In this final session of our Beatitudes study, Matthew Atchley teaches from Matthew 5:10—“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus speaks this in the present tense, promising that the kingdom belongs now to those who endure persecution for His sake. This session draws together the whole Sermon on the Mount, showing how each Beatitude serves as a key to the kingdom of heaven—planted like mustard seeds that come to life through the work of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew reminds us that Jesus wasn’t calling His followers to become better rule-keepers but to examine the state of their hearts. Our identity is not in our own righteousness but in the righteousness of Christ living in us. Persecution comes when the fragrance of Jesus is present in our lives. Without it, the world has no reason to push back. But with it, the believer shines with a different identity—one that cannot be hidden.

Through his own testimony of being struck while witnessing on Cumberland Avenue as a new believer, Matthew illustrates that persecution is not just hardship or trial—it is the cost of bearing Christ’s name. He shares recent experiences of opposition faced in prison ministry, where the spread of the gospel has stirred resistance from authorities. These real-life examples point us back to the words of Jesus: persecution is inevitable for those who follow Him.

The session also connects the nine Beatitudes of Matthew 5 with the nine fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5, showing how the Spirit equips believers to live out the character Jesus describes. From Stephen’s bold witness in Acts to the promises in Revelation 2, we see that persecution has always been part of the church’s story. Yet in every instance, God’s peace and glory shine through the suffering of His people.

As Matthew emphasizes, the Beatitudes are not just lofty sayings but treasures that reveal who we are as children of God. They call us to embrace our identity, surrender to the Spirit’s work, and prepare to stand firm in a world where persecution is certain. This concluding session challenges us to move beyond religious routine and to be ready to display the fragrance of Christ—whether in daily life or in the face of opposition—knowing that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who endure for His name.

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