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The Beatitudes. Matthew 5:1-12. Introduction. Beatitudes are a collection of eight qualities of life that separate children of God from the world
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The Beatitudes Matthew 5:1-12
Introduction • Beatitudes are a collection of eight qualities of life that separate children of God from the world • much like 10 commandments comprise the whole of the Law of Moses, Beatitudes embody the Sermon on the Mount and the Law of Christ, cutting to the heart • describe the blessed state of the child of God • a state of mind based on the assurance of God’s blessings, not on circumstance • they are not eight separate groups of people, but rather the Christian is to manifest each
Overview • poor in spirit • those who mourn • meek • hunger and thirst for righteousness • merciful • pure in heart • peacemakers • persecuted kingdom of Heaven comforted inherit the earth shall be filled------------------ shall obtain mercy shall see God called sons of God kingdom of Heaven
The Poor in Spirit “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” • must recognize our own spiritual poverty • as a sinner, we rely wholly on the grace of God and His strength (Rom. 3:23; 5:6)(Lk. 17:10) • manifested in our thankfulness (Lk. 17:12-16; 18:9-14) • we shall receive an eternal kingdom • usually the rich and powerful who reign • in the kingdom of heaven, it is those who submit themselves to God (1 Pet. 2:9-10; 5:5-7)
Those Who Mourn “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” • we lament our spiritual poverty • expressing sorrow for our sins and our need for help from God (Lk. 18:13)(Acts 2:37) • godly sorrow necessary for repentance (2 Cor. 7:8-10) • our comfort comes from God (Lk. 4:16-21) • justification (Lk. 18:14), remission of sins (Acts 2:38), comfort & strength to self and others (2 Cor. 7:11-13) • measure of joy now (2 Cor. 7:4-7), fullness in eternity (1 Pet. 4:12-13)
The Meek “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” • to be meek is to be God-controlled (Ps. 37:3-11) • gentleness and restraint not due to lack of will, but rather wisdom, patience, self-control (1 Pet. 2:21-25) • when circumstances warrant bold action, it is taken (Jn. 2:13-17)(2 Cor. 10:1-6) • they will not be forgotten (Ps. 37:16-29) • though downtrodden, they shall be the ones left standing (James 5:1-11) • the righteous enjoy what blessings they have as God intended – as His children (1 Cor. 10:26)(2 Cor. 6:10)
Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” • insatiable longing after the righteousness of God • only Christ can satisfy our spiritual desires (Jn. 4:10-15) • not our own righteousness (Rom. 10:3)(Acts 17:22-31), or even the appearance of righteousness (1 Cor. 4:1-5) • to receive righteousness is to be forgiven • the promise is certain (Mk. 16:16)(Heb. 11:6) • we must unhesitatingly search for and follow after the path of righteousness (Rom. 1:16-17)
The Merciful “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” • the merciful extend compassion to others • towards the suffering, in care and aid (Lk. 10:30-36) (Mt. 25:34-40) • towards the sinner, in encouragement and forgiveness (Mk. 11:25-26)(1 Thess. 5:14)(James 2:13) • our relationship with God is dependent, in part, upon our relationship with our fellow man
The Pure in Heart “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” • approaching God with single-mindedness • cannot deceive God with false intentions (James 4:8) (1 Tim. 5:24-25) • the heart is kept pure by dwelling on purity (Phil. 4:8) • the pure will be granted admittance to God • in a sense, now – in prayer (1 Pet. 3:12), in worship (Mk. 18:20), in faith and righteousness (2 Cor. 3:18) • in fullness – in eternity (Rev. 22:3-4)
The Peacemakers “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” • a resolver of disputes and divisions, between brethren, and between God and man • peacemaker does not seek his own (Rom. 12:16-21) • willing to sacrifice, yield (1 Cor. 6:5-8)(James 3:17-18) • understands the gospel and the cross are the source of lasting peace (Eph. 2:13-18) • shall be honored as a child of God • lifted up to an inheritance (James 4:10)(Rom. 8:14-17)
Those Who Are Persecuted “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” • true character and motive revealed by fire • tests and purifies us (1 Pet. 1:6-7)(James 1:2-4) • share in Christ’s sufferings (1 Pet. 2:19-25) • those often cast down by the kingdoms of men are promised their place in the kingdom of God • (2 Thess. 1:3-10)
Conclusion • the blessedness of the kingdom of Christ is available to all who would live in the manner of the kingdom and not in the manner of the world • accept that while we may not be able to achieve all our temporal goals, the blessings of Christ are promised in full (Eph. 1:3) • recognize all that stands to be gained…or lost