Sermon Notes
Hearts Looking Toward Heaven
THE BEATITUDES – Part 8
November 23, 2025
1 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.
He said:
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 children 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. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:1-12
Are Jesus’ words about persecution relevant today?
- Persecution Globally
- Persecution For Every Jesus Follower
In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
2 Timothy 3:12
Blessed Are The Persecuted
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.
12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who
were before you.
Matthew 5:10-12
17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix
our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is
eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18
35b There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection.
36 Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were put to death by stoning; they were
sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and
mistreated— 38 the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in
holes in the ground.
Hebrews 11:35b-38
Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.
Revelation 2:10b
Small Group Discussion Questions for the Week of November 23, 2025.
Opening
1. Who is the most “righteous” person you know?
2. Why do you consider them “righteous?”
Digging Deeper into the Scriptures
Read Matthew 5:10-12.
1. Why do you think Jesus says that those persecuted for righteousness are "blessed?" How does this redefine
our understanding of blessing?
2. How does the idea of a "great reward in heaven" help us persevere through difficult times?
3. How can the persecution of the prophets of old inform our understanding of the persecution that believers
face today?
Applying the Scriptures
1. How does this passage challenge your view of being "popular" or "accepted" in society?
2. Can you describe a time when you were insulted or treated unfairly for your beliefs? How did you
respond, and what did you learn?
3. What are some practical ways we can support fellow believers who are experiencing persecution?