Blessed Attitudes

THESIS: To teach the hearers the truth concerning the meaning of the condition known as “blessed.”

TEXT: Mt 5:1-12

1. Today we will begin to look at the section of scripture commonly known as the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5-7) The first portion of this is known as “the beatitudes,”

a. "Beatitude" is from "beatus" or "beati", the Latin words for "blessed," which certainly those are who align their lives with that which is taught by our Lord herein.

b. We will break up this section of scripture into 2 parts . . .

1) THE CHRISTIANS INWARD LIFE (Mt 5:1-6)

2) THE CHRISTIANS OUTWARD LIFE (Mt 5:7-12)

I. THE CHRISTIANS INWARD LIFE (Mt 5:1-6)

A. (Mt 5:1)

Mat 5:1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.

1. This is not the same event as in Lk 6. In Lk 6:12 Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and continued in prayer there all night, then after He chose the 12 apostles, then He came down with them and stood on a level place (plain KJV, Lk 6:17), and He healed them all (Luke 6:19), and then began to teach.

a. In Matt. 4:25 multitudes were following Him, and He went up into the mountain (Matt 5:1), and began to teach them (Matt 5:2). There is also variation in what was taught, so this is clearly not the same event as in Lk 6. The sermon on the Mount here looks back at Mt 4:23 . . .

Mat 4:23 And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming (preaching) the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.

b. The beatitudes describe the nature of the kingdom to come, and its subjects, they have been called Pentecost pointers, teachings that pointed ahead to the kingdom of heaven, the church, for it is written (Heb 9:16-17) . . .

Heb 9:16 Because where there is a testament, there has to be the death of the man who made it.

Heb 9:17 For a testament has effect after death; for what power has it while the man who made it is living? (BBE)

c. Let us note also that the commands the Lord taught here are universal in nature. The commands given here relate to the Gospel, as the 10 commandments relate to the Law, to obey them would have not caused any to be unfaithful to the Law of Moses, rather to do so would have built their spiritual character and faithfulness to God under the Law. Yet we are not under the 10 commandments any longer as seen in Rom 7:4-7(turn there) . . .

Rom 7:4 Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God.

Rom 7:5 For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death.

Rom 7:6 But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.

Rom 7:7 What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, "You shall not covet."

d. Rom 7:7 is a quote from ex 20:17, the 10th commandment, teaching us that we are indeed dead not only to the 613 ordinances of the Law but also to the 10 commandments. But we have commands that are similar to the 10 commandments, yet they were not carried over, they could not have been in view of passages such as Rom 7:4, 7, but the fact is that these types of commands transcend all God’s dispensations and they were adjusted specifically for those periods through which God’s eternal purpose was in the process of being brought about.

B. (Mt 5:2)

Mat 5:2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

1. Here is our perfect example (1 Cor 11:1)

1Co 11:1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

a. We also must open our mouths if the truth is going to come out. One may say, well I don’t want to drive them away, or harden their hearts. To that I say, where is our Biblical example? The Bible states (2 Tim 4:2; 1 Pet 4:11a) . . .

2Ti 4:2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.

1Pe 4:11a Whoever speaks must speak God's words. (GW)

b. Preachers may have met people where they were at in their knowledge of God, but repentance was always preached, and the good news of eternal life through Christ and His Gospel. We need to bring forth the word, for it is written (Isa 55:10-11) . . .

Isa 55:10 "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,

Isa 55:11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

c. God’s word does the work, and people’s hearts are their own responsibility, whether they be the wayside, rocky, thorny or good ground (Lk 8), but the word will accomplish God’s work thereon

d. The beatitudes are composed of character traits, inward and outward, these traits are the foundational principles as set forth in the New Covenant, these ought to be applied to all who love and seek after God.

C. (Mt 5:3)

Mat 5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

1. The word “blessed” here is not the same Greek word as seen in the instituting of the Lord’s supper (Mt 26:26), that word is “eulogeo” and means “to speak well of” (specifically unto God concerning the bread and the fruit of the vine of the context, in other words “He gave thanks”). The word found here is “makarios.” Some define the word "blessed" (“makarios”) here as “happy,” in some other context or time frame this may have been so. The word "happy" is related to the word "happen" (or happenstance) which is something that comes on a person quickly, and departs just as fast (note the word “haply” in Mt 5:25; ASV)

This is not under contemplation here. Spiritually “fortunate” or “prosperous” would be more correct. You certainly would not be happy when you are persecuted (Matt 5:11). Also would one consider Job happy in his sufferings? (look at Ja 5:11)

Jas 5:11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose (end) of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

a. So the word “blessed” here has a forward view to an end, in our case, the hope of heaven, suffering, enduring, faithfully trusting in God who is over all, in order to receive that crown of life (look at Ja 1:12).

Jas 1:12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

b. Also consider Paul, where he wrote (2 Tim 4:7-8) . . .

2Ti 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

2Ti 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

2. The “poor in spirit” here (Mt 5:3) would be the spiritually humble, destitute (Gen 32:9-10; Judges 6:14-16; Isa 6:1-5; 66:1-2; Lk 5:4-9; 1 Cor 15:9; 1 Tim 1:15).

Gen 32:9 And Jacob said, "O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, O LORD who said to me, 'Return to your country and to your kindred, that I may do you good,'

Gen 32:10 I am not worthy of the least of all the deeds of steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant, for with only my staff I crossed this Jordan, and now I have become two camps.

Jdg 6:14 And the LORD turned to him (Gideon) and said, "Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?"

Jdg 6:15 And he said to him, "Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house."

Jdg 6:16 And the LORD said to him, "But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man."

Isa 6:1 In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple.

Isa 6:2 Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.

Isa 6:3 And one called to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!"

Isa 6:4 And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke.

Isa 6:5 And I said: "Woe is me! For I am lost (undone); for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!"

Isa 66:1 Thus says the LORD: "Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what is the house that you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest?

Isa 66:2 All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the LORD. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.

Luk 5:4 And when he (Jesus) had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch."

Luk 5:5 And Simon answered, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets."

Luk 5:6 And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking.

Luk 5:7 They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.

Luk 5:8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord."

Luk 5:9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken,

1Co 15:9 For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

1Ti 1:15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.

a. Based on these passages “poor in spirit” would be recognizing that in the sight of God we are lost in our sins, and in need of a Savior. This comes about through the Gospel message wherein the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sins (Jn 16:8) in view of Christ laying down His life for us (Jn 15:13),

b. That would be in contrast to the spiritually arrogant (Lk 18:9-14).

Luk 18:9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt:

Luk 18:10 "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.

Luk 18:11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.

Luk 18:12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.'

Luk 18:13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!'

Luk 18:14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

c. Here is the attitude of this beatitude (Mt 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit”) summed up (Luke 17:10) . . .

Luk 17:10 So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty (to do).'"

D. (Mt 5:4)

Mat 5:4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

1. This is a paradox and therefore contrary to common thought, but not that all who mourn will be blessed, spiritually prosperous or fortunate, because the sorrow of the world produces death (2 Cor 7:10). This is talking about outward manifestations of grief which are brought about by the realization of one’s sinful state, without God and without hope in the world and in the next, which in turn, brings about conclusions that one’s sinfulness is offensive toward God, which leads one to the conclusion that one needs God to remedy the situation (2 Cor 7:10)

2Co 7:10 For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.

a. And results in the comfort that only He can give (2 Cor 1:3-5).

2Co 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,

2Co 1:4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

2Co 1:5 For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.

b. Thus through Christ and His Gospel one will be blessed when he or she comes humbly, poor in spirit, mourning in sin, looking for salvation, as it is written in the prophet Isaiah (look at Isa 61:1-3),

Isa 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;

Isa 61:2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn;

Isa 61:3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.

c. Thus mourning over sin, our own and others’, repenting, and being obedient unto the forgiveness of sins is a great reward to the soul, we can then know that God is on our side because we agree (Amos 3:3), He hears our prayers, and we can look forward to eternity with Him (Jn 3:3-5).

E. (Mt 5:5)

Mat 5:5 "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

1. Meek here would not be weakness, but rather an attribute which might be described as “power under control”, or “strength made tender.” Thayer defines it as “mildness of disposition, gentleness of spirit, meekness”. In NT times the word translated “meek” here (“pra-us”) was used of a wild horse that was tamed and brought under control.

a. Love for God, the Truth, and one’s fellow-man, are the products of meekness. The meek are humble in response to Gods will, in response to man’s mistreatment, and in response to life’s adversities, let us keep in mind God is over all (Eph 4:6), even the so called bad things.

b. Meek could also be described as “supremacy of will,” or “self-control under duress,” picture a captain of a ship guiding his ship home in a terrible storm (similar of our working out our salvation through God working in us; Phili 2:12-13), sure he is scared, but he focuses on the job at hand until it is completed, until he is in the home port. In like manner we need to trust in God to get us where He wants us to be, doing His will to best of our God-given abilities and letting His grace cover us when we fall short, for we know that he wants all to be saved (1 Tim 2:4) and that includes us.

c. Meek could also be described as the “equilibrium of soul” not being tossed to and fro, but rather guiding our ship (our life) in the knowledge that comes from God (Hab 2:14)

Hab 2:14 For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.

d. The word “earth” here (Mt 5:5) is the Gr word “ge”, whose primary definition is “land” as seen in the LXX translation of Ps 37, and would probably be better translated “land” here as in Ps 37:11; ASV, thus in YLT, the 1899 Douay-Rheims Bible, and Campbell’s Living oracles all in Matt 5:5 have this word is translated “land“.

e. This phrase had reference originally to Israel under Moses (the 5th commandment; Ex 20:12).

Exo 20:12 "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.

f. But in this NT passage the word “earth” or “land” here would be a type/shadow of heaven, our promised land, the new heavens and the new earth wherein dwells righteousness (2 Pet 3:13; Rev 21:1).

g. Meekness is a requirement of all Christians, we are empowered to be meek by God’s Spirit, it is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:23), Who dwells in us, it (meekness) leads us to avoid violence, chaos, competition and pride, and to embrace peace, kindness, hope and love.

1) Meekness is required to be faithful when others engage in sinful practices, and cast scorn upon us who do not.

2) Meekness is required to endure persecutions.

3) Meekness is required to refuse to partake of such things as gossip, and laughing at harsh jokes.

4) Meekness is required to speak, teach and preach the truth in the face of opposition.

h. Meekness also is something that can be resisted, therefore let us control situations in our lives that promote meekness and oppose the things and ways of the world.

F. (Mt 5:6)

Mat 5:6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied (filled).

1. Righteousness here refers to the righteousness of God, Christ’s imputed perfection, which we partake of through the Gospel when we enter the process of salvation (Lk 14:23; Acts 2:47; 1 Cor 1:18; 15:2; 2 Cor 2:15) at belief (Jn 5:24), look at Rom 1:16-17 . . .

Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Rom 1:17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for (unto) faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith."

a. Now look at Rom 8:1-4 . . .

Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.

Rom 8:3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned (i.e. put to death) sin in the flesh,

Rom 8:4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

b. The requirement of the Law was perfection, to keep it perfectly, which Jesus did (2 Cor 5:21; Heb 4:15; 1 Pet 2:22). Now look at 2 Cor 5:21 . . .

2Co 5:21 For our sake he made him to be sin (or “a sin offering”) who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

c. So through Jesus and the Gospel we are “filled with righteousness” even though, in reality, we are far from it, this ought to promote our growth in being more like Jesus, seeing that we never fall short, were always “filled” (praise the Lord!)

d. Also this does not refer to doing right apart from God and His commands as confirmed in Ti 3:5 (Rom 6:16-18)

Tit 3:5 not by works done in righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

Rom 6:16 Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?

Rom 6:17 But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed,

Rom 6:18 and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.

e. No one is good enough for God, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and the wages of sin is death, therefore we need to think of others, and their standing before God, it is only through Jesus, being born again, new creatures in Christ, that one can be saved, therefore we need to do our best to lead others to the Way that they might be saved (look at Rom 10:1-4, 1:16-17; 1 John 3:7).

Rom 10:1 Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved.

Rom 10:2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.

Rom 10:3 For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness.

Rom 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Rom 1:17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith."

1Jn 3:7 Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous (which is perfectly).

Php 2:13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Psa 107:9 For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good.

f. Let us note that these first 4 traits are inward and are more apparent between God and man,

it shows forth God’s working in us through the gospel (Phili 2:13), while the next section (while

all are traits begin inwardly), they are manifested more clearly outwardly, between us and our

fellowman, again, these traits originate from God and the gospel of Christ, for a person can have

nothing except it be given him from above (Jn 3:27).

II. THE CHRISTIANS OUTWARD LIFE (Mt 5:7-12)

A. (Mt 5:7)

Mat 5:7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

1. Those that are actively compassionate towards others are under contemplation here. This verse would be very similar to Matt 7:1-2 where the word “judge” would be better translated

“condemn” with a view towards the Judgment, this is the realm of God not man, Christ has been appointed Judge by the Father (Acts 17:30-31; Rom 8:34)

Act 17:30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,

Act 17:31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead."

Rom 8:34 who is he that condemneth? It is Christ Jesus that died, yea rather, that was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. (ASV)

a. Mercy could be well-defined as “withheld punishment.”

b. There are times that punishment is just and helpful, such as with a willful child, or a hardened criminal, but there are other times when mercy would be more beneficial like withholding a just punishment to the unaccountable child, or perhaps probation to the first time criminal offender who may manifest obedience and remorse based upon that action of mercy.

c. We are not to condemn but to have mercy, just as God has shown mercy towards us (Mt 18:21-35; Lk 17:3-4; Ja 2:13; Tit 3:5).

Tit 3:5 not by works done in righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

Jas 2:13 For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

d. Therefore let us always have a faith that works through love (which manifests mercy) as an under gird for our lives, remembering (Gal 6:7; 5:6)

Gal 6:7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.

Gal 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but faith working through love.

B. (Mt 5:8)

Mat 5:8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

1. The pure in heart would “not” be those who have separated themselves from contact with the world, the world is where the Christian is to shine as a light, preserve as salt (Mt 5:13-16), holding forth the word of life (Phili 2:15-16) in order that others may hear, believe, obey, and be saved.

a. The pure in heart would be those who are separated from the lusts of the world (flesh, eyes, vain glory; 1 Jn 2:15-17) and drawn nigh unto God (Ja 4:8; 2 Cor 6:17-18)

Jas 4:8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

2Co 6:17 Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you,

2Co 6:18 and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty."

b. For only God can purify the heart (Ps 51:10) . . .

Psa 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

c. A heart is impure because of sin, the love and practice of sin, being led by Satan, rather than by God, when a person enters into the process of salvation through belief (Jn 5:24), they receive God’s Spirit (Gal 3:2; Eph 1:13), Who begins a metamorphosis within the individual through the Gospel, its teachings, its precepts, its hopes, its love, the end result is one who hates sin and loves righteousness, as did Jesus (Heb 1:9).

Heb 1:9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness (lawlessness); therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions."

d. Thus our hearts, our souls, our inner persons are purified by the faith (Acts 15:6-11, Jude 3), the Gospel (Rom 1:16-17), the Truth (Jn 17:17), the word (1 Pet 1:22-23) and hope in the promises revealed therein (1 Jn 3:1-3) . . .

1Pe 1:22 Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart,

1Pe 1:23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;

1Jn 3:1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

1Jn 3:2 Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.

1Jn 3:3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.

e. Single, focused, hearts are kept in this purified state and grow therein by continuing to learn and follow God's will (1 Pet 2:2; 2 Pet 3:18; Jn 6:63).

Joh 6:63 It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh profits nothing: the words that I have spoken unto you are spirit, and are life. (ASV)

1Pe 2:2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—

2Pe 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

f. This is an ongoing process referred to as the renewal (Rom 12:2; 2 Cor 4:16; Eph 4:23; Col 3:9-10; Tit 3:5)

g. Which begins at conversion when one believes (Jn 5:24) and thus determines to follow God’s will and not his own, and continues to learn and apply God’s living word to his life wherein he is transformed bit by bit into one likened unto God, one fit for heaven (Col 3:9-10; 2 Cor 4:16)

Col 3:9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices

Col 3:10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.

2Co 4:16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away (decaying), our inner self is being renewed day by day.

h. The pure in heart “shall see God” refers to being in heaven, for no one has seen God (Jn 1:18) for God is spirit, Who cannot be beheld in the physical sense.

i. In the OT we have accounts of individuals seeing God. What they saw were manifestations that God produced for them to see (Theophanies), they did not see God as He truly is, only Christ has seen God (Jn 6:46).

Joh 6:46 not that anyone has seen the Father except he who is from God; he has seen the Father.

Joh 1:18 No one has ever seen God. God's only Son, the one who is closest to the Father's heart, has made him known. (GW)

j. But the believer can see God now with the eye of faith, in His creation, through the Gospel, in His working among individuals through His word, in His providence, for God is over all, and through all, and in all (Eph 4:6). Unbelievers are blinded by sin and Satan (2 Cor 4:4), and can’t see the spiritual kingdoms as we do (Jn 3:3), but Christ came that the blind might see (Jn 9:39).

k. Job spoke by inspiration of a time when he would actually see God (Job 19:26). . .

Job 19:26 And after my skin, even this body, is destroyed, Then without my flesh shall I see God; (ASV)

l. We also, if found faithful will be able to “see” God in our incorruptible bodies (Rev 22:3-4),

Rev 22:3 And there shall be no curse any more: and the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be therein: and his servants shall serve him;

Rev 22:4 and they shall see his face; and his name shall be on their foreheads.

m. Also Jesus Christ is the visible image of the invisible God (Col 1:15), and we will see His resurrected, glorified body at His 2nd coming (1 John 3:2-3)

1Jn 3:2 Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.

1Jn 3:3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.

n. But the accountable that are not “holy” (set-apart) through the Gospel (positionally and practically; 1 Cor 1:2) will not see God (in other words, “they won't make it to heaven”; Heb 12:14)

Heb 12:14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

C. (Mt 5:9)

Mat 5:9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

1. This would not apply to peace between men, for this is conditional upon others. We could be at peace with them, but not them with us (Rom 12:18).

Rom 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

a. Just the nature of the Gospel light, exposing others sins (Jn 7:7), makes those who are godly at enmity with the world, the Lord said (John 3:18-19; 7:7; 15:18-21)

Joh 3:19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.

Joh 3:20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.

Joh 7:7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify about it that its works are evil.

Joh 15:18 "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.

Joh 15:19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

Joh 15:20 Remember the word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.

Joh 15:21 But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.

b. There is no middle ground (Mt 12:30; Ja 4:4) . . .

Mat 12:30 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

Jas 4:4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

c. Yet we are to agape (love; manifest care for) our enemies (Mt 5:44), we are to pray that their hearts would open up to Christ and the Gospel, and that God’s grace would give them time on earth to believe it unto the life eternal, that they may be our brothers and sisters forever in that eternal Day.

d. Thus the Christian sees himself and others differently, he knows that he is not worthy of what God is giving him, and realizes that the lost are under the influence of Satan and are in need of God’s help which only comes through the Gospel, therefore one prays for opportunity and boldness on his part, and open and sincere hearts for the part of others.

e. Therefore the “peacemakers” here are those that bring forth the Gospel, in whatever capacity God has set them, which enables all to be at peace with God, and thus with self (Ja 3:17-18), via the word (Lk 8:11), that sword of the Spirit (Eph 6:17), which instructs us (Tit 2:11,) and gives us all things pertaining unto life and godliness (2 Pet 1:3), and brings about faith (Rom 10:17). So the peacemakers are the proclaimers of God’s word as seen in Rom 10:15 . . .

Rom 10:15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!"

f. This (Rom 10:15) is a reference to Isa 52:7, which more clearly shows forth the peace under contemplation (Isa 52:7)

Isa 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns."

g. Again, this doesn’t refer just to preachers alone, but to all Christians, who are within the perpetual great commission (Mt 28:19-20; 1 Pet 4:11). . .

1Pe 4:11 Whoever speaks must speak God's words. Whoever serves must serve with the strength God supplies so that in every way God receives glory through Jesus Christ. Glory and power belong to Jesus Christ forever and ever! Amen. (GW)

D. (Mt 5:10)

Mat 5:10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

1. Bringing forth the good news of salvation in Jesus will bring forth peace to one group, but the other group, those of the world, who do not will to move from that position will be none to happy about what they hear (2 Cor 2:15-16) . . .

2Co 2:15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing,

2Co 2:16a to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life.

a. These coming verses would naturally follow the former, this speaks of those who endure in the Faith, the Gospel, the doctrine of Christ, even if unto death (Rev 2:10)

Rev 2:10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

b. This (Rev 2:10) is not talking about being faithful until the time when you die, but rather being faithful even to the point of death, being killed for one’s faithfulness to Christ and His Gospel

c. We may not have to give our lives to be faithful unto God, be we must stand firm in the truth. In 2 Cor 13:5 we are told to test ourselves, here is one test to see if we are in the faith (2 Tim 3:12) . . .

2Ti 3:12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

d. Do we past this test? Have we ever been persecuted because of Jesus and the Gospel? If we are not convicted enough of our beliefs to stand up for them, then we need to pray to God for boldness, to open up doors, to study, to be diligent until we are at that point (2 Tim 2:15), these are commands of the Lord.

E. (Mt 5:11-12)

Mat 5:11 "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.

Mat 5:12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

1. This is a prophetic statement concerning the early church. Many lost their lives for the cause of Christ and thus partook of the 1^st resurrection (Rev 20:4-6). Yet this is still in effect today, the tides are shifting, darkness is moving in from all sides, even within the church, we need to be prepared to bring forth the truth of the Gospel, and partake of the sufferings of Christ, in order that some might believe and be saved.

a. Notice the qualifications, “falsely” and “on my account (for my sake).”

b. This is not how the world thinks, yet we are blessed under these conditions. Do we rejoice? Are we glad? We should be. Why?

c. Because great is our reward, we are in the company of God’s prophets, like Paul (2 Tim 4:7-8).

2Ti 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

2Ti 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

e. And most of all when we are persecuted for the Truth, we are like “the Prophet” (Deut 18:15-19), our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Jn 15:18-21) . . .

Joh 15:18 "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.

Joh 15:19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

Joh 15:20 Remember the word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.

Joh 15:21 But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.

2. So, having looked at the teachings of Christ known by many as “the beatitudes,” we can sum them up simply with the words of our Lord as seen in Mk 1:15 . . .

Mar 1:15 and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel."