We're continuing our study with Jesus speaking;
of the "SERMON ON THE MOUNT"!
And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying...
Matthew 5:8-12
- MATTHEW 5:8
BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART: for they shall see God.
The "pure in heart" are those who have been delivered from the power of sin by the grace of God and now strive without deceit to please and glorify God and to be like Him. (1) They seek to have the same attitude of heart that God has -- a love for righteousness and a hatred for evil. Their heart (which includes mind, will, and emotions) is in tune wit the heart of God (1 SAMUEL 13:13; MATTHEW 22:87; 1 TIMOTHY 1:5) (2) Only the pure in heart "shall see God." To see God means to be His child and to dwell in His presence, both now and in the future kingdom (REVELATION 22:4).
BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS: for they shall be called the children of God.
The "peacemakers" are those who have been reconciled to God. They have peace with Him through the cross (ROMANS 5:1; EPHESIANS 2:14-16). They now strive by their witness and life to bring others, including their enemies, to peace with God.
BLESSED ARE THEY WHICH ARE PERSECUTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS' SAKE: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
- MATTHEW 5:11 & 12
BLESSED ARE YE, WHEN MEN SHALL REVILE YOU, AND PERSECUTE YOU, AND SHALL SAY ALL MANNER OF EVIL AGAINST YOU FALSELY: for my sake. REJOICE, AND BE EXCEEDING GLAD: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Persecution will be the lot of all those who seek to live in harmony with God's Word for the sake of righteousness.
(1) Those who uphold God's standards of truth, justice, and purity, and who at the same time refuse to compromise with their present evil society or the lifestyle of lukewarm believers. (REVELATION 2, & 3:14-22), will undergo unpopularity, rejection, and criticism. Persecution and opposition will come from the world (JOHN 15:19) and at times from those within the professing church, (ACTS 20:28-31; 2 CORINTHIANS 11:3-15 & 2 TIMOTHY 1:15). When they experience this suffering, Believers are to rejoice, for to those who suffer most God imparts the highest blessing, (2 CORINTHIANS 1:5; 2 TIMOTHY 2:12; 1 Peter 1:7)
(2) Believers must beware of the temptation to compromise God's will in order to avoid shame, ridicule, embarrassment, or loss, (MARK 8:38, LUKE 9:26, 2 TIMOTHY 2:12). The principles of God's Kingdom never change, "...all that will live Godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." (2 TIMOTHY 3:12).
Those who suffer and endure persecution for righteousness' sake are promised the kingdom and heavenly rewards.
SERMON ON THE MOUNT CONTINUED TOMORROW
IN PART 4
Below:
Create In Me A Clean Heart - Keith Green
RSS Feed
