H - BEATITUDES - 8

H – BEATITUDES – 8

Matt.5:10,11   The persecutions that took place during the first century are almost unimaginable to us today in our culture.  We must realize that in some places in the world today atrocities are still taking place.  Even in the O.T. prophets were persecuted and killed because they foretold the coming of Jesus.  Acts 7:52   The Jews of old would not listen to the prophets.  They ridiculed them and mocked them.  2 Chron.36:16   The same is happening today with faithful preachers of the Word.

Jealousy has caused persecution from the beginning.  Cain killed Abel because God was pleased with Abel’s sacrifice but not the sacrifice of Cain.  1 Jhn.3:12   Job as well as other prophets suffered because they believed.  Jam.5:10,11  

Jesus was an example of suffering even before His crucifixion.  Jhn.10:20   He was constantly followed by the Pharisees to see if they could catch him in some failure of keeping the law.  Later He was accused of blasphemy when He said that He was the Son of God.  Matt.9:2,3   Jesus had to suffer unbearably as He was crucified for us.  Heb.2:10   He is our Master and as Jesus suffered so will we for His name.  Jhn.15:20   The reaction of our Lord should be our example if we follow in His steps.  1 Pet.2:21-23

The apostles went through great persecution as well as Jesus.  Acts 4:1-3   This did not stop them from proclaiming the gospel.  Acts 4:19,20   They continued throughout their entire lifetime.  Paul, an apostle born out of season, went through numerous times of persecutions which are listed in 2 Cor.11:23.  Paul goes on to list specifically.  His reaction to those persecutions is notated in 2 Cor.4:8-11.  We need to remember the reaction of Jesus and the apostles as we go through our trials.  Are our trials for Jesus or for a poor choice on our part without the leading of the Holy Spirit.  We may have prayed and thought we had God’s guidance but the Holy Spirit will never lead us in a way that is contrary to the Word of God.

Today and in our culture what are some of the ways trials may come.  Matt.6:33   As we put Christ and His church first in our lives we may have conflict with our families.  Matt.10:37   Someone in our family may not be a believer and find it foolish to spend so much time in the Word or at church.  Rom.1:21,22   We must continue steadfastly but in a gentle and humble way.  Phil.1:27

As we follow Christ we may loose friends because we do not go with them anymore or we do not participate in those former things of the world.  1 Pet.4:4   Since we do not participate with them any more, they may even speak evil against us.  1 Pet.3:16,17

Jesus describes some ways in which trials may come.  Lk.6:22   We could be ostracized because of our belief in Jesus and desire to follow the Truth.  We may receive insults or ridiculed.  Sometimes this happens because we go to church so often or because we carry or read our Bible so much.  Would we be doing these things so much ourselves that others would notice our lives or do we just choose to blend in with the world?

Although we are told that we will suffer for Christ’s sake (Phil.1:29)  we are not to seek persecution or provoke it in unnecessarily offensive ways.  Whatever happens, we always are obligated to follow the first and second commandment.  Lk.10:27   Those who have opposed us have a soul the same as we.  Jesus came that the world might be saved.  Do we further His purpose or negate it?  Lk.19:10

When we live for Christ, we do not follow the world.  Jhn.15:17-20   Do our trials really come because we are following the Lord?  We need to be concerned with this question and use some introspection with it.  Following the world can be found in 1 Jhn.2:15,16   As we consider the desire of the flesh we can follow some references that relate:  One of the Biblical uses of “flesh” is our sinful nature.  Rom.8:5-8;  1 Pet.2:11;  Gal.5:13-16   The desire of the eyes gets us into a lot of trouble because of materialism.  It can even be with “on sale” and “cheap.”  Pride has always been a problem with mankind.  Ps.10:4   No room for God presents many problems.  What do we have of which we can be proud?  1 Cor.4:6,7   Pride causes disaster.  Prov.13:10;  Prov.16:18  So we must be careful what we consider trials—following our Lord or poor choices on our part.

If we stand firm in our faith and following in the steps of Jesus, we have help through the Holy Spirit.  We can be conquerors.  Rom.8:37-39   Paul calls our trials “light affliction” and just “for a moment.”  2 Cor.4:16-18   When we keep a Christian spirit midst trials, we show the strength of Christ because of our weakness.  2 Cor.12:10

Through our trials we can grow.  Jam.1:2-4   We have a great promise if we endure.  Growth, worthiness, and eternity are what matters—not self.  2 Tim.2:12

G - BEATITUDES - 7

G- BEATITUDES – 7

Matt.5:9   Who would choose conflict over peace?  Not very many of us if any.  So what is peace?  Our first thought would be the absence of conflict; however, it means much more than that.  Peace has been defined as untroubled, undisturbed, well-being.  Another definition is “everything that makes for man’s highest good.”  “No peace” is described in Job 3:26   Job finally found peace.  The wicked will not be so fortunate.  Isa.48:22   It is sad that some will not experience peace.  Rom.3:17,18   As Jesus wept over Jerusalem, He noted that peace was hidden from them.  Lk.19:42

We have a God of peace.  1 Cor.14:33   The peace of God surpasses all understanding but this peace guards our minds and hearts.  Phil.4:7   As Isaiah was foretelling the coming of the Messiah, Jesus was called the “Prince of Peace.”  Isa.9:6   Many thought he would come with armies to overcome the Romans.  The peace of Jesus is not military.  It is peace that is beyond the earthly.  Peter explained this to the household of Cornelius.  Acts 10:36   Paul further explains this to the Romans.  Rom.14:17,18

Certainly, no peace would indicate conflict.  This is not in accordance with God’s will for us.  We are commanded to be at peace with one another.  Mk.9:50   Paul also exhorts us to make every effort necessary for peace.  Eph.4:3   How much effort do we put forth if our own ideas are not being carried out?  Self has to be set aside along with pride.  A lot depends upon our Christian attitudes.  Rom.12:18; 1 Thess.5:12,13   It becomes so easy to blame the other person for lack of peace.  We don’t answer to God for them but we do answer to God for ourselves. 

It is sometimes necessary for us to make peace.  Perhaps we have to begin the steps of peacemaking.  We can’t wait for the other person to make peace with us.  We initiate the process.  Our desire is to please and glorify God however the other person reacts to our attempts.  Ps.34:14   God will bless our efforts even though we are not always successful at first.  Prov.16:7   Peace in itself is a reward even if we have to forego our desired way.  Prov.17:1

To be a peacemaker requires us to have a peaceful disposition.  Jam.3:14-16   Peace is not promoted with a constantly ruffled disposition.  Consider some of the attributes found in Jam.3:17,18.  A peaceful disposition requires a tremendous effort on our part.  Paul exhorted Timothy in telling him to flee.  2 Tim.2:22-24   Rather than producing righteousness, arguments produce quarrels – not peace. 

A life of peace has many blessings.  Prov.14:30   As we attempt to produce peace in others, joy ensues.  Prov.12:20     The desire of a Christian is to keep from stumbling.  His Word will keep us from doing that and in so doing, we can enjoy a great peace.  Ps.119:165   If we live a life of righteousness, there will be peace and quietness to enjoy.  Isa.32:17   Even sleep is affected by peace.  Ps.4:8   Our hope is in heaven and as we look forward to this hope, we are to be at peace with Him in all diligence.2 Pet.3:13,14   There is a sweet outcome of peace in death.  Isa.57:2

Several commands to be at peace are found in the Scripture.  Let us not regard these as unimportant.  Rom.14:17-19   God will be with us as we live in peace.  2 Cor.13:11   We are to make every effort to obtain and keep peace.  It would be catastrophic to miss the grace of God.  When we let bitterness rise up in our heart, it not only affects us but it affects many around us.  Heb.12:14,15   Peter stresses peace as something we must not only seek but also pursue.  1 Pet.3:11   We are to love others as ourselves.  Meditate on what Paul told the Corinthians.  1 Cor. 13:5   Observing this might help in preserving our peace.

Too often we look at others that we don’t consider peaceful for we are at odds with them.  Take for example Syntyche and Euodia.  These two women of Philippi were at odds with each other.  This was not good for the body of Christ.  Paul urged the Christians to help these two women to be in harmony in the Lord.  Phil.4:2   We need to be gentle in spirit to be a peacemaker.  Phil.4:5  

Jesus wanted us to be of one mind.  This produces peace.  Jhn.14:27   Jesus reminds us that there will be trouble in the world.  If we have that inner peace with God, our possibilities of having peace with our fellowman grows.  We may discern a wrong choice but we don’t cause a battle in the Lord’s church.  The Holy Spirit direct us and gives us the power to overcome trouble.Ps.29:11   Our mind must stay focused on the Lord and not how we have been hurt or a choice with which we did not agree.  Isa.26:3   A part of the fruit of the Spirit is peace.  Gal.5:22   Are we letting ourselves be Spirit-controlled?

Can we suffer a wrong to keep peace in the Lord’s church?  1 Cor.6:7   This question—“Why do ye not rather take wrong?”  It may not be in court but we would surely help as a peacemaker if we weren’t so worried about how we have been wronged.  Think what we have done to our Lord.

Peace can rule in our inner being even though there is turmoil on the outside.  Focus on our Lord and His Word with the hope we have in heaven.  Col.3:15  

F - BEATITUDES - 6

F – BEATITUDES – 6

Matt.5:8   So what is the meaning of “pure”?  The Oxford Dictionary defines pure as unmixed, not morally corrupt, uncontaminated, above reproach.  When we buy grape juice for communion, we don’t want grape juice mixed with apple juice and other juices.  We want pure grape juice or fruit of the vine.  Apples don’t grow on vines.  The tabernacle and temple had many objects that were overlaid with pure gold.  Ex.25:11  

Sin corrupts purity.  1 Jhn.3:6;  3 Jhn.11   Paul warns against those things that are not proper.  Rom.1:29-31   A person cannot be pure if he is guilty of these things, but also if he approves them in his friendships, reading, and watching.  In this way he becomes guilty of the same.  Rom.1:32   A pure person is morally pure in deed as well as thoughts.  1 Tim.5:1,2  No fornication or adultery should enter mind of a pure-minded person.  1 Cor.6:18; Matt.5:28

Our thoughts invent our actions.  Phil.4:8; Prov.23:7   Our conscience need to be alleviated from things that are evil in the sight of our Lord.  The blood of Jesus cleanses our conscience as we have faith in Him and forgiveness in our obedience to Him.  Heb.9:14;  Heb.10:22   David recognized this in Ps.32:1,2

God knows our hearts.  Acts 15:8,9   As God accepted the Gentiles, He could read faith into their hearts and accepted them through their baptism.  Our hearts are important to God as He looks into the heart of each of us.  God does not see as we see.  1 Sam.16:7   Two of the woes Jesus gave against the Pharisees illustrates this.  A person can look so good on the outside.  They attend services; they read their Bibles;  sometimes they may even teach.  This was the Pharisee but listen to the first woe.  Matt.23:25,26   Would you want to drink from a beautiful china cup into which a child had been making mud pies?  A dead man’s tomb that has been opened to investigate would not be the greatest object upon which to look.  This describes the second woe.  Matt.23:27,28   We may chuckle at the first woe and cringe at the second woe; however, does this describe our hearts.  What do people see on the outside compared to what God sees on the inside of our hearts.

Think of a beautiful Christian bride—a virgin dressed in pure white.  She comes down the isle to become the wife of her Christian loved one.  This is the church, the bride of Christ.  We might have spring cleaning at the church but that isn’t the bride.  The church are the Christians.  Jesus wants a pure bride.  We want to be that pure bride that comes down the isle to meet our beloved Jesus.  Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.  1 Cor.6:19,20 

How can we prepare ourselves in purity for this grand occasion.  We can pray as David prayed in Ps.51:10   We cannot be clean on the outside only; our heart must be totally pure.  David describes the pure. Ps.15:2,3   This third verse should cause us to look at our heart.  No slander, not doing any wrong to neighbor; no slur on our fellowman.  We need to meditate on that one for awhile.  Ask yourselves some questions.

Development of purity of heart will take some action on our part.  Yes, we may have prayed that God would create in us a pure heart but this is not a passive situation.  God will give us the power to do so but it will take action and spirit-control on our part.  Jeremiah told Jerusalem to wash evil from your hearts.  Jer.4:14   They needed to act.

As Christians, we have this marvelous hope of being with Jesus forever and forever.  This takes preparation just as a bride prepares for her wedding.  1 Jhn.3:2,3   Job, thought to be the first book of the Bible that was written, recognized the hope of being with God as he recognized a Redeemer.  Job.19:26,27;  Job.19:25

Since we have this hope through the promises throughout Scripture, we have a responsibility.  2 Cor.7:1;  Jam.4:8   As we assume this responsibility of becoming pure, our goal becomes new in Christ.  Phil.1:17  

Some were attempting to distract Paul from his goal in Christ.  We can be distracted.  Heb.12:1   Paul exhorted Timothy about this goal.  1 Tim.1:5   Timothy was young and so he was warned.  2 Tim.2:22   In spite of gaining years, don’t we still have some of these desires that render our heart useless for the Lord.  We are to be an example, an instrument.  1 Tim.4:12;  2 Tim.2:21   Our minds can be led away so easily.  2 Cor.11:3   Purity necessitates the avoidance of worldly desires that we may have had in our “old life” without Christ.  1 Jhn.2:15-17

Pure religion is going to be from the heart and will not be contaminated with the world.  It will be full of mercy toward those in need—not for personal glory but for the glory of the Lord.  Purity will not be soiled with worldly desires but with godly goals.  Jam.1:27

D - BEATITUDES - 4

D – BEATITUDES – 4

Matt.5:6   As we consider this beatitude we want to reflect on what it is that causes our hunger—righteousness.  Simply put, righteousness is rightness.  Let us look more deeply into this characteristic for this is a description of what a Christian should be.  Eph.4:24  

First, God is a righteous God.  David declares His righteousness in Ps.35:24,28   God is right in every way and He hates wickedness.  Ps.45:6,7   God is addressed as “Righteous God.”  Ps.4:1   Jeremiah calls God “the Lord of our Righteousness.”  Jer.23:6  

God made us in His image but we can never attain His righteousness.  Isa.64:6   This is no reason to quit.  We need a life of striving to gain righteousness by obedience and faithfulness.  2 Sam.22:21,22   Job reminds us of the new clothes we put on as a Christian.  Job 29:14;  Col.3:10

We are nothing but starving spirits in the wasteland of the world.  The words “hunger” and “thirst” had a real meaning to those listening to Jesus.  Even at best the people listening to Jesus would many times be on the brink of starvation as is true in many places of our world today.  Water had to be carried to the dwelling place and often the public well was a distance away.  Remember the Samaritan woman at the well.  These words were a clear picture to those people.  There was no snack if a bit hungry or a soda if thirsty.

This is the picture of us in a spiritual way.  So many in the world never eat or drink from the Word of God.  Jesus is the Bread of Life.  Jhn.6:35   When Jesus was being tempted, He answered Satan with these words.  Matt.4:4   The Word of God comes from the mouth or breath of God Himself.  2 Tim.3:16,17   Sometimes we are like the student that thinks he can absorb text knowledge by osmosis if he puts the text under his pillow.  No, we must not only read, but study the Bible.  2 Tim.2:15

How much do we really want righteousness?  Diets of various kinds are used for different physical maladies.  Maybe it is less salt or less sugar or maybe it is just less.  We become concerned with our physical health.  How concerned are we with our spiritual health?  Can we go on a diet of less world and more spiritual food?  Too often we want a nibble of the Word of God or of church but in reality there is no lasting hunger and thirst that we are able to take on the righteousness of the Lord.  2 Cor.5:21

One bite of some kinds of food requires another bite and another and another.  When we partake of spiritual food, it is common to want more and more.  Our greatest spiritual food is from the Scriptures but there are also other ways of obtaining this food.  We need to be present with others in the faith when they meet together.  Heb.10:24,25  

Why do support groups help addictions?  They encourage one another and stimulate one another to keep fighting the addiction.  As Christians come together, we encourage one another to keep fighting Satan.  We stimulate one another to love and good deeds.  We study the Word together and gain insight and support our memories. 

The illustration is often used of a bed of hot coals.  They are all red with heat but take one coal out and set it aside.  It cools off and looses its usefulness.  This is a Christian that leaves the body of Christ and goes alone.  His spiritual desire is soon lost.  It is so easy to miss one service.  It is easier yet to miss the second one and so on.  If the saints are meeting together, the question, “Will I go?” should not enter our minds.  We hunger to be there and we will be blessed.

Is the Bible precious to you?  If we were in a totally dark cave, would a flashlight be of great importance to us?  This is the Bible in the world of darkness.  Ps.119:105   Peter mentions this light in 2 Pet.1:19   We are told to pay attention.  Our darkness in the world is turned to light.  2 Sam.22:29   Job mentions God’s light many times.  Job 22:28

As we study God’s Word we need a purpose.  This saying is so true—“There are some Christians who can’t be called pilgrims because they never make any progress.”  Infants drink milk and then eat baby food.  They don’t stay on baby food.  There is a difference between vegetables and candy.  We need the nourishment that the Bible can give us.  Candy might make us grow “out” but won’t keep us healthy.  2 Pet.3:18  

It is true that we are babes in Christ when we first become a Christian but we don’t want to stay that way.  We get stuck in spiritual infancy.  1 Pet.2:2   We are to grow.  Think of a stagnant pond.  Nothing comes in and nothing goes out.  Heb.5:12-14

As mentioned, it is important that we avail ourselves of every opportunity to learn from classes, sermons, etc.  However, most import is our daily study alone with God.  Pray for understanding and application of His Word for your life.  First read, meditate upon what the Word says for it says what it means, then apply it personally.  Don’t just skim the words and think you have read the Bible.  Ps.1:2  Put God’s Word in your heart and the heart of your family.  Deut.6:6-9   This was accomplished in the life of Timothy as told in 2 Tim.1:5  Just knowing trivia is not enough without application.  It has been told that Krushchev could quote large portions of Scripture.  His grandmother would give him a piece of candy for every verse he could quote.  It did not show in his life.

Josiah found both great repentance and joy when the book of God’s Word was found in the temple.  2 Chron.34:15,31  Let us discover what the Word of God has for our lives as Josiah did—with all our heart.  Jer.15:16  To consume the Words of God will begin filling us with righteousness and help us to grow in Christ.  Eph.5:2

C - BEATITUDES - 3

C – BEATITUDES – 3

Matt.5:5   What deep spiritual joy the meek have.  Meekness is not weakness.  In some versions the word, gentle, is supplied.  Meekness is a trait to seek.  Zeph.2:3   Rewards are promised with meekness.  Isa.11:4   Salvation is promised in Ps.76:9.  We know that meekness is not the only thing that leads to salvation but this statement does add to its importance.  Ps.37:11 says approximately the same as the Beatitude.  The reward is peace. 

Moses was definitely not a weak man and yet he was known as the meekest man on the face of the earth.  Num.12:3   In his meekness Moses was strong and courageous.  He led an immense group of people.  Yet he was humble and self-sacrificing in the midst of all the problems he endured during his leadership.  He was a man of prayer and stood for the word of the Lord and was willing to defend it at all costs.  This certainly was not weak.

Jesus was a perfect example of meekness.  Matt.11:29   Jesus’ life exuded with meekness.  He was so gentle and compassionate.  Jesus ministered to all groups of people even though of all people He could have been proud and aloof.  He was the Son of God!  Phil.2:6,7   However, when the time came to stand up to the Pharisees, He did not hold back His reprimands to them.

Early in the English language the words, gentle man, had the meaning of a man who was meek.  Now the words have been put together as gentleman and have lost their original meaning.  Meekness is not meanness but on the other hand, it does not surrender rights.  Being meek is not putting yourself down as a rug to be trampled upon.  However, a meek person realizes that God is the vindicator.  Rom.12:19  

Meekness comes from a heart too great to be moved by little insults or hurts.  A person that is constantly ruffled by every insult and annoyance that comes his way is thrown off guard with his passion and lives by the control of everyone who crosses him.  Such a heart cannot be meek and gentle.  1 Pet.2:19;  1 Cor.6:7   The person who is controlled by the Spirit will be meek and gentle.  Their spirit will not be inflamed by provocation but they will be able to return a soft answer.  They would rather forgive twenty injuries than be the revenger of one.

Paul the apostle was another example of a meek man.  Tit.3:1,2   Paul realized the importance of following those that ruled over them.  In so doing, they were to be gentle or meek and peaceable.  Paul mentions the meekness of Christ and then states that he, also, is a meek man.  2 Cor.10:1   In describing a Christian woman, Paul uses the term, “a meek and quiet spirit.”  Does this describe our spirit?  We need introspection with this question.  This is what we are to be.  Eph.4:2

The second half of this Beatitude has caused some questions.  For they shall inherit the earth.  Are we to become landowners if we are meek?  The Jews had this expression that came from the promise that they would inherit the Promised Land.  Gen.13:15   Many promises ended with the blessing that they would inherit the land.  After they did enter the Promised Land, “inherit the land” began to mean the blessings they would receive under certain conditions.  1 Cor.3:21-23   For a long time the Israelites looked forward to inheriting the land promised to Abraham.  Gen.15:7   This desire continued as they wandered through the wilderness.  Ex.32:13  Their possession of the land included some instruction.  Deut.16:20  

Canaan, the Promised Land, represented the many blessings of God’s people.  Ultimately, Canaan represented Heaven.  Isa.60:21    

Meekness or gentleness is a characteristic Christians should have.  Eph.4:2  This is a characteristic we must have toward others.  Col.3:12   Gentleness must be used as we work with other people.  Humility goes along with it.  1 Pet.3:15   Gentleness is listed as part of the fruit of the Spirit.  Gal.5:23   Even wisdom is shown in gentleness.  Jam.3:13

This quote from Henry Morris explains meekness:  “A meek spirit enables a Christian to maintain composure in the face of opposition, to accept adversity without complaint, promotion without arrogance, demotion without resentment.  It produces a peace which no trouble can disturb and which no prosperity can puff up.”

So a deep spiritual joy is experienced as we develop a meek and gentle spirit and we will receive spiritual blessings as our promised land and eventually heaven.  Rev.21:7

B-Beatitudes-2

B – BEATITUDES – 2

Matt.5:4   Those that mourn have a deep joy of the soul for they are blessed.  In the former beatitude those realize they are destitute in spirit and have great need of the Lord and His mercy.  Realizing our great need makes us humble before God and man.

It may seem strange that mourning would be blessed and yet that is exactly what the second beatitude says.  We mourn when we are separated from our loved ones.  How much more should we mourn when we are separated from our God.  This is what sin does.  It separates us from God.  Isa.59:2   Sin is transgression of the law.  1 Jhn.3:4  

Our obedience to our Lord shows Him and the world that we love Him and know Him.  We abide in Him.  1 Jhn.2:3   If we are separated, then He may not answer us.  1 Jhn.3:22   We loose our ability to overcome when we are separated from God.  1 Jhn.4:4;  1Cor.15:57  

Before we became a Christian we realized our need of a Savior.  Mourning took place as we repented of our sins.  Perhaps tears flowed.  We no longer wanted to be separated from God so we took the steps needed to become a Christian as the first Christians did in Acts 2:38.  What joy developed in our heart as we received forgiveness of those sins.  We were no longer separated from God but instead, we were given the gift of the Holy Spirit indwelling in our lives. 

Do we remember that mourning?  Do we still mourn when we do or say things that do not please our Lord.  The spiritual mourning is not just for one time.  If we love someone, we do not want to hurt them.  How deeply do we love Jesus?  As we study His Word, are we willing to change as we recognize those things in our life that cause His displeasure.  This must be a daily examination with mourning and repentance.

Several examples of various kinds of mourning for sin can be found in the Scripture.  Cain is our first example.  God was not happy with Cain’s sacrifice and Cain was angry.  God’s answer is found in Gen.4:7.  Cain’s response was killing his brother, Abel.  Rather than repenting he became angry, jealous, and murdered.  He was separated.  Gen.4:13,14 

It seems that Ahab was sorry he had been caught.  He had caused Naboth to be killed and then had possessed his vineyard.  1 Kgs.21:20   He had all the outward signs of mourning.  It was for his punishment.  Then God reversed the punishment and laid it upon his sons; however, Ahab listened to false prophets and was killed.  Too often the mourning is because of being caught in sin.  We need to mourn because we have failed our Savior.

David mourned in a different way.  His sin was ever before him.  Ps.51:3,4   David acknowledges his sin and remembered.  He goes further than that.  He pleads for forgiveness.  Ps.51:1,2   Such spiritual joy is experienced when sins are forgiven.  Ps.32:1,2   Then David wants to be renewed.  Ps.51:10   He has sensed that his sin took him away from God and he wants to return.  Ps.51:11,12

Paul was another one who realized his sin, repented, became a Christian, and then served God the rest of his life.  As he looked back, he felt he was the worst of sinners and not fit to be called an apostle.  1 Cor.15:9

So as we acknowledge our sin and mourn in repentance, we, too, want to be renewed in our hearts.  First, we must turn our minds away from things of the world.  Rom.13:14   As long as we keep thinking and wishing for worldly things, our hearts cannot be renewed.  Col.1:21   As we cast off those worldly thoughts and desires, we can be renewed through Christ Jesus.  Col.1:22   The renewal is not just the casting off.  We have to put on the right things.  Col.3:10

Our spiritual mourning turns to great comfort as we are brought back in right relationship with God.  2 Thess.2:16,17   Think of everlasting comfort.  Consolation and encouragement are other words used for the Greek word, “comfort.”  Heb.6:18,19   This everlasting comfort and strong consolation that we have in hope as an anchor of the soul gives us deep spiritual joy that is our blessedness.

God is a God of comfort.  2 Cor.1:3   As He comforts us, so we in turn comfort others in their need.  2 Cor.1:4   As Christians we do not live just for ourselves.  Life in Christ is sharing with one another.  We share materially.  We share joys and sorrows and in this beatitude, we share comfort.

Ps.94:19   When our hearts are heavy, it is of great comfort to know that God cares.  God is above all and yet when we bow before him in humility and repentance, he listens and revives our hearts.  Isa.57:15   A great contrast is given as comfort is given to those who mourn.  Isa.61:2,3  

As we come to a time of mourning, whether it be spiritual or earthly, let us take heart and know that our comfort will come from God and our brothers and sisters in Christ.  May our mourning become a time of rejoicing in our God of comfort.  The world longs for this but do not possess it.  Col.2:2,3

BEATITUDES - 1

A -BEATITUDES 1

Crowds had been following Jesus so He went up higher to teach those who wanted to learn of Him or His disciples who are “learners”.

All of the beatitudes begin with “blessed”.  In Greek this means fortunate, happy, supremely blessed, well-off.  Spiritual well-being and deep joy of the soul brings about a deeper spiritual meaning.  Jesus would not use this term with just a frivolous saying.  This is deep and with each of these beatitudes we want to think of the heart-felt meaning that Jesus puts into these.  The O.T. also uses this word.  Ps.1:1;  Ps.84:12;  Prov.8:32

The “poor in spirit” is the subject of the first blessedness.  Matt.5:3   We sometimes begin to think we are rich in our spirituality.  Perhaps we are comparing ourselves to those of the world.  God had some lessons to teach the Israelites about humility which is being poor in spirit.  Deut.8:2   Self-sufficiency keeps us from feeling our poorness in spirit.  This is pictured in the case of Manasseh.  2 Chron.33:11,12   We experience distress and can do nothing to help ourselves.  Then we call upon the Lord.

A great humility of spirit is shown in Job after God has summarized His mighty power.  Job is humbled to dust and ashes in Job 42:6.  Job cries out to God as he realizes he is nothing.  When we realize we are nothing, then we can begin to humble ourselves by being truly very poor in spirit.  You are God and I am not.  Prov.29:23

Being poor in spirit is so important to God.  Isa.66:2   He made it all and to fully recognize that fact will cause us to be contrite or repentant and therefore humble before Him in worship, thankfulness, and love.  Micah 6:8  

Many times during Jesus’ ministry He reprimands the Pharisees for their lack of humility.  Matt.23:5-7   They were more interested in their appearance before men than before God.  Lk.16:14,15   If we are following God, He wants to lift us up, but He can only do that if we are humble.  We are not to lift ourselves up but let God do it for us.  Jam.4:10   Peter says about the same thing in 1 Pet.5:6   Jesus leads us.  He is our example and He was humble.  Matt.11:29

Would you rather be put down or built up?  An example is the parable at the banqueting table.  Lk.14:8-10   We have no right to build ourselves up; however, the tendency is present.  Phil.2:3;  Col.3:12

Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the  kingdom of heaven.  This is a reward of blessedness for the poor in spirit.  It has been said that the kingdom is summed up as “already, not yet.”  In other words,  The kingdom came in the form of Jesus.  However, it awaits fulfillment at the end of the age. 

As John the Baptist was announcing the coming of the Messiah, he stated that the kingdom was near.  Matt.3:2   Jesus also stated this.  Matt.4:17   Jesus was near and so was His church in the not so far future.  Matt.16:18,19   Keys allow entrance.  Peter preached the first gospel sermon as the church of Jesus Christ was established on the day of Pentecost.  The Holy Spirit gave Peter the way to enter into Christ’s church.  These were the keys to the kingdom of heaven.  Acts 2:38   The Lord added those that were being saved to the kingdom.  Acts 2:47.

Jesus told His disciples that some of them would be alive when the kingdom came.  Matt.16:28   This was speaking of His church for the disciples were alive on Pentecost. 

The kingdom means Christ’s reign.  Christ reigns in His church as the head and chief cornerstone.  Eph.1:22;  Eph.2:20   As Jesus was teaching them to pray in Matt.6:10, the beginning of His church was near.

Dan.2:44 prophesize the church or kingdom that will not end.  Not only is the kingdom known as the church which the gates of hell cannot destroy but it is an everlasting kingdom.  Dan.7:27;  Rev.11:15   The kingdom began with Jesus and His church and continues until eternity and throughout without end.

Our spiritual well-being and joy of the soul causes us to think and pray earnestly that we be poor in spirit—to recognize our worthlessness except through Jesus Christ—and to humbly follow Him into His kingdom of righteousness with a repentant heart.  Jam.2:5;  Lk.18:14