The Blessings – Part One
A. THE “BLESSINGS,” OR “BEATITUDES,” ARE WELL KNOWN.
1. There are 8 or 9 depending on how vs. 10 & 11 are viewed.
2. Blessings are pronounced on men for character traits.
B. BOTH THE BLESSINGS AND THE TRAITS ARE COMPOSITES.
C. SERMON’S THEME (5:20).
1. Traits contrast with the character of Jewish leaders.
2. Blessings they held to be theirs exclusively – paradoxes.
D. STUDY GOOD … NEEDED.
A. SPIRITUALLY HUMBLE – REALIZING SMALLNESS (Psa. 144:3-4).
1. Consider man’s place in the cosmos.
2. Consider man’s effect on his environment (Ecc. 1).
B. A TRAIT NECESSARY FOR MEMBERS OF THE BODY (Matt. 18:1-4).
1. Beware! the temptation to over-inflate (Rom. 12:3; Matt. 3:9).
2. Dare we compare ourselves to others? (2 Cor. 10:12).
3. Jesus is the standard (John 12:48; Acts 17:30-31). How do we compare now?
4. How important are we? (1 Cor. 12:21-22; Phil. 2:1-4). Put the other first.
5. Unity springing out of that Love (Eph. 4:1-3).
C. WE ARE TOTALLY DEPENDENT ON GOD.
1. Man has nowhere to brag (Prov. 14:12; Jer. 10:23; 1 Cor. 10:12; 1:21; 3:18).
2. All are sinners (Rom. 3:23; Luke 18:9-14).
D. CONTRAST WITH THE PHARISEES (Matt. 6:1-2, 5, 16; 23:1-7).
E. REWARD: THEIRS IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.
A. DOES THIS INCLUDE ALL THAT MOURN? WHAT OF THE MAN THAT
MOURNS THIS WORLD’S LOSSES? WHAT ABOUT THOSE WHO DIE IN SIN?
THEIR LOVED ONES? (1 Thess. 4:13).
B. MADE TO THOSE WHO MOURN OVER TRIALS AND SUFFERING AS
THEY ATTEMPT TO FOLLOW JESUS (Jas. 1:2-4; 5:7-11; 1 Pet. 1:6-9).
C. MADE TO THOSE WHO MOURN OVER LIFE’S BURDENS IN CHRIST.
1. Death (1 Thess. 4:12).
2. Material loss (Matt. 6:19-21; 2 Cor. 5:1; 1 Tim. 6:7-9, 17-19).
3. Persecution (Matt. 5:10-12).
4. All loss (Psa. 55:22; Phil. 4:6-7; 2 Cor. 1:3ff.; 2:14).
D. MADE TO THOSE WHO ARE BURDENED WITH SIN.
1. Notice Jesus invitation (Matt. 11:28-30).
2. Godly Sorrow (2 Cor. 7:10; James 4:8-10).
Difference seen in Fruit.
3. David (Psa. 51:17-18), Peter (Matt. 26:69-75), Judas (Matt. 27:3-5),
Pentecost (Acts 2:36-38).
E. REWARD: THEY SHALL BE COMFORTED.
1. From Trial.
2. From Sin (John 8:31-36; Rom. 6:17-18; Phil. 4:4).
A. prautes, “The English word "meek" has largely lost the fine blend of spiritual
poise and strength meant by the Master. He calls himself "meek and lowly in heart"
(Matt 11:29) and Moses is also called "meek." It is the gentleness of strength, not
mere effeminacy.” – A. T. Robertson
GENTLE GIANTS.
B. JESUS, THE PERFECT ILLUSTRATION:
1. Non-violent (John 18:36; Matt. 26:51-52).
2. His power (Matt. 26:53; 27:39-44; Luke 23:24).
3. To whom was the gospel first preached?
C. AS IT APPLIES TO US.
1. No grudges (Matt. 5:23-26).
2. Our attitude (Matt. 5:43-48).
3. Vengeance is God’s (Rom. 12:17-21). Even when they deserve it!
4. 1 Pet. 2:21-24; 3:8-9.
5. The secret (1 Pet. 2:23; 4:19 – 2 Tim. 2:25; 1 Pet. 3:15-16).
D. REWARD: THEY SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH.
A. VORACIOUS APPETITE FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS – MUST HAVE IT IN ABUNDANCE.
B. APPLICATION TO GOD’S WORD.
1. Like babies (1 Pet. 2:2; 2 Pet. 3:18).
2. David (Psa. 1:1-2; 119:97).
3. Searching (John 5:39; Acts 17:11; 1 Pet. 1:10-12).
Why? (Rom. 1:16-17; 2 Tim. 3:14-15).
4. Israel (Deut. 6:4-9, 20-25; Neh. 8:1-9).
C. NOT JUST GOD’S WORD, BUT INCLUDES CONDITIONS DESCRIBED AS RIGHT.
1. Israel’s curse (Isa. 5:18-23; Jer. 2:13; 5:30-31; 6:16; 8:8-12; 9:1-2; 14:10-12;
19:14-15; 20:7-10; 23:1-2).
2. Will we follow? (Phil. 3:18-19; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; Jas. 4:7-10; 2 Tim. 4:3-4).
3. The righteous will desire just conditions.
a. For himself (Psa. 16:1-5).
b. For his neighbor (Jude 22-23; 1 Cor. 13:6-7; 3 John 2-4).
4. Will not be silent in absence (Amos 5:24; Eph. 5:11).
D. LONGS FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS LINKED TO CLEANSING.
1. Sin is man’s curse – Results (Rom. 6:23).
2. David longed for cleansing (Psa. 51:7-9; Matt. 11:28-30).
3. Jesus is the only one who can satisfy (John 6:35, 51, 63).
E. NOT HAPPY WITH JUST KNOWING RIGHT, BUT MUST
SEE THAT IT PREVAILS IN HIS LIFE WHETHER OR NOT TO HIS
PERSONAL ADVANTAGE. THE CAUSE OF GOD (HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS)
IS MOST IMPORTANT, SO HE STUDIES GOD’S WILL, APPLIES IT TO HIMSELF,
AND TEACHES IT TO OTHERS.
F. REWARD – THEY SHALL BE FILLED.
A. eloes, NOUN “is the outward manifestation of pity;” VERB “to feel sympathy with
the misery of another," and especially sympathy manifested in act,” ADJECTIVE “actively
compassionate” – Vine KINDNESS IN EXCESS OF FAIRNESS.
1. We are to feel pity (1 Pet. 3:8; Rom. 13:15; 1 Cor. 12:25-26).
2. Feeling is not enough (Jas. 2:15-16; 1 John 3:17-18).
B. GOD IS THE EPITOME OF MERCY.
1. Mercy springs up from love (Eph. 2:4).
2. Our hope is the product of mercy (1 Pet. 1:3).
3. So is our cleansing (Titus 3:4-7).
a. Jesus sent to die in our place (Rom. 5:6-8).
b. Mercy manifested here (2 Cor. 4:1; 5:14-15).
4. Not limited to redemption.
a. Help in trial (Heb. 4:16; 1 Cor. 10:13).
b. Jesus instrumental here (Heb. 2:17-18).
c. Physical blessings (Matt. 9:27; Phil. 2:25-27).
C. BE YE IMITATORS OF GOD (Eph. 5:1; Luke 6:36).
1. Luke 10:25-37.
a. Pity in action (1 John 3:14-18; see vs. 25-29).
b. Springs from love (John 13:34-35).
c. Contrary to the natural inclinations (Rom. 12:19-21; Matt. 5:43-48).
d. “Go thou and do likewise.”
2. Jude 22-23. Spiritual Needs – Gal. 6:10; Phil. 2:1-4.
3. Matt. 18:31-35. Forgiveness.
a. Not necessarily deserving – We are to be longsuffering (1 Cor. 13:4; Eph. 4:1-3).
b. No limit – what about us (Luke 17:10; 1 John 2:1-2).
c. Must have it to get it (Matt. 5:7; 6:12-15).
d. Grudge bearing not allowed (Matt. 18:15; Eph. 4:31-32).
D. REWARD – THEY SHALL RECEIVE MERCY.
A. PURE, katharos, “PURE AS BEING CLEANSED,” “FREE FROM
IMPURE ADMIXTURE, WITHOUT BLEMISH, SPOTLESS.” ALSO TRANSLATED “CLEAN.”
B. GOD, THROUGH JESUS AND THE WORD, CLEANS US AND MAKES US PURE.
1. The sacrifice (Heb. 9:11-14; 1 John 1:6-7; Heb. 9:22-23).
2. The Word (Eph. 5:26).
a. The apostles (John 15:3).
b. God’s power to save (Rom. 1:16; James 1:21).
c. Must be obeyed before it can clean (1 Pet. 1:22).
C. OUR LIVES MUST BE PURE.
1. Worthy of the Gospel (Phil. 1:27).
2. Separate from sin (1 John 2:1; 2 Cor. 7:1).
3. Example to the world (Phil. 2:14-16; 1 Pet. 2:9).
4. Two distinct ideas:
a. Not contaminated. Unalloyed.
- by sin (1 Thess. 5:22) – wrong motives.
- by error (2 Cor. 11:1-4).
b. Not distracted:
- can’t serve God and mammon (Matt. 6:24; 1 John 2:15-17).
- can’t misplace priorities (Matt. 6:33; Rom. 12:9).
- look back (Luke 9:62).
D. HOW DO WE ACHIEVE THIS?
WHAT WE DO IS A PRODUCT OF WHAT WE ARE?
1. We must strive for a pure heart (Matt. 10:25-26; Prov. 22:11; 2 Tim. 2:21-22).
2. How do we accomplish this?
a. Again, through obedience (1 Pet. 1:22-23).
b. Feeding on his pure word (1 Pet. 2:1-2).
c. Avoiding temptation:
- People (1 Cor. 15:33) – Friends!
- (2 Cor. 6:14ff.) Relationships.
- Unwholesome activities (1 Thess. 5:21-22).
- Affections (Rom. 12:9).
- Pressure to conform (Rom. 12:2).
- Wrongful priorities (2 Tim.2:3-4; 1 Tim. 6:9-10).
- Human philosophy (Col. 2:8), through the media, friends, books, entertainment
(Phil. 4:8).
3. We can control our minds! (Phil. 4:8).
E. WHAT IS OUR AIM – THE PURPOSE OF PURITY?
1. A direct relation between purity and usefulness (Titus 2:14; John 15:2).
2. We are lights (Phil. 2:14-16; 1 Pet. 2:11-12; 1 Pet. 2:9).
3. That we be like him (1 John 3:1-3).
4. Heaven awaits (2 Cor. 6:17 – 7:1).
F. BUT WE MUST PURIFY OURSELVES (1 Pet. 1:22).
G. REWARD – THEY SHALL SEE GOD.
A. NOT ONE WHO DESIRES PEACE, BUT ONE WHO MAKES PEACE.
1. Proper attitude, belief or knowledge must be accompanied by action
(Jas. 2:15-16; 1 John 3:18; Luke 6:46).
2. What we do is a product of what we are (Luke 6:43-45).
a. Do we want peace, real peace, or merely to avoid hassle?
b. Quiet atmosphere is not the same thing as peace.
B. THE PEACEMAKER TAKES THE INITIATIVE.
1. Abraham and Lot (Gen. 13).
2. Jesus’ teaching.
a. Matt. 5:21-26.
- Proper disposition as opposed to anger or contempt.
- Right the wrong, top priority.
b. Matt. 18:15-20. Don’t wait, every effort, Jesus’ sanction (James 1:19-20).
3. Teaching of Paul.
a. 1 Cor. 6:1-11.
- Public spectacle, we judge the world.
- Why not rather take the wrong?
- In keeping with our redeemed character.
b. Rom. 12:15-21.
- Be of the same mind, condescend to things that are lowly.
- If it be possible, all men (2 Tim. 3:3) implacable.
- What if peace can’t be had (Rom. 12:19-21).
- 1 Cor. 12:25; Eph. 4:1-3. Striving – Give diligence.
C. PEACE IS THE NATURAL RESULT OF LOVE.
1. Commanded to love one another (John 13:34-35).
2. Even our enemies (Matt. 5:43-48).
3. Love causes us to look to others (Phil. 2:1-4).
4. It is the basis of our unity (Eph. 4:1-3).
5. Strife derives from worldliness.
a. James 4:1-4; 1 Cor. 3:1-3.
b. James 3:13-18.
- such conduct is not from God.
- it is earthly, sensual, devilish.
- accompanites every vile deed.
- describe the wisdom that is from above.
- result is Righteousness.
D. GOD IS OUR EXAMPLE.
1. He took the initiative (Rom. 5:8; 1 John 4:9-10).
2. Motivated by love (Rom. 5:8).
3. How do we respond? (1 John 4:17, 11, 19).
4. Rom. 2:4.
E. REWARD – THEY SHALL BE CALLED SONS OF GOD.
Persecution is not guarantee of right!
A. Matt. 23:32-36. GOD’S PEOPLE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN PERSECUTED.
1. OT People (Heb. 12:35-38).
2. Jesus himself (Matt. 16:21; 17:22-23).
3. His disciples:
a. evil reproach and false witness (Matt. 5:11).
b. contempt and disparagement (John 8:48; Matt. 10:25).
c. ostracism (Luke 6:22; John 16:1-2).
d. illegal arrest, spoliation of goods, death itself (Matt. 10:16-23).
e. comfort offered – beyond death they could nothing (Luke 12:4-7).
4. In the church persecution instigated by the Jews (Acts 4:1-3, 17-18).
5. The dam broke with the death of Stephen (Acts 7:54 – 8:4; 22:4).
a. Persecutors felt justified (Acts 26:9-12; John 16:2).
b. Result of misconception (Acts 24:14; John 16:3).
c. Paul’s summary (2 Cor. 11:22-28).
6. Gentile persecution slow in coming.
a. Witness the treatment of Paul (Acts 18:12-17; 26:30-32).
b. Something went wrong (2 Tim. 4:6-8, 9-18).
B. WE ARE PROMISED PERSECUTION!
1. Jesus’ teaching (Luke 6:26; John 15:18-21).
2. The apostles (2 Tim. 3:12; 1 Pet. 4:12; Heb. 12:7).
C. WHAT IS OUR ATTITUDE?
1. The apostles (Acts 5:41; 8:4; 2 Cor. 4:7-15; 12:15; 2 Tim. 2:3; 1:12).
2. Our attitude
(1 Pet. 1:6-8; 3:13-17; 4:12-19; James 5:7-11; Heb. 12:1-3; Matt. 5:10-12).
D. HOW DO WE COMPARE? (Heb. 12:3-4, 12-13; 1 Cor. 10:10).
