The God Perspective

Matthew 5: 1-12The Beatitudes

THE BEATITUDES

First part of the Sermon on The Mount.

Blessed – Bless-ed.

It is the ultimate ‘well-being’ and distinctive spiritual joy of those who share in the salvation of God.

Blessed Attitudes or Beautiful Attitudes.

A NEW PERSPECTIVE

The world thinks this way – the world behaves this way – the world says this…

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

“You have heard it said…..but I say to you….”

BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT

It is the opposite of being spiritually proud and self -sufficient.

Nor is Jesus talking about a cowardly, fearful or mean spirit.

It’s about having a deep humility as we recognise our utter spiritual bankruptcy apart from God.

It’s not about being browbeaten or being a doormat.

It’s about choosing to serve.

BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT

True humility is being humble in our own eyes.

God is great and I am not.

He is all and I am nothing.

He must increase and I must decrease.

Moving from confidence in our own righteousness, strength and ability to total dependence upon Christ.

A broken and contrite spirit he will not despise. Psalm 51

THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS THEIRS

Their souls are satisfied whatever is happening in their lives.

God looks graciously upon them.

The kingdom of heaven is made up of such people and such people.

It’s their inheritance.

I may be poor in spirit but I am greatly blessed.

BLESSED ARE THE MEEK

Patient? Mild? Gentle?

Strength, under control.

Isaiah 53:7 & 1 Peter 2:23

The meek quietly submit themselves to God.

Meekness is the mark of a man who has been mastered by God.

BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART

The heart is the centre of one’s being – the real person – who we really are.

True Christianity lies in the heart – not in the externals.

The will is the key. Without Christ our will is self-will and like a

naughty child we are wilful. I WILL praise you – even though at times I don’t

feel like it. I WILL obey you – even though my mind cannot

make sense of this right now.

THE WOES

Big on rules.

Big on externals.

Big on public demands.

Big on appearance.

Big on ‘ungrace’.

Little on Godliness.

Little on internals.

Little on personal obedience.

Little on reality.

Little on grace.

PURITY REQUIRES SOME WASHING

Oh, Jerusalem, wash the evil from your heart and be saved. How long will you harbour wicked thoughts? Jeremiah 4: 14

He purified their hearts by faith.

HOW DO WE KEEP CLEAN?

How can a young man keep his way pure? Psalm 119:9.

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11.

The Word of God is like a filter.

THEY SHALL SEE GOD

Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. 1 Corinthians 13:12.

When nothing gets in the way of full, open communication with God.

When we see just how much he loves us.