Let’s Talk! Ep. 10 | When Following Jesus Costs You Something
What happens when following Jesus actually costs you something?
In Episode 10 of Let's Talk!, Billy sits down with Pastor Dale and Dawson to conclude our Blessed? series through the Beatitudes with Matthew 5:10-12:
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Jesus tells us to rejoice when we're persecuted because of Him. But how can something painful or difficult become a reason for joy?
The conversation explores why the apostles celebrated after being beaten for their faith, what persecution looks like around the world today, and how following Jesus can bring opposition into our relationships, workplaces, and everyday lives.
They also discuss the difference between genuinely suffering for Jesus and facing conflict because of our own opinions or behavior.
How do we stand firm in truth without losing love for people who disagree with us? How can opposition actually deepen our faith? And what does it mean to follow Jesus when obedience costs us something?
The conversation ultimately returns to Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him.
As we conclude the Beatitudes, we're reminded that Jesus never promised a life without storms. He invites us to build our lives on a foundation that can withstand them.
Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12
Series: Blessed?
People's Church | Fresno, California
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Use these questions with your small group, family, friends, or for personal reflection:
-Have you ever experienced rejection, misunderstanding, or opposition because of your faith in Jesus? How did you respond, and what did that experience reveal about your relationship with Him?
-Pastor Dale talked about the difference between persecution for righteousness and conflict caused by our own behavior. How can we recognize when we're standing for Jesus versus simply defending our opinions or trying to be right?
-Is there someone in your family, workplace, or community who sees the world differently than you? What would it look like to stand firm in your convictions while genuinely showing that person the love of Jesus?
-The conversation explored how opposition can strengthen our faith. What difficult season has caused you to depend on Jesus more deeply? What did you learn about Him through it?
-Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him. How does remembering what He endured for us change the way we approach rejection, suffering, or sacrifice in our own lives?
-As we finish the Blessed? series, what is one teaching from the Beatitudes that has challenged you most? ---What would putting that teaching into practice look like this week?
Take a moment to pray: Jesus, thank You for enduring the cross for us. Help us follow You faithfully even when it's difficult. Give us courage to stand for truth, humility to recognize our own faults, and supernatural love for people who disagree with us. Continue building our lives on You so that when the storms come, our faith remains firm.
LINKS
Website: https://www.peopleschurch.org
Online: https://www.peopleschurch.org/online
Next Steps: https://www.peopleschurch.org/next