The Beatitudes: Part 4

Sermon Text

Matthew 5:1-12

5 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. 2 Then 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 shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved.

• The poor in spirit recognize that they have nothing to offer God apart from Jesus, yet they are blessed because the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.
• Those who see their spiritual poverty mourn over sin with hope, trusting that repentant sinners will be comforted rather than despairing like those without Christ.
• Meekness is not weakness or passivity; it is strength kept under God's control, preferring to suffer wrong rather than sinfully wrong another person.
• Moses' intercession and Christ's controlled strength illustrate a heart that does not use power for revenge, self-display, or personal advantage.
• Growth in meekness requires Scripture, prayer, honest self-examination, repentance, accountable friendships, and a desire to glorify God more than vindicate oneself.

• Do I recognize my spiritual poverty apart from Christ, or do I approach God with self-confidence?
• Does my grief over sin lead to repentance and hope in Jesus, or merely to shame and discouragement?
• When I am mistreated, do I keep my strength under God's control or seek to hurt, embarrass, or defeat the other person?
• Am I more disturbed by my own sin or by the sins committed against me?
• Who has permission to speak honestly about my weaknesses and blind spots?
• When I confess wrongdoing, am I willing to repair the harm I caused as far as I can?
• How would a desire to glorify God change my response in a present conflict?

Poor in spirit

A person who recognizes complete spiritual need and has no hope of acceptance with God apart from Jesus Christ.

Mourning over sin

Grief over having offended God that leads a believer toward confession, repentance, and the comfort promised in Christ rather than hopeless despair.

Meekness

Strength submitted to God and kept under control, so that a person refuses revenge and seeks righteousness even when provoked or mistreated.

Repentance

Turning from sin to God with grief, hatred of sin, and a sincere purpose to walk in his commands.

Sanctification

The Holy Spirit's work of changing believers inwardly so that Christlike character increasingly appears in thoughts, words, and actions.

Self-examination

Honestly measuring one's motives and conduct by Scripture, especially attending to personal sin rather than dwelling primarily on another person's failures.