Everyday Ethics For The Exilic Minority: Revisiting Christian Identity Within A Confused World
Bruised Exiles of Joy and Hope
Matthew 5:10-12
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first.” John 15:18
The Be attitudes → Introduction to the King’s sermon—set forth the constitution of the kingdom--not entrance requirements (audience is already in), not ethics to emulate particularly (not really a call to do), rather a description of kingdom citizens who increasingly take on the identity of the King. Not, this is how you are in, or this is what you must do; rather this is who you are and why you are blessed, whether you feel like it or look like it.
What it means to be entrusted with the conscience of a nation, a business, a school, a factory, a church, a family—what real religion looks and lives like.
Kingdom citizens have embraced the Good News of reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ, joy in His presence, and rescue from enslavement to sin (Is. 61:1) over against those religious or otherwise who find their satisfaction and pleasures in the material, in self-righteousness, their own standard.
A “certain kind” of person, behaving in a certain kind of way, is going to be treated in a certain manner—persecution.
The Glories of Persecution—undeserved/deserved; necessary/unnecessary
- Have you picked the right hill to die on?
Response—blessed
...Not for being a real piece of work
...Not for a partisan cause
...Not even for being good
Because of your righteousness!
Reality—present kingdom citizens
- Have you embraced what being abused because of Jesus means to you?
Response—Rejoice and Be Glad
Your conscience is clear
You’re in very good company
You’re being identified with Jesus!
Reality—future rewards are yours in the full expression of the kingdom to come.
Personal Questions to Ponder...
Why do you do what you do? Why do you act the way you do? Why are you being slandered and persecuted? For righteousness? Because of Christ?
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