Bible Studies in the Gospel of Matthew

Bible Studies in the Gospel of Matthew
XIII

Matthew 5:10; 2 Timothy 3:12; Proverbs 25:26: When we execute righteousness in a world where almost everyone is unrighteousness, we are bound to be hated and persecuted.

For example, when several men do the same work and earn the same amount, and one of them is righteous and reports everything he earns on his income tax form, while the others report less, the righteous man will be hated and persecuted by the others because he has uncovered their unrighteousness.

The fact that a person desires to be righteous, and likes righteousness more than unrighteousness, does not lead anywhere. Righteousness must be carried out regardless of the cost—even if it means the loss of large sums of money, the loss of one’s position, divorce, or even one’s life.

Only then do you possess the kingdom of God because only then are you righteous, and only then are you perfectly blessed! The work (fruit) of righteousness is peace, joy, and safety.

Temptations to commit acts of unrighteousness usually come through other people. They make suggestions, excusing unrighteousness by saying (for example), that it is not so important; that no one will say anything about it; only a little bit, only this one time; you mustn’t be so stupid; you have to consider us as well; you must realize that it is not to be understood like that, etc.

In such a case it is vital that you stand unshakably fast in your soul’s noble zeal! If you give in, you will become like a murky fountain or a muddy well. It is as Isaiah says, “A noble person has noble thoughts, and he stands by that which is noble.” Isa. 32:8. It pays to lose everything and suffer everything in this world in order to gain heaven. Then blessedness follows as a matter of course, because you have such a genuinely good conscience.