the closet now. Luke chapter 6 says.

49:01 Verse 22. Blessed are you when men shall hate you. And when they shall separate you from their company.

49:09 And reproach you and cast out your name as evil for the son of man's sake. Rejoice in that day and leap. That sets your feet to dancing. For behold your reward is great in heaven.

49:29 For in the same manner. Did their fathers unto the prophets. That's what our Lord says we're to do. Maintain a good conscience.

49:39 Commit ourselves and our cause to God. And then rejoice in the light of the coming reward of God. But then what are we to do with respect to those who throw the egg? That's how we're to react to the egg itself.

Positive Directives (Part 2): What We ARE to Do Towards Our Opponents

49:54 Now what do we do with the character that threw it at us? Or the characters? Well two things. We're commanded to do.

50:03 Number one.

50:05 We are to commit them and any wrath they deserve for their actions. Into the hands of the God who alone meets out that wrath. We are to commit them and any deserve unto God. Romans 13 and verse 19.

50:28 Romans 13 and verse 19. 12, 19 I'm sorry. Avenge not yourselves to the wrath. For it is written vengeance belongs unto me.

50:46 I recompense. You see God doesn't say avenge not yourselves. The concept of vengeance is sub-Christian. Repent of it.

50:56 That isn't what God says. That's not a biblical concept. Where do people get that out of the Bible?

51:04 Or think they get it out of the Bible? Not from this passage. Avenge not yourself. Don't take over God's work.

51:11 But give place to God to do what God will do. For it is written. God's assuring us. Yes vengeance does belong to God.

51:20 And it doesn't belong as an abstract concept. It belongs as a righteous disposition in his own heart. To be administered righteously by the righteous judge in his own time and in his own way. Vengeance belongs to me.

51:35 I will pay back. That's what recompense means. God's going to pay people back in spades. But don't you do it.

51:46 Don't you do it. You commit such people. The guy who threw the egg. You say God I commit him to you.

51:55 And if he deserves vengeance for throwing the egg Lord. I'll leave that to you. To take vengeance. You see to tell people the very desire for vengeance is wicked.

52:08 Is to destroy something of the image of God in man. Because God is a God who takes vengeance. And when the righteous. Are ill treated.

52:21 Something in us says that will not go without being paid back. But the issue is who's going to get the payment. You who deserve nothing but wrath yourself.

52:35 Or God the creature. Who deserves no wrath. And who alone has the right and the capacity to exercise it righteously. So that's what we must do.

52:48 Commit those who cause the opposition. And the suffering. And any deserved wrath. Commit them and it to God.

52:58 Then secondly. We are to consciously. Aggressively. Treat them graciously.

53:06 We are to treat them graciously. In our deeds. Romans 13 19. Don't avenge yourself.

53:15 Give place to the wrath of God. Verse 20. If your enemy hunger. Feed him.

53:19 Do the gracious thing to him. If he thirsts. Give him to drink. Do the very thing he least expects from you.

53:30 Aggressively manifest that your disposition is one in which you've left vengeance in God's hands. And you're going to deliberately. Take the posture of treating him graciously. With your deeds.

53:44 Then with your disposition. Matthew 5 44. Lies. That's a disposition of the soul.

53:53 And we are not to rest short of having all desires. Fire for vengeance. Meted out in our hands. Mortified by the grace of God.

54:03 And in its place. Goodwill implanted. Even the goodwill God shows when he sends his reign upon the just. And the unjust.

54:14 And then of course with our words as well. Romans 12 and verse 14. Bless them that persecute you. Bless.

54:21 And to bless them means. To wish them well. To pray. For those things that would be to their best interest.

54:33 That's what it means to bless. To curse means to call down. The anger of God.

54:43 Is to call down. Ill and evil upon them. To bless. Is to wish.

54:52 And to call down by prayer. Blessing. And good. Upon their heads.

54:59 And there must be no contradiction between that. And verse 9. Because Paul sandwiched them very close together. I can bless my enemy.

55:10 While committing to God. Their evil deeds. And the vengeance those deeds may deserve. Both directives are found in the same chapter.

55:21 That's why Paul could say in 1 Corinthians 4 and verse 12. With regard to his own experience. Being reviled.

55:33 Instead of giving tit for tat. We assure them we wish them nothing but God's blessing upon them. Isn't our Lord a great example? They put him up on a cross.

55:47 And what words come out of his mouth? Father forgive them. They know not what they do.

55:57 He doesn't say Father son of God.

56:07 And consume them. No. They revile and mock and taunt. But he says Father forgive.

How to Fulfill These Directives: The Foundation and Means

56:16 Father forgive. Now in closing this morning. And I realize this has been a very hasty overview. I want to ask the $64 question.

56:29 How can we fulfill these clear directives. Regarding our response to suffering in the way of righteousness. How can we do it? The answer is this.

56:43 One. We must possess a blood sealed pardon for our own sins. We must possess a blood sealed pardon for our own sins. It is not possible to do these things.

56:59 If your own heart. Has not known what it is. To stand naked. Shriveled.

57:04 Guilty. And hell deserving before a holy God. And then to embrace a blood sealed pardon. From the hand of the crucified risen son of God.

57:15 It is only such a man or woman. Who is brought to the place. Where they can even begin. To keep these directives.

57:24 It's the heart broken with the wonder of divine forgiveness. Which alone. Can exercise these graces. In the negative and positive dimensions.

57:39 Secondly. We must possess a spirit given new life. This is not native to us. Any man be in Christ.

57:47 He's a new creation. The old is past. The new has come. And it's only in the orbit of the new creation.

57:53 Where Christ crucified. Is the pearl of great price to me. And we're keeping a good conscience before God. Is my great passion in life.

58:03 We're wanting to glorify. God even in the midst of unjust suffering. Willing for God to vindicate in his own way and time. You see it's only a new creature in Christ that can do that.

58:17 By nature we are self-defensive. Self-vindicating. I'm going to get back my pound of flesh that was taken from me.

58:27 You must have a blood sealed pardon first. You must have a spirit given life. Thirdly you must be convinced that any other response. Is sin.

58:38 Any other response but these is sin. The negative and the positive. Any other response is sin. God has made it clear to respond.

58:50 In the midst of unrighteous opposition. And suffering in the path of righteousness. God says you must not do these things. You must do these things.

59:03 And when we indulge what he forbids. And when we do not exercise what he commands. We are sinning. We are sinning against God.

59:12 It is sin to allow a vengeful spirit.

59:17 To set up shop in your house. In your heart. It may never break out in words.

59:24 But if it's there in the heart. It's sin. To allow it unchallenged and unchecked. And unmortified.

59:31 Fourthly we must consciously depend upon the Lord. To give us grace. Without me you can do nothing. John 15 5.

59:38 Philippians 4 13. I can do all things through Christ. Who strengthens me. You say pastor you mean.

59:45 If somebody lies about me. If somebody maligns me. If somebody makes up all kinds of vicious stories about me. I can't rise up and defend myself.

59:56 And fight back. What does the word of God say? When he was reviled. Reviled not again.

60:04 Blessed are you when men say all manner of evil against you falsely. For my sake rejoice and be exceeding glad.

60:12 Your controversy is not with me. It's with the Bible.

60:16 That's why I've done something. I rarely do. Just barely quoted verses with a comment or two. Very little in-depth exposition.

60:25 Why? I wanted you to feel the cumulative weight of these directives. We must depend upon the Lord to give us grace. And then thirdly, fourthly and finally.

The Means of Grace: Continual Gazing Upon Christ

60:37 We must continually gaze upon our Lord. To be in the context where that grace will be conveyed. 2 Corinthians 3 18. But we all with open face.

60:48 Beholding is in abundance. Mirror the glory of the Lord. Are transformed into that image from one stage of glory to another. Go back over you see these chapters in Mark.

61:00 And when you're tempted to think I've got a right to strike back. The Lord standing in majestic silence. With the spittle dripping down off his beard. The crown of thorns upon his head.

61:16 The air as it were ringing with the reverberation of the cacophony. This sound of all of these horrible false accusations. And he doesn't in the language of the old negro spiritual. He never said a mumbling word.

61:33 And it says pilot. Why did pilot marvel? Because he knew why they delivered him up.

61:57 And when Jesus stands there with the lie.

62:01 Like a vicious whirlwind out of hell. And he doesn't open his mouth.

62:08 Pilot knows he's encountering someone. The likes of which he's never seen before.

62:16 Follow his steps. Follow his steps. It takes far more likeness to Christ. To be silent.

62:26 In a sea of lies.

62:30 Than to speak in your own justification.

62:35 Far more moral and spiritual strength.

Call to the Unconverted and Concluding Exhortation

62:40 And that's what we're called to. You see if you're here this morning. You're not a Christian. I hope one thing got through to you.

62:48 And no way you can live the Christian life. Until you know. The Christ of scripture. You can't live this kind of life.

62:55 You know it. And in your heart you say. I don't want that kind of life. That's a life of a pansy.

63:01 Let everybody walk over you. Shove you around. And take advantage. Not me.

63:06 Oh my friend listen.

63:10 That very spirit is the spirit. For which God will judge you in the last day.

63:15 You better go to God. And say God by nature. Then one of those directives. I want to keep.

63:20 Tell God that. Because the Bible says. You have a heart that is enmity against God. And is not subject.

63:24 To his way of things. But God can change that heart. And then in the blood of his son. He can wash away.

63:32 All the breaches of his holy law. And then he can give you a disposition. That is willing. To suffer.

63:41 In the way of righteousness.

63:43 And it will come. For all who live godly in Christ Jesus. Shall suffer persecution. But now the issue is.

63:49 What are we going to do when it comes? God says. This is what you don't do. He looked at the negatives.

63:55 This is what you must do. With regard to the egg. With regard to the man who threw it. Now go to God.

64:04 Look upon his son. Cry for the aid of the spirit. And so conduct yourself. In the midst of any.

64:12 Opposition that comes to you. In the way of righteousness. That men who know the facts. Will marvel.

64:21 And say there is no explanation. For that man or woman. But that Jesus. By the spirit.

64:28 Lives in his heart. Isn't that exactly what Peter said? Sanctify Christ as Lord in your heart. In the midst of the sufferings.

64:38 In the midst of the opposition. Keeping a good conscience.

64:45 And sooner or later. Somebody is going to say. Man what makes you tick? Now you are ready to give a reason.

64:51 For the hope that is in you. And you tell him of a savior. Who not only saves from hell to come. But the tyranny of tit for tat ism.

65:03 The tyranny of me. Defend my self ism.

65:11 That's the tyranny some of you are under.

65:15 Your own name and reputation. Is more precious to you than Christ. And communion with God.

65:22 Yes it is.

65:24 You'd fight to defend your name and reputation. Yet you can go days. With no conscious communion with God. In his word and in prayer.

65:32 And it doesn't twinge your conscience one bit. My friend. You may. Well be.

65:37 An unconverted formalist. Who knows nothing of the grace of God.

65:43 For when we find the spirit of vengeance. Coming up in our hearts. A true child of God. Is humbled.

65:51 And grieved. Because he knows that spirit is so contrary. To the spirit with which God has dealt with him. He knows.

65:59 I deserve vengeance. I deserve to be roasting in hell. Who am I feeding out vengeance. A felon.

66:08 A sinner has done me. Sold some wrong. Big deal.

66:15 I.

66:20 He didn't give me what I deserved. He saved me.

66:24 Therefore. I can afford the luxury. Of reflecting his disposition. To my fellow sinners.

66:32 May God grant. That individually and corporately. Whatever we may face. Of suffering in the way of righteousness.

66:40 We may do. What God says we must do. And not do. What he says.

66:47 We must not do. And in all of this. Our Lord. Is both our example.

66:55 And our strength. Let us pray.

67:07 Our Father we pray. That the Holy Spirit will take the truth of your word. And write it deeply. Upon the fleshy tables of our hearts.

67:18 And for those who sit here. Strangers. To your grace. Who know nothing.

67:23 Of a blood sealed pardon. Who know nothing of a spirit. Wrought transformation of life. Oh God have dealings with them.

67:33 Even in this hour. And use your word. Primarily directed to your people. To be the means of their conversion.

67:42 Seal then your word. And dismiss us with your blessing. We ask in Jesus name. Amen.