Following Jesus 101

1. Following Jesus 101 A Study In The Beatitudes Dr. Ray Henry

2. Introduction-The Beatitudes “Words cannot adequately convey the incredible impact of our attitude toward life. The longer I live the more convinced I become that life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we respond to it.” -Chuck Swindoll STRENGTHENING YOUR GRIP

3. Introduction-The Beatitudes • Jesus taught his disciples how to act and react in the Beatitudes. • Jesus knew that when His disciples responded as He taught it would create a taste for Christianity. • Developing the right attitudes successfully will make us “the salt of the earth” and the “light of the world”

4. Introduction-The Beatitudes • The Beatitudes-the greatest sermon ever preached • The Beatitudes-fulfilled perfectly in Jesus Christ • The Beatitudes-a description of true righteousness • The Beatitudes-qualifications for entering the Kingdom of God

5. “Blessed” in the Beatitudes • Not the word we normally use “eulego” • The word here is “Markarios” • It means first –the highest character or highest attitude • Second it means the highest good. • When we have the right attitude and behavior we will experience the right feelings and the greatest joy. • Jesus is speaking of a greater or deeper kind of happiness. The Beatitudes shows us what produces true happiness.

6. Where Do You Find True Happiness? • RICHES • RECOGNITION • RELATIONSHIP • Happiness is elusive in our world. • Jesus says these attitudes towards life can bring a deeper and lasting joy. The happiness of doing God’s will and following Christ’s way.

7. First BeatitudeBlessed Are The Poor In Spirit • WHAT IT DOES NOT MEAN -Not a Spirit that is empty or void -Not an Inferiority Complex -Not poor in Material things -Not poor in Natural Ability • WHAT IT DOES MEAN -Attitude toward God-a man becomes conscious of his absolute poverty before God. He sees his desperate need. Rom.7 -”No one struts before a Holy God.” R.Dunn -Cannot have the attitude of the Rich Young Ruler -Paul had to count his accomplishments as “dung” to find Jesus Christ. He had to be knocked down and ask for God to show him what to do next.

8. Characteristics of A Beggar • First- A Beggar is Conscious of His Need A. My Religion does not go deep enough B. My Religion does not go far enough • Second- A Beggar is Dependent on Others • Third- A Beggar is Honest about His Condition

9. Poor In Spirit Attitude • A person must be poor in spirit to become a Christian • It is an attitude that desires the mind, will and affections to be ruled by God. • It means you renounce your self-rule • You now choose to let Christ rule. Lk.9:23 • The source of all sin is a self-ruled spirit. • We were created to be ruled by God • Our Sinfulness is a rejection of His Rule • We bow before His Sovereign Rule

10. The Blessedness of Being “Poor In Spirit” • First-We are Born Into His Kingdom • Second- God, by our submission, is enthroned in our spirit. The King is back on the throne and we are in harmony. • Third- The kneeling subject now becomes heir of all the Father’s Kingdom. • He enjoys the safety in the Kingdom. • He enjoys the sustenance in the Kingdom. Matt.6:31-33/Phil.2:12-16 & Phil.4:19 • Fourth- The kneeling subject enjoys the satisfactionof knowing he is pleasing to the Father. Jn.8:29 • Fifth- The kneeling Christian knows the sovereigntyof His Kingdom. God gives authority to those under authority. See keys to the Kingdom-Matt.16:17-18 and binding and loosing in Matt.18:15-20

11. Lesson Two Following Jesus 101 Blessed Are Those Who Mourn By Dr. Ray Henry

12. Characteristics Of The Kingdom Of God • The Kingdom of God is NOT JEWISH- Matt 21:43 • Unbelieving Jews cast out. Luke 13:28-29 • Kingdom of God and Kingdom of Heaven are used interchangeably Matt.19:23-24 • Kingdom of God is present-not future. • Matt 12:28/Luke 10:9,11;Luke 11:20 • The Kingdom of God is the Gospel -Mark 1:14-15 • Jesus was sent to preach the Kingdom- Luke 4:43/ Luke 8:1 • John the Baptist, the Disciples, Paul preached the Kingdom of God- Luke 9:2,11;Luke 16:16;Acts 1:3;Acts 19:8

13. Characteristics OfThe Kingdom of God • Entered By Humility –Matt 19 :24 • Must be received as a little child – Mark 10:14 • Received by only the poor in spirit –Luke 6:20 • The Kingdom is kept from the Unrepentant–Luke 8:10 • Rich will enter only with difficulty-Mark 10:23-25 • Kingdom composed of Converted Sinners – Matt 21:31 • Must Be Born Again to Enter- John 3:3 • Entered through much tribulation- Acts 14:22 • Those who do not enter will be cast into Hell- Mark 9:47

14. Characteristics Of The Kingdom of God • Came in power before the Disciples death-Mark 9:1 • Can be obtained by seeking – Luke 12:31 • Is not physical, cannot be observed- Luke 17:20 • Kingdom of God is within- Luke 17:21 • Preceded by signs- Luke 21:31 • Not in word but power- I Cor. I 4:20 • Unrighteous cannot inherit- I Cor.6:9 • Flesh and Blood cannot inherit- I Cor.15:50 • Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. – Matt 3:2/ Matt 4:17; Matt 10:7

15. Second BeatitudeBlessed are Those That Mourn • Blessed- the highest good; true and lasting happiness • The world is looking for Happiness in the wrong places. • Illustrate: Count Leo Tolstoy – found a man with true happiness. “You find God, Sir and you will be alive and happy.” • Poll: Many Americans are not happy: • 51% said their lives were “dull and routine” • 60% over 50yrs said their lives were “without meaning” Quote: Robert Browning – “Life was an empty dream.” Quote: George Bernard Shaw- “Life is a flame that always burning itself out.” Quote: Isaac Watts- “Life is a long tragedy.”

16. Blessed Are They That Mourn • Three Types of Sorrow: • Natural Sorrow -Comes to rich and poor- Abraham wept for a month for Sarah. B. Unnatural Sorrow -excessive tears are a shield to protect us from hard knocks C. Supernatural Sorrow - “It is a supernatural sorrow that enables a person to recognize his spiritual bankruptcy and respond in repentance.”

17. Godly Sorrow • II Cor. 7:10 “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” • Sorrow that you got caught is not godly • Sorrow that you offended a righteous and loving God is godly sorrow. • We must beware of an easy dealing with sin. Saul made an excuse for his sin rather than facing it honestly and confessing it. (I Sam. 15) • Two extremes in dealing with sin: Too easy or Too harsh.

18. To Mourn • Mourn=penteo- to grieve ; to wail for the dead • Jesus is primarily interested in changing our hearts more than our condition First we must mourn over the bankrupt condition before God Second we are to mourn over the effects of our sin.

19. Three Reasons Why To Mourn THE PENETRATING POWER OF SIN • Jesus looks at our heart as well as act • Out of the heart come the issues of life • Rules and regulations will not conquer inner sin. Col.2:18/23 THE PERVERTING POWER OF SIN • Matt 5:29 “if your right eye causes you to sin, cast it from you. • Right eye-pleasure….right hand-power • Illustrate: Mary Fisher, Boca Raton,Ford, Estee Lauder, aids THE PERISHING EFFECT OF SIN • Sin destroys our life and witness- Matt 5:30 • Sin will take you to Hell

20. The Cure for Sin = Mourn • When you get honest and recognize the evil of sin and its effects on you, family, society and weep over it then God will respond to your repentant attitude • Comforter=paralete=one called alongside to be your helper;advocate;comforter • John 14:16 “he will give you another helper, that he may abide with you forever.” • I John 2:1-2 “if anyone sins we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous”

21. THE COMFORTER-THE HOLY SPIRIT • The Holy Spirit will give you courage Acts 4:20 “we cannot but speak.” • The Holy Spirit will give you calmness Acts 27:24 “do not be afraid, you must be brought before Caesar..” • The Holy Spirit will give you companionship Heb.13:5 “..I will never leave you, nor forsake you.”

22. LESSON THREE FOLLOWING JESUS 101 Blessed Are The Meek By Dr. Ray Henry

23. Key Verses - Meekness • Matt. 5:5- “Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth.” • Matt. 11:29- “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” • Numbers 12:3- “Now Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.” • Gal. 5:22-23- “The fruit of the Spirit is …meekness.” • Eph 4:2- “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.” • James 1:21- “Receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”

24. Definition of Meekness • Greek Word is “Praus” meaning: • “Mild” of things • “Tame” of animals • “Gentle” of persons; pleasant • Kindly or lenient • The adverb for”praus” denotes quiet or friendly composure. The Greeks valued this virtue if there was a compensating strength.”

25. THE MEANING OF MEEKNESS • Jesus was most courageous man, yet meek…(drove moneychangers out of Temple) The World hears “Gentle Jesus-Meek and Mild” • Moses was meek yet got angry at the idolatry of Israel • Meekness is not weakness • Quote: Aristotle in Nicomachean Ethics • “Anyone can become angry, that is easy. But to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and the in the right way—this is not easy.”

26. The Meaning of Meekness • Meekness is Power under control. • “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he that rulest his spirit than he that taketh a city.” Prov.16:32 • “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” Prov.25:28 • Ways the Greek word for meekness was used: • A SOOTHING MEDICINE • A GENTLE BREEZE • A COLT THAT WAS BROKEN • What do all of the above usages have in common-POWER. • Meekness-Power under Control.

27. Manifestations of Meekness POWER UNDER CONTROL • ABRAHAM’S DEALING WITH LOT -Read Gen. 13:8-9 • JOSEPH’S DEALING WITH BROTHERS • DAVID’S DEALING WITH KING SAUL and WITH SHIMEI – I Sam. 24 / II Sam.16:9

28. TESTS TO SEE IF YOU HAVE MEEKNESS • ATTITUDE TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF LIFE – Ps.37:11 (Full of difficulties) • ATTITUDE TOWARDS GOD’S WORD- James 1:21 • ATTITUDE TOWARDS A BROTHER WHO SINS – GAL.6:1 • ATTITUDE TOWARDS DIVISION IN THE CHURCH – Eph.4:1-3 • ATTITUDE TOWARDS THOSE WHO DISAGREE WITH US – II Tim.2:24-25 • ATTITUDE TOWARDS LOST PEOPLE IN WITNESSING – I Pet. 3:15

29. MEEKNESSA FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT TO CULTIVATE • Meekness is one of the fruits of the Spirit controlled life. • Saul of Tarsus was very religious but used his authority in a hateful evil way to hurt. • Saul later cultivated meekness by the Spirit. To the Corinthian church “Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and in the spirit of meekness and gentleness in Christ.” I Cor.4:21 • To the believers at Galatia,Ephesus,Colossae he urged them to cultivate meekness. • He told the pastors-Timothy and Titus to show meekness

30. The Reward of MeeknessInherit the Earth? • When King Saul was little, God make him great. When he make himself great, he lost it all. • David showed a spirit of meekness and God gave him a crown and everything. • “To inherit the earth” means to reign as king over yourself and your circumstances through the power of the Holy Spirit.” W. Wiersbe • “When you are meek you seek nothing for self; and when you seek nothing for self, God gives you everything.” W. Wiersbe

31. The Reward of Meekness“Inherit the Earth” • God gives us all things to enjoy as we submit to His Rule and will. See I Cor.3:21-23 “all things are yours…” • Meekness is the secret to possessing everything. • You inherit something when someone dies and leaves it to you in a will. We died in Christ and now live in Him and we share in the rich inheritance we have in Christ. • The meek person does not fret or fight, he waits on the Lord and His timing. Ps.37:7,25,34 Joseph waited on the Lord to exalt him and he inherited it all.

32. Lesson Four Following Jesus 101 Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst By Dr. Ray Henry

33. Fourth BeatitudeBlessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst-Righteousness • When you control hunger-you control life • Find out what a man’s deepest appetite is and provide it to him, and you control him • First sign of sickness is loss of appetite • First sign of regained health- return of appetite • Doctors/Nurses ask-How is your appetite • The same is true of spiritual health-How is your appetite?

34. Question? How is your appetite for spiritual things? • You are just as close to God as you want to be! • How much of God do you really want? • Jesus said “I am the bread of life, he that cometh to me shall never hunger, and he that believeth in me shall never thirst.” Jn 6:35 • The woman at the well of Samaria sought satisfaction in relationships • The prodigal son sought satisfaction in riotious living-excitement and pleasure. • An unsaved person has no appetite for the things of God.

35. God Satisfies Our Desires • You are just as spiritual as you want to be • God will meet us at out point of desire. • Ps.37:4 “Delight thyself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of thy heart.” • A new born Christian as an appetite for the milk of God’s Word. I Peter 2 • But some never move beyond a child’s appetite to the meat (maturity) of God’s Word “I have fed you with milk, and not with meat; for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.” I Cor. 3:2

36. Blessed Are Those Who Hunger… How Can I Tell Whether or not I have a Spiritual Appetite?

37. FIRST- I HAVE A RIGHT A AFFECTION • Matt.6:19-21 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” • Some people’s affection are for things here on earth only. • Symbols of wealth are cloths and barns. • Illustration: Samson wanted pleasure and cloths for winning the battle. Judges 14:12 • In Jesus’ day agricultural was society’s main business. • Illustration: Titanic movie-left the jewelry behind for oranges • Illustration: Guideposts article of a barn burning and horse went back in fire for safety-he thought. • Illustration: Twice now hurricanes have destroyed large beautiful homes in the Gulfport-Biloxi area.

38. SECOND-YOU WILL HAVE THE RIGHT ALLEGIANCE • “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”Matt.6: 24 • The word serve means a bond-servant, slave. • Song: “You gotta serve somebody”-Bob Dylan • “despise”-means to undervalue • Are you constantly worrying about the things of this world. • Biblical Ill.-Daniel’s first allegiance was to his God. • Illustration: Tom Lester,farm boy from Laurel, MS who put Christ first even in the parts he took in Hollywood…Petticoat Junction…Green Acres

39. THIRD-YOU WILL HAVE THE RIGHT AMBITION • Matt.6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…” • Example: Chuck Colson and Watergate and now reaches thousands in his books and Prison Fellowship • “kingdom of God”-the rule of God in your life • Jesus can never be second and you find deep satisfaction and fulfillment in life. • Illustration: Tom Landry-even though he was on a world champion football team-he never was satisfied

40. WHAT IS RIGHTEOUSNESS? IMPARTED RIGHTEOUSNESS -Our righteousness is as filthy rags -Jesus becomes our righteousness. I Cor.1:30 Romans 1:16-17 “gospel of Christ…for therein is the righteousness of God revealed..” IMPUTED RIGHTEOUSNESS -This is the righteousness of Christ expressed through us because we have Him living in us. -This is letting Christ live a righteous life through us by the power of the Holy Spirit. Gal.2:20 /Eph.5:18

41. HOW DO WE HUNGER AND THIRST? • By Feeding on God’s Word • By Daily being filled by the Holy Spirit • By Walking daily in dependency upon Christ as your new life…walking by faith “He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly (inner man) shall flow rivers of living water.’ Jn. 7:38

42. Lesson Five Following Jesus 101 Blessed Are The Merciful “The Boomerang Beatitude” By Dr. Ray Henry

43. The Boomerang Beatitude-Mercy • Boomerangs can go far out(150ft) and return • Mercy (Eleemon)=Not merely an expression of mercy but one who has this attribute because God indwells. • An old word for mercy institutions were called “eleemosynary” institutions. • Publican- “God be merciful to me a sinner” • Canaanite mother whose daughter was vexed by an evil spirit.. “Have mercy on me, O Lord…” Matt.15:22

44. The Principle of Proportionate Return • If you are critical, criticism will return to you • Example:Dr.Schuller’s advice to women whose husband was always critical. • Give a little, get back a little; Give a lot, get back a lot…….. • Matt. 7:2 “the measure you give is the measure you get” • Matt.6:15 “If you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will Father forgive your trespasses” • Gal.6:7- “whatever a man sows, that will he also reap”

45. The Meaning of Merciful • THE DEFINITION OF MERCY 1.Grace and Mercy- God in His grace gives me what I do not deserve. God in His Mercy does not give me what I deserve. 2.Sinners are saved because of God’s Mercy. 3.Definition of Mercy=“to alleviate the consequences of sin.” 4.Others say mercy is the “ability to feel with someone.” Heb. 4:15-16 5.Mercy-literally means “to withhold judgment”

46. Scripture Verses on Mercy • Lam.3:22 “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed.” • Ps. 23:6 “surely goodness and mercy shall follow • Ps 85:10 “mercy and truth aqree met together..” • Micah 7:18 “who is God like unto thee, that pardoned iniquity, and passed by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not his anger forever, because he delighteth in mercy.” • Hab. 3:2 “in wrath remember mercy” • Hosea 6:6/Matt.9:13 “ I desire mercy, not sacrifice” • Romans 9:15 “I will have mercy upon whomever I will have mercy..” • II Cor. 1:3 “the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort” • James 3:17 “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits.” • Col. 3:12 “put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies.” • Heb.4:16 “let us come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

47. BIBLICAL EXAMPLES-MERCY • ABRAHAM AND LOT • JOSEPH AND HIS BROTHERS • DAVID WITH KING SAUL • JESUS AND WOMAN CAUGHT IN ADULTTERY • GREATEST EXAMPLE-JESUS ON THE CROSS

48. Characteristics of A Pure Heart • A pure heart means an undivided heart. • A pure heart trusts only in the Lord. • A pure heart does not lust after sinful relationships. • A pure heart does not focus on earthly riches for riches sake.

49. Characteristics of A Merciful Person • Parable of the Good Samaritan-Lk 10:37 • Not just an emotional response. It is not just pity, but pity plus action. • HE IS KIND IN CRITCISM ANDJUDGMENT1. Judge not, that you be not judged” Mt.7:1 2. Ill. Lady and Cookies 3. James 1:19 .. “slow to speak, slow to wrath” 4.Get the beam of self-righteousness out first HE IS READY TO FORGIVE1. “If you not forgive men their trespasses,neither will you father forgive your trespasses.” 2. Ill. Sir Perciful Lowell-astronomer-saw own blood vessels, not canals on moon. HE GIVES HIMSELF TO MEET NEEDS OF PERSON-1.Example-Good Samaritan. 2.I Jn 3:18

50. Three Reasons Not To Judge • I EXPOSE MYSELF TO JUDGMENT • WE RAISE THE STANDARD OF MY OWN JUDGMENT • WE ARE INCAPABLE