#blessed: An Upside-Down Kingdom

The Gospel of Matthew  •  Sermon  •  Submitted   •  Presented   •  36:54
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Text: Mat. 5:1-16
Main Point/FCF: The Kingdom of Heaven is an upside-down kingdom in which success looks like failure and suffering is a blessing.
Introduction:
What does it mean to be blessed? What does it mean to have the favor of God resting upon you?
If we listen to some televangelists, they’ll tell us that God’s blessings consist of health, wealth, and prosperity.
If we scroll our Facebook feed, we might conclude that blessedness means getting to take an exotic vacation or buying a nice new car, a nice home, getting a promotion or a high paying job, getting to retire early, being physically fit and healthy, and so on.
And so, when we measure ourselves by these standards, it’s easy to feel that we’re not as “blessed” as others. Maybe we’re doing something wrong. Perhaps if we’d worked harder or been smarter, prettier, more athletic, then we would have more blessings.
But true blessedness in the Kingdom of Heaven looks different than what the world would tell us. It doesn’t usually make for good Facebook posts. Sometimes God’s greatest blessings to us look like failure or even a curse from the world’s perspective.
Matthew 5:1–16 ESV
1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

The Kingdom of Heaven is an upside-down kingdom.

True blessedness does not look like blessing by the world’s standards.

The World’s Beatitudes

Blessed are the rich, for the kingdoms of this earth are in their power.
Blessed are the happy, for all is well in their life.
Blessed are the ambitious, for they will have large houses and nice cars.
Blessed are those who dine in fine restaurants, for they will never go hungry.
Blessed are those who show no mercy, for mercy is a sign of weakness.
Blessed are those who indulge their desires, for you only live once.
Blessed are the aggressive, for they know how to get what they want.
Blessed are those who are admired and respected by others, for they will never suffer rejection.

True blessedness in the Kingdom of Heaven looks like failure in this world.

In the Kingdom of Heaven, the ones who are truly blessed are:
The poor
The sad, depressed, and mournful
The meek and humble
The radical, sold-out followers of Jesus
The merciful
The pure
The ones who never win a fight
The ones who are rejected, despised, slandered, and persecuted

Kingdom Economics

The poor inherit a kingdom. (5:3)

Matthew 5:3 ESV
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
There is a close association in Scripture with physical/financial poverty and spiritual humility.
Luke 6:20 ESV
20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
Proverbs 16:19 ESV
19 It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Matthew 19:22–24 ESV
22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. 23 And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”

The poor in spirit are those who recognize they are in need of God’s help. theirs is the kingdom of heaven. It belongs to those who confess their spiritual bankruptcy

The universal temptation of riches and wealth is self-dependence, self-glorification, and pride.
Daniel 4:28–30 ESV
28 All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar. 29 At the end of twelve months he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, 30 and the king answered and said, “Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?”

The mourners receive eternal comfort. (5:4)

You can mourn for a lot of reasons, but Jesus has in mind those who mourn because of kingdom-related things.

Mourning can be because of suffering endured for the Kingdom.

In II Corinthians, Paul talks about the afflictions and suffering that he and his fellow missionaries endured, and the comfort that God provided in that circumstance:
2 Corinthians 7:5–7 ESV
5 For even when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted at every turn—fighting without and fear within. 6 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming but also by the comfort with which he was comforted by you, as he told us of your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced still more.

Mourning can be because of grief over sin.

He also talks about the Corinthians grief over their sins, which led them to repentance and, subsequently, their comfort by the Holy Spirit:
2 Corinthians 7:9–10 ESV
9 As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. 10 For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.
2 Corinthians 7:12–13 ESV
12 So although I wrote to you, it was not for the sake of the one who did the wrong, nor for the sake of the one who suffered the wrong, but in order that your earnestness for us might be revealed to you in the sight of God. 13 Therefore we are comforted. And besides our own comfort, we rejoiced still more at the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all.

Mourning can be because of the brokenness of this world and a longing for eternity with Christ.

John 16:5–7 ESV
5 But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.
The root of the word translated “Helper” in John 16 is “comfort,” the same thing that is promised for those who mourn here in the Beatitudes.

The meek conquer the earth. (5:5)

In this world, the meek don’t inherit anything. The motto of this world is “God helps those who help themselves.”
Find a wealthy executive and you’ll probably find someone who has trampled over and climbed over others to get to where they are.
Mighty kingdoms aren’t established by being meek and gentle, but by ruthlessly conquering the meek.
But in God’s kingdom, spiritual victory is accomplished by gentleness and meekness.

The meek are the “gentle” (cf. 11:29), those who do not assert themselves over others in order to further their own agendas in their own strength, but who will nonetheless inherit the earth because they trust in God to direct the outcome of events. Cf.

Revelation 12:10–11 ESV
10 And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. 11 And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.
The ultimate act of meekness—giving up one’s life in the act of proclaiming the gospel of forgiveness for sins—becomes the means by which we win victory over Satan and his forces.

The hungry are satisfied. (5:6)

This world hungers and thirsts after delicacies, alcohol, money, sex, power, fame. Those who become rich are those who desire riches and power above all else and are willing to sacrifice whatever is necessary to get it.
But Jesus tells us to hunger and thirst after righteousness.
Jesus modeled this for us in his 40 day fast when he rebuked Satan’s temptation by saying
Matthew 4:4 ESV
4 But he answered, “It is written, “ ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”

Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness recognize that God is the ultimate source of real righteousness, so they long for his righteous character to be evident in people’s lives on earth. They shall be satisfied by responding to his invitation to be in relationship with him.

Do you hunger and thirst for righteousness? To be holy?
Does your heart ache to know God more? To be in his presence? Can you say with the Psalmist,
Psalm 84:2 ESV
2 My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.
Psalm 84:10 ESV
10 For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
Psalm 42:1–2 ESV
1 As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
Are you hungry for God and his righteousness, or are you satisfied with this world?
"Most people, if they had really learned to look into their own hearts, would know that they do want, and want acutely, something that cannot be had in this world. There are all sorts of things in this world that offer to give it to you, but they never quite keep their promise...
If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world."
"Probably earthly pleasures were never meant to satisfy it, but only to arouse it, to suggest the real thing. If that is so, I must take care, on the one hand, never to despise, or be unthankful for, these earthly blessings, and on the other, never to mistake them for the something else of which they are only a kind of copy, or echo, or mirage.
I must keep alive in myself the desire for my true country, which I shall not find till after death; I must never let it get snowed under or turned aside; I must make it the main object of life to press on to that other country and to help others to do the same."
- C. S. Lewis, from Mere Christianity, pp. 135-137.

The merciful receive mercy. (5:7)

Showing mercy isn’t easy. It requires that we realize and acknowledge our own sinfulness and failings and how much mercy we have been shown.

The kindness and forgiveness that the merciful show to others will also be shown to them.

The pure receive the presence of God. (5:8)

Those who shun evil and keep themselves pure in this world are usually labeled as “prudish” or “holier-than-thou.”
But purity is about pursuing God and rejecting anything that would draw our hearts away from him.

5:8 The pure in heart are those whose pursuit of purity and uprightness affects every area of life. they shall see God. Note the ultimate fulfillment in

Revelation 22:3–4 ESV
3 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.

The peacemakers are honored. (5:9)

This world honors those who come out on top in a fight.
So, when we seek peace and reconciliation, people can see a difference in us and recognize us as followers of Christ.
John 13:35 ESV
35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

The persecuted receive a kingdom. (5:10)

The kingdoms of this world persecute those who follow God. The persecuted are often powerless, stripped of their dignity and rights, and subjected to humiliation, shame, and even torture and death.
But in God’s Kingdom, they are members of the royal family and receive as their inheritance a throne.

The greatest blessing comes through bringing glory to God.

Matthew 5:12–16 ESV
12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

When you live for the Kingdom of God, you stand out in this world.

Matthew 5:14 ESV
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
It stands out when someone rejoices in the midst of suffering and persecution, or when someone turns the other cheek, or when people live for Christ instead of chasing money and power.

As you live out the beatitudes, you will have opportunities to point others to God.

Matthew 5:16 ESV
16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
The purpose of all of this upside down living is to bring glory to God.
As we do that, we will experience true blessedness.

What if the early church had Facebook?

Many Americans are chasing after the #blessed life of bigger houses, fancier cars, fame, riches, and comfort but Christ is calling you to the life that is truly #Blessed, a life whose blessings are not measured by possessions and comforts.
I wonder, what might Jesus and the Apostles’ Facebook posts have looked like?
Mary: Everyone thinks I was unfaithful to Joseph, even though I wasn’t. They wouldn’t even give me a room in the inn at Bethlehem, so I had to deliver my baby in a stable alongside the cows and donkeys! I don’t even have a bassinet for my baby, so I just had to make do with this dirty old manger. But what a privilege to be chosen as the mother of the Messiah! Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! He took notice of this lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed! (Luk. 1:46-48)
#blessed
Paul: Our mission trip in Asia took a turn for the worse. At times, we were so burdened, exhausted, and oppressed that we thought we would die. But, through it, we learned to rely on the God who raises the dead instead of ourselves. He delivered us, and he will deliver us. If he doesn’t come through, we’re without hope. He’s our only hope at this point. (2 Cor. 1:8-10)
#blessed
 
James: Things are heating up here in Jerusalem. I think that very soon I will follow my Lord and Savior in death for the faith. Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (Jas. 1:2-4)
#purejoy #blessed
Jesus: The foxes have holes, and the birds have nests, but I have nowhere to sleep tonight. I came to save these people, but they reject me and ridicule me from one town to the next. Even my own brothers and family mock me. The religious leaders are constantly setting traps for me, taking my words out of context and twisting them against me. I left unimaginable glory, perfect communion with the Father, a place where there is no sin, sickness, or death, to come here to this dirty, evil, place and my own disciples don’t even understand me. To top it all off, I know where this road leads—to the cross. Yet, because of the joy and the glory that is waiting for me, I will gladly follow my Father’s will and lay down my life. This world is not my home.
#blessed
Paul: Long post alert…😏
Being an apostle has cost me everything. I had a promising career as a Pharisee. In fact, I’d say that if anyone else thinks he has reason to pat himself on the back, I have more: I was circumcised on the eighth day, I’m a pure Israelite from the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews. As far as keeping the law, I was a Pharisee. I even proved my dedication to my faith by persecuting the church! I was rising through the ranks and was well respected. But Jesus flipped all that on its head.
Since I became an apostle, I’ve had nothing but trouble!  Five times I received the maximum number of whippings allowed for someone not sentenced to death.Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. I’ve been shipwrecked three times and once spent a full night and day adrift at sea. I’m always making dangerous journeys, crossing rivers, in danger of highway robbery, in danger from my own people, in danger from Gentiles, in danger in the city, in danger in the wilderness, in danger at sea, in danger from traitors within the church. I have to work hard and have many a sleepless night. I often go hungry and thirsty, often suffer from the cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.
Plus, if all that wasn’t enough, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a form of demonic oppression I’m sure, to keep me from becoming conceited. I’ve pleaded with the Lord about this three times, for him to take it from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I’ve made up my mind. I will boast—even more gladly—of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. And whatever gain I had from my former life and credentials, I count as loss for the sake of Christ. In fact, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, so that I may gain Christ and be found in him. (Phil. 3:4-9) For me, to live is for Christ, and to die is gain.
#blessed
Conclusion: What does it mean to be blessed? What does it mean to have the favor of God resting upon you? Living the blessed life doesn’t mean that you’re always happy, healthy, and wealthy. It means that you’re living for the Kingdom of Heaven in ways that bring God glory. It means that you’re putting God above yourself. It means that you’re going to endure suffering, poverty, humility, and loss. But, it means that through all of that, you’ll have the presence of the Spirit in your life, the promise of eternal life, and an eternal reward when the Kingdom of Heaven is fully established on earth.
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