Sunday, January 26, 2020 am
THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS
(3)
Sermon On the Mount (2)
The Beatitudes (2)
Matthew 5:3-12
Last week we introduced the Sermon on the Mount, noting it was likely a
typical sermon of Jesus, especially early in His ministry.
It was a sermon introducing the Kingdom of God that Jesus came to
establish. The theme of this
sermon is found in Matthew 5:20, our righteousness must be genuine if we
desire to enter the kingdom of heaven.
We also introduced the beatitudes, noting the word is associated
with Christian joy and being blessed (enjoying the favor of God) which
is the Latin meaning of the word beatitude.
We also noted that these 8 dispositions are in a particular order
and found in 2 groups – the first 4 being attributed to our relationship
with God and the last 4 our relationship to men, much like the greatest
commandments (Matthew 22:37-40).
We also noted that with each beatitude there is an attitude
or action on our behalf, and a
blessing found in developing that attitude.
Today, we begin examining this great sermon and notice more specifically
the beatitudes of Jesus. We
will devote 2 lessons to the beatitudes.
a.
What is meant by poor in
spirit?
i.
The word for poor
can mean someone who is not rich materially – Jesus often went to the
poor, and the NT talks about the poor (James 2:5-6, Romans 15:26, etc.).
It is a word that would include
poverty, or one who has little, possibly not enough even for the
necessities of life. This is
the widow who gave her two mites to the treasury (Mark 12:42-43)
Jesus did express concerns for the physically poor.
In Luke 6:20, the other sermon, Jesus simply said, “Blessed
are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of heaven.”
Then in vs. 24, He said, “But woe to you who are rich, for you
have received your consolation.”
We know Jesus cared about the physically poor and noted the corruption
of the wealthy on numerous occasions.
Matthew 19:21 as He counseled the rich, young ruler, and as He
rebuked the corrupt greed of some of the leaders (Matthew 23:14), etc.
There is something to be said about one who is poor from a material
standpoint. He is more
likely to turn to and trust God.
He has nothing to lose.
That is why the wealthy are constantly WARNED to not trust in
their uncertain riches – 1 Timothy 6:17-19, Matthew 6:19-21 – not to lay
up your treasures on earth.
But understand that there is no virtue in material poverty.
At times we bring it on by poor and selfish decisions.
There are consequences to our actions.
And the poor can be just as ungodly – envious, selfish, slothful,
engaging in criminal behavior or other sinful conduct that destroys you
physically, etc.
ii.
This is a spiritual poverty – one who is “poor in spirit”. Consider the
word for poor as used above and make spiritual application.
It has reference to one who
realizes he is spiritually broke or bankrupt as he stands before God.
Consider Revelation 3:17 – the church at Laodicea was in spiritual
poverty and didn’t realize it (because they saw their material
prosperity).
The tax collector in Luke 18:13-14 – he would not even look up, but beat
his breast and simply said, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.”
iii.
THIS is where turning to
God HAS TO begin. It is a
realization that I have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God
(Romans 3:23). As the prodigal
son of Luke 15:17ff.
An acknowledgement that I have no standing before Him.
My righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6).
Micah 6:6-8 – with what shall I come before the LORD?
Because of sin, I am at enmity with God – Romans 8:7, Isaiah 59:2, etc.
And that enmity needs to be removed and I need to be restored
to Him.
This is one who empties himself of pride and self-reliance (he can’t
save himself)
iv.
THAT is poor in spirit.
b.
Theirs is the kingdom of
heaven
i.
It is the one who has
reached the depths of spiritual despair who is likely to look to God.
Especially when He has promised salvation to all who come to Him.
John 3:16, Hebrews 7:25, etc.
This attitude CAN lead to the needed response of salvation.
ii.
The kingdom of heaven is
reference to all who are saved in Him.
We are added to His kingdom when we obey the gospel – Acts 2:47,
Colossians 1:13-14.
iii.
Poor in spirit is the
quality that put one on the path that will lead to his eternal life, if
he follows it. And unless
you have this attitude up front, more than likely you will struggle with
staying faithful. You will
come to Him half-hearted, which is not good enough!
Luke 9:23-24 – if anyone desires to come after Him he will deny
himself first…
The poor in spirit are the ones who will seek the kingdom of heaven –
Matthew 6:33, 7:24-27, Colossians 3:1-2, etc.
iv.
Each of the qualities in
these beatitudes are related to the kingdom of heaven and therein.
a.
A term meaning to
grieve. This is not just
being a little upset, sad or melancholy.
This is genuine grief over one’s condition, perhaps even to the
point of being overwhelmed.
This is the remorseful, “what have I done?” disposition.
Consider David after the group of sins that started with his lusting for
Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11 & 12) and led to adultery, deceit and eventually
murder. When Nathan finally
confronts him David knows how horrible what he has done is.
That is seen in Psalm 51 which is described as a penitential
psalm. You find David’s
demeanor. He is begging God
for mercy and forgiveness(1-2).
He admits to his sins and who they have hurt (3-4) – including
God.
b.
What are we to mourn
about?
Being poor in spirit
leads to this mourning.
James 4:9.
2 Corinthians 7:9-11 - This is the “godly sorrow” that leads to
repentance.
We realize our sinful condition and that it needs to be taken care of by
God. We realize the
spiritual danger of remaining unforgiven – including eternal punishment
for those who refuse to obey the gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:6-9), and
those who refuse to repent or fall away (2 Peter 2:20-22).
NOT all reach this state – there are many who realize their sinful and
depraved condition, but they are not bothered by it and there is no
remorse.
c.
They shall be comforted – the blessing of knowing your sins are forgiven, that God is
there and that He cares, etc. In
another psalm that might have been related to David’s repentance (Psalm
6), he describes the depth of his mourning but concludes, Psalm 6:8-9, “Depart
from me, all you workers of iniquity; for the Lord has heard the voice
of my weeping…”
Isaiah 53:3-4 – He was acquainted with our grief, and has borne our
griefs. This is about Jesus.
Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to me…” – His invitation to comfort us.
d.
If we are guilty of sin,
may we mourn.
And may that mourning lead us to where we need to be in His
presence – forgiven with confidence.
a.
What is meekness?
What it is not weakness or cowardice or spiritlessness.
It is a mild disposition that is in control of one’s emotions
(such as anger). Associated
with gentleness, consideration, tenderhearted, and even humility.
it has also been described as strength under control.
b.
Jesus was meek
– Matthew 11:29, 2 Corinthians 10:1 – the meekness and gentleness of
Christ.
Consider how He would allow a little child on His lap and teach the need
to become like such to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:2-5).
Consider how He was silent as His accusers lied about Him.
Consider His patience with the stubbornness and pride of His own
disciples and apostles, etc.
1 Peter 2:21-24 describes His meek disposition as he was accused…
c.
We are called upon to be meek – Colossians 3:12, James 1:21 – receive the implanted word
with meekness, 1 Peter 3:15 – with meekness and fear we defend the hope
that is in us.
The word “gentleness” in the fruit of the spirit is associated with this
word (Galatians 5:22-23).
IT is also reflected in other terms throughout the New Testament.
We are to be in control and humble, following the example of our
Lord.
d.
When we spiritually
mourn, it
humbles us to turn to God seeking His favor - something we cannot earn
OR set our own terms for. We
must meekly surrender to God if we are to be saved and to live a life of
Christian peace. This is the
step that turns to Him asking for His mercy and grace (Ephesians 2:8-9 –
not of works, lest we should boast; 1 Peter 3:20-21 – the answer of a
good conscience…
e.
They shall inherit the
earth –
i.
This is not speaking of
some future kingdom. Nor
does it mean that the meek will be guaranteed peace and dominion in this
world.
ii.
HOWEVER, when we live
meekly it gives us certain physical blessings
1) Such as inner peace – even when we are suffering, because we trust
God and know what awaits, we are comforted by Him.
Philippians 4:7 speaks about the peace that surpasses
understanding will guard your hearts and minds thought Christ Jesus – so
do not be anxious.
2) The mild disposition is more likely to gain favor with man than
harshness. Harshness may
dominate men, but is there real respect and honor there?
We are to let our gentleness be known to all men – Philippians
4:5.
3) Also, a calm demeanor can simply prevent trouble in most
circumstances.
4) This is also a disposition that can aid you as you try and teach
others.
iii.
What is “the earth”? More than likely what is
meant here is spiritually, we will inherit God’s eternal kingdom.
While all the others are true and describe the blessings of meekness
while living in this world, it is also true that man cannot take away
from us our eternal reward, regardless of what he does.
Consider 2 Peter 3:10-13.
This world will be burned up, but we look for “new heavens and a
new earth”.
a.
What is righteousness?
Simply stated it is being right with God, based upon submitting to His
standard. We learn form
scripture that God determines true righteousness – Romans 10:1-3
contrasts the righteousness of God with that of men who establish their
own.
It is a fruit of the spirit (Ephesians 5:9), and part of the armor of
God (Ephesians 6:14). We
learn of it in the gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16-17, 2 Timothy 3:16-17,
etc.)
b.
The hungering and
thirsting
here is not the word of
God (cf. 1 Peter 2:1-2, 1 Corinthians 3:2, Hebrews 5:12-14 – which are
speaking of the word of God), rather it is a hungering to be right with
God.
The idea of hunger and thirst is a strong desire for those things.
We in America fail to truly appreciate what hunger and thirst is.
Most have access to plenty of both.
But that was not so in Biblical times.
We ought to CRAVE to be right with God and willing to do whatever is
necessary for that to happen.
Psalm 24:3-5, Psalm 15, repentance as previously mentioned, etc.
That is what this beatitude is about
c.
It is this craving to be
right with God that keeps us studying and praying.
We work to mature and get better spiritually, etc. We need to
pursue righteousness (1 Timothy 6:11, 2 Timothy 2:22).
d.
This is the continued
faithfulness of one who has been received into the kingdom of heaven
e.
They shall be filled
– we have “all things that pertain to life and godliness”.
God’s word can make us complete (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
There is also something to be said about true satisfaction that
is found when we know that we have done what we could and God is pleased
with our efforts. He offers
satisfaction that nothing in this world can do.
Recall that Jesus in John 6:35 said, “ And Jesus said to them,
“I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he
who believes in Me shall never thirst.
Solomon called such things “vanity” and “grasping for the
wind”.
These are the first 4 beatitudes as taught by Jesus.
We can see our attitude that will make us right with God and give
us a hope that only He can offer. Do
you possess these attitudes?
How can we help you?