GOSPEL OF MATTHEW - THE PATH OF THE KINGDOM

THE BLESSED LIFE PT 3 - MATTHEW 5:9-12

Last week we looked at the second group of 3 Beatitudes and discussed that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will have their fill. Righteousness is right standing before God and when we hunger and thirst for that God will satisfy that deep, intense appetite. The second was that those that show mercy will receive mercy and how mercy is not deserved but it is a fundamental characteristic of God and it is like love it is reciprocal so it comes back when it is given. Finally, we saw that the pure in heart will see God. A pure heart is an internal integrity that transparently manifests itself in outward behaviors – our walk and our talk match. The way we see God is in His Word, in His Creation, in His Blessings and answered prayers as well as Him working in the lives of other believers. We only get glimpses and manifestations of Him until we are fully in His Holy Presence.

Today we conclude the Beatitudes with the last 3 blessed are the statements. Blessed are the peacemakers, blessed are those who are persecuted and blessed when you are reviled and face trials for the Gospel.

So as we begin to look at the path of the kingdom let us pray!

Sermon Title: The Path of the Kingdom

Scripture Text: Matthew 5:9-12 – “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

I. Blessed are the Peacemakers (Matthew 5:9)

Illustration: Picture a bridge over a deep canyon. A peacemaker is like a bridge, connecting two sides that would otherwise remain divided. Just as Jesus bridged the gap between us and God, we are called to be bridges of reconciliation in our families, workplaces, and communities.

Key Idea: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” True peace is not just the absence of conflict but the presence of righteousness and reconciliation. Peacemakers reflect the heart of God by seeking unity, healing relationships, and promoting peace in a world filled with division.

Jesus reminds us we are not to be passive in our peace but active as a peacemaker, bridge builders, reconcilers of believers and others.

In society when aggression is rampant we are called to seek harmonious relationships with those around us –

now this does not include a permissive attitude where we condone sin

but we are not called to actively persecute – unlike Westboro Baptist who is famous for picketing funerals and promoting God’s hatred towards gays is the exact opposite of this beatitude and the exact opposite of the image of God.

We can truly live in harmony with those we disagree with if we hunger and thirst for righteousness and are pure in heart.

As peacemakers we help others reconcile with God – like ambassadors for The Living God we are being sent into a wartorn world we are to bring the Gospel of Peace –

Paul reminds of that in Ephesians 6:15 – and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.

I read that to be meek and hungry for righteousness is to have the absence of selfishness and selfish ambition

as mentioned earlier this is the only was for us to truly be peacemakers.

Supporting Scripture:

Romans 12:18 – “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

2 Corinthians 5:18 – “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”

Application Questions:

1. Where in your life can you be a peacemaker this week?

2. How can you reflect God’s peace in your daily interactions?

BIG IDEA: Peacemakers Reflect God’s Heart

II. Blessed are the Persecuted for Righteousness (Matthew 5:10)

Illustration: Imagine a lighthouse standing firm against the crashing waves of a storm. No matter how hard the wind and water beat against it, it remains unshaken, shining its light. Guiding ships to safety and warning them of dangers. Likewise, when we stand firm in righteousness despite persecution, we shine as His light in a dark and stormy world.

Key Idea: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Following Jesus comes with challenges, and standing for righteousness often invites opposition.

However, Jesus assures us that suffering for His sake is evidence of true faith and results in eternal reward. Jesus warns that following Him comes with opposition, but He assures us that suffering for righteousness is a mark of true discipleship like a storm at sea.

Who is persecuted and why? Those that are living their life according to God’s Will – the peacemakers and meek and pure in heart, those that hunger and thirst for righteousness.

Jesus told us this would happen –

Supporting Scripture:

John 15:18- – “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.”

Hated to the point of execution

John 15:20b – “If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.”

Persecuted – tried to throw Him off a cliff, even called the prince of demons

2 Timothy 3:12 – “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

Remember – A diamond is formed under intense pressure. Likewise, our faith is refined and strengthened when we endure opposition for doing what is right. Instead of breaking under pressure, we shine brighter and stand stronger when we stand firm in Christ.

Are we more concerned with being comfortable and run from persecution and trials or do we face it head strong like the first church – like Perpetua who faced the raging animal head strong and when the animal didn’t kill her – help guide the sword of the new executioner who failed at taking her life?

In America we don’t face persecution like that but when insults, slander, trials, criticism and even persecution do come – how do we respond?

We should still desire to orient our whole life, center our whole life to God and His Word and His Will.

Application Questions:

1. Have you ever faced opposition for standing up for your faith or doing what is right?

2. How can you remain strong and faithful when facing criticism or persecution?

BIG IDEA: Stand Firm in Faith

III. Rejoicing in Suffering: A Heavenly Perspective (Matthew 5:11-12)

Illustration: A marathon runner pushes through pain, sweat, and exhaustion because they have their eyes set on the finish line. Likewise, we endure hardships with joy because we are focused on the eternal prize that awaits us. As the marathon runner nears the finish line. Though exhausted and in pain, they press on, knowing that the prize awaits them. In the same way, Christians endure suffering with joy, knowing that the ultimate prize is the eternal reward in heaven.

Key Idea: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.”

Jesus encourages His followers to rejoice in suffering because it connects us to Him and secures a great reward in heaven.

“Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.”

Jesus challenges us to have an eternal perspective, knowing that earthly suffering for His sake leads to eternal joy and reward. Instead of despair, we can find joy in suffering, knowing we are counted among the faithful.

While these two verses echo verse 10 and wrap up the Beatitudes – they are the first to be written in 2nd person - (blessed are they 3rd person - blessed are you 2nd person) and encourages the disciples – continue the path of the prophets – your reward is not on this side of heaven but will be great in heaven

Don’t just endure trials and persecution but endure it with Joy – and its not a recommendation it is a command from Jesus rejoice and be glad

James 1:2-3 – “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

Notice James says the same thing as Jesus – not it you face trials but when you face trials

1 Peter 4:14 – “If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.”

Application Questions:

1. How can you develop a mindset of joy even in the midst of trials?

2. What promises of God help you stay strong when facing difficulties?

BIG IDEA: Stand Firm in the Faith – Keeping an Eternal Perspective –

Conclusion and Call to Action

Key Takeaway: Jesus calls us to live as peacemakers, endure persecution for righteousness, and rejoice in suffering with an eternal perspective. These attitudes define the true citizens of God’s kingdom.

Challenge: This week, take one of these challenges to heart:

* Be a peacemaker in a conflict situation.

* Seek reconciliation when you have conflict with someone.

* Stand firm in righteousness, even if it means facing opposition.

* Choose joy in the midst of difficult situation, focusing on God’s promises.

Paul has a great insight that I will leave you with - Romans 8:18 – “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

As we leave, I will close with a benediction from Paul in his letter to the church in Rome – (Romans 15:5-6)

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.