Beatitudes (2)

THE BEATITUDES

INTRODUCTION

An in-depth study of the Beatitudes will shake the very core of our understanding of what it means to be a follower of Christ. We are truly in for a treat. In the next few weeks we will cover the eight beatitudes, then after that, we will continue to work our way through the sermon on the mount. Are you ready for the adventure? Are you ready for the challenges we’re about to face? Alright, let’s go!!!

PRAY

Context

Read Matthew 4:23-25, 5:1-2

A. Oppressed

Roman rule

Taxation

Religious sects - Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, zealots

Philosophies and paganistic world views

Epicureanism - an ancient school of philosophy founded in Athens by Epicurus in 307 B.C. The school rejected determinism and advocated hedonism (pleasure as the highest good), but of a restrained kind: mental pleasure was regarded more highly than physical, and the ultimate pleasure was held to be freedom from anxiety and mental pain, especially that arising from needless fear of death and of the gods.

Stoicism - an ancient Greek school of philosophy founded at Athens in the 3rd century B.C. by Zeno of Citium. Stoicism teaches the development of self-control and fortitude as a means of overcoming destructive emotions; the philosophy holds that becoming a clear and unbiased thinker allows one to understand the universal reason (logos).

That’s why John starts his gospel, “In the beginning was the Word” (Logos).

B. In this context Jesus begins to teach.

Read Mt 5:3

This sets the stage for all of Christianity. Why do I say that?

One word that stands out...

THEIRS is the kingdom...

Who is Jesus talking about?

I. Blessed

Meaning

Makarios - Happy, blessed, benefactor of good things

In the OT to bless meant to pronounce the bestowal of benefits such as an abundance, fruitfulness

Blessed ARE… present tense

The HOOK - Jesus sure got the attention of this oppressed group of people.

II. Poor in spirit

Lacking in spiritual worth; spiritually deficient or destitute

This is not saying all the poor people go to heaven...

Poor (Poverty) The state of being disadvantaged or lacking in economic, social, or other resources... The Lexham Bible Dictionary.

Ptochos - beggar

Ptosso - to crouch or hunch over

This means coming to God in full submission and humility in reverence and fear

Isa 6

Luke 18:9-14

We dare not to think of ourselves higher than we ought.

We dare not to think we can just waltz our way into the presence of God by our own efforts.

That’s why the warning Mt 7:21

Mt 5:3

III. Kingdom of heaven

Where God dwells

Here now and forevermore

Notice the present-tense verbs: Are and is

When you believe, you receive - Eph 1:13-14

The Big Picture

Illustration - Step back and see

Matthew 25:34

Kingdom - prepared for you since the creation of the world

Inheritance - you are adopted

Child of God

Even if you have no earthly father, you have a heavenly father.

Even if you have no earthly inheritance, you have a heavenly inheritance.

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The Second Beatitude

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Mt 5:4)

What is Jesus saying here?

Recap of last weeks message

Blessed - Happy, blissful, content, fulfilled, full of life, benefactor of good things

I. Mourn

Mourn - cry, sob, weep, lament, grieve, sad...

Paradox - “Happy are the sad”, “You are happy (blessed) when you are sad...”

How can that be? What is Jesus meaning here?

Different types of mourning. In this life we will experience:

Natural disasters, calamities, death of a loved one, sickness, aliments. Things caused by the natural flow of fallen creation - In these cases, God will comfort people to the degree in which they seek Him.

Pain caused by our own bad choices and sinful actions. In these cases quite often God remains silent. God will give people over to their sinful pursuit...

Romans 1 - The wrath of God is being revealed...

Isaiah 1:11-20

In these cases the consequences are due to God removing His hand of protection. The pain and destruction is not the result of God zapping us for our rebellion. Rather the pain comes when God removes Himself… In both examples God always provides a way back to restoration.

We need to remember, the only thing that holds every one of us back from slipping into the abyss of darkness and a sinfully depraved lifestyle is the grace of God that holds us secure. But at any time when we choose sin over His ways, He allows us to be stung by sin and its consequences. This is not the result of an angry God, rather it is the result of living in a fallen world without God’s sovereign hand holding us up.

Holy Discontent

II. Holy discontent

Begins with poor in spirit

Crouching begger

As I read God’s word I am troubled by my sinfulness. We need to be in the word to see how far we are missing the mark

The Archer and the bullseye

James says… the mirror - James 1:22-24

Romans 7 - the do do do

The second beatitude is about the brokenness over our sinfulness towards a holy God

God has to open our eyes

Personal sin

Sinful woman - Luke 7:37-38

The need for truth and spiritual leaders

Compassion on people led astray

Matthew 9:36

Harassed and helpless

Crying for God’s people

Acts 20:19, 31

2 Co 2:4

Phil 3:18

2 Tim 1:4

A broken humanity and fallen world

You can’t watch the news and not be alarmed.

Jeremiah - the weeping prophet Jeremiah 9:1

Ezra - Ezra 9:3-5

Jesus weeping over Israel

Luke 19:41-44

James 4:8-10

THERE SHOULD BE A HOLY DISCONTENT FOR ALL OF GOD’S CHILDREN - THAT’S WHAT DRIVES US TO DO WHAT WE DO

III. Comforted

How are we comforted?

Grace - This is where grace comes in.

Saved by grace not by works Ephesians 2:8-9

The same way God displays His grace to us, we must display grace to others

Actively working in the lives of believers...

God proves His love through

His word

Answered prayer

The Spirit-filled life of the believers - Fruit

We can rest assured

“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest” - JESUS

Sealed - Ephesians 1:13-14

More than conquerors - We are more than conquerors - that’s the blessing Ro 8:37, 32 , While we were still sinners Christ died for us (Ro 5:8)

Psalm 126:5-6

John 16:20-24

Conclusion

See how the beatitudes flow… see who Jesus is talking about when He says, “YOU are the salt of the earth...”