June 4, 2017
Sermon on the Mount
The Beautitudes
Matthew 5:3-12
The Sermon on the Mount is one of the most famous pieces of scripture in the Bible because it contains some beautiful language, some incredible quotes, and very challenging commands. But, more than anything, the really incredible thing about the Sermon on the Mount is that Jesus didn't save his heavy hitting and culture shifting commands for a private setting, and he didn't save it for people who’s hearts he had already won over.
Matthew 5:2-12
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 will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
This sermon was not a feel good….it was controversial.
It flew in the face of the religion and the culture of the day.
The Beatitudes:
- Blessed are the poor in spirit
The right perspective on life no matter what our circumstances are can cause us to see things through God’s perspective and see ourselves as blessed.
Psalm 40:17
"Yet I am poor and needy, may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer, Oh my God, do not delay"
Are you poor in spirit today? Are you struggling financially or are you drained emotionally and feeling spiritually bankrupt from giving of yourself?
Here’s your promise:
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven
- Blessed are those who mourn
Mourning is a result of the loss of anything that you deem valuable.
The reward:
For they will be comforted
Isaiah 40:1-5
“Comfort, comfort my people says your God…Every valley will be raised up and every hill made low, the rugged places a plain and the glory of the Lord will be revealed…”
- Blessed are the meek (gentle)
Gentleness is an attribute of who you are. Are you gentle?
Philippians 4:5
“Let your gentleness be evident to all…"
The reward:
for they will inherit the earth.
- Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness
How desperate am I to be right with God? Do I hunger and thirst for it?
The reward:
for they will be filled.
There is a strong hope that that appetite WILL be quenched.
God doesn’t give us what we deserve, but instead giving what we don’t deserve!
The reward:
for they will be shown mercy.
- Blessed are the pure in heart
Jesus cut this one to the core by focusing on INWARD purity instead of outward purity.
Are the depths of who you are characterized by purity?
The reward:
for they will see God.
- Blessed are the peacemakers
But we’re not called just to HAVE peace…but to be peaceMAKERS.
Does that describe you? Are you a peaceMAKER?
The reward:
for they will be called children of God.
- Blessed are those who are persecuted/insulted
Now Jesus isn’t telling us here to seek out persecution, he’s just reminding us that when we are persecuted of insulted that’s not a horrible thing!
John 15:18-19
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.
The reward:
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Communication Card
- I will read through Matthew 5:3-12 this week asking God how it describes me.
- I will share this week with one person something God is teaching me through the Sermon on the Mount.
- I will pray for the England Mission team this week.
