Blessed: Experiencing fully your God-breathed intention.
Matthew 5:2–12 (NIV) 2 He began to teach them. He said: 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.
The Persecuted “The Persecuted are those who experience any form of hostility as a result of following Jesus.”
Matthew 5:11(NIV) Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Because of me
John 15:18–20 (NIV) 18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 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. 20 Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.
Rejoice & Be Glad because great is your reward:
Matthew 5:12(NIV) Rejoice and be glad,because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
1. Consider the reward 2 Corinthians 4:17 (NIV) For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
2. Consider the company
Modern Persecution: https://www.opendoors.org.au/
Acts 5:40–42 (NIV) They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.
3. Consider Christ Hebrews 12:1–3 (NIV) Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Matthew 10:38–39 (NIV) 38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.
When we come to Jesus, we die before we die. Galatians 2:20 (NIV) I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Blessed: Experiencing fully your God-breathed intention.
Matthew 5:2–10 (NIV) 2 He began to teach them. He said: 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.
Matthew 5:9(NIV) Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Peace Shalom (שָׁלוֹם) To make complete or whole. YHWH Shalom- The Lord is our Peace.
Eirene (εἰρήνη) Right relationships between people and between people and God.
God’s peace is different Matthew 10:34 (NIV) Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. John 14:27 (NIV) Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Peacemakers:
Peacemakers, not peacekeepers.
Called Children of God 2 Corinthians 5:17–20 (NIV) 17 If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.
Making peace: 1. Be at peace “You can only have the peace of God by being at peace with God.” Romans 5:2 (NIV) Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Ephesians 2:13–14 (NIV) 13 Now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility...
Colossians 3:15 (NIV) Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body, you were called to peace. And be thankful.
“Peace with the world is not promised, but through Jesus, we can have peace in the world.”
2. Make every effort Ephesians 4:1–3 (NIV) 1 I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Romans 12:18 (NIV) If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
a. We take responsibility.
b. We have conversations.
Proverbs 15:1 (NIV) A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
“Passivity is not peacemaking.”
3. Promoting this Gospel of Peace
Ephesians 6:15 (NIV) ....and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NIV) May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessed: Experiencing fully your God-breathed intention.
Matthew 5:2–10 (NIV) 2 He began to teach them. He said: 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.
Matthew 5:7 (NIV) Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
The Merciful Matthew 10:8 (NIV) Freely you have received; freely give. freely give.
“They will be shown mercy.”
James 2:13 (NIV) Judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Concerning judgment Matthew 7:1-2 (NIV) 1 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
John 7:24(NIV): Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment.
Concerning justice
Micah 6:8 (NIV) He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
“Perfect justice is only found in perfect mercy.”
Hebrews 4:16 (NIV) Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
The Merciful 1. Forgive Matthew 6:14–15 (NIV) 14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
The unmerciful servant: Matthew 18:21–22 (NIV) 21 Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
The lack of mercy keeps us in bondage.
2. Compassion Luke 10:25–37 (NIV) 25 On one occasion, an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” 27 He answered, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” 28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this, and you will live.” 29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ 36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
1. Slow down 2. See the humanity in others. 3. Meet a need 4. Receive mercy
Blessed: Experiencing fully your God-breathed intention.
Matthew 5:1–10 (NIV) 1 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 He began to teach them. He said: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.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.
Matthew 5:6 (NIV) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Hunger+Thirst Psalm 42:1-2(NIV) As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
For Righteousness
Matthew 6:33 (NIV) Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
2 Kinds of Righteousness 1. Personal Righteousness
Justification: Imputed righteousness.
Romans 5:17 (NIV) For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV) God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2. Practical Righteousness
Sanctification: Imparted Righteousness
Hebrews 10:14 (NKJV) For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.
“Imparted righteousness is the evidence of imputed righteousness.”
1 John 3:10 (NIV) This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.
Philippians 2:12 (NIV) ...Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.
“Only God can work righteousness.” Matthew 5:20 (NIV) For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
“We don’t get righteousness by pursuing righteousness but by pursuing Jesus.”
Jeremiah 33:16 (NIV) 16 In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.’
Yahweh/Jehovah Tsidkenu: The Lord IS our Righteousness.
Nurturing Spiritual Hunger and Thirst Psalm 63:1-8(NLT)1 O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. 2 I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. 3 Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! 4 I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. 5 You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy. 6 I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night. 7 Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely.
1. Savor the moments Psalms 63:2(NLT) “I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory.”
“Moments create cravings.”
2. Remain at HIS table
“We stifle spiritual cravings by indulging in carnal desires.”
3. Cherish his presence Psalms 63:3(NLT) Your unfailing love is better than life itself.
“If we will obsess over Jesus, we won’t have room to obsess over anything else.”
Blessed: Experiencing fully your God-breathed intention.
Matthew 5:1–10 (NIV) 1 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 He began to teach them. He said, 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.
Matthew 5:4(NIV) Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Grief: Suffering that is associated with loss. You lost something valuable to you.
In Grief Remember... 1. Grieving is not a disfunction
Isaiah 53:3 (NLT) He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. Isaiah 53:4 (NLT) Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down.
2. There are healthy and unhealthy ways of grieving.
3. Everyone grieves differently
4. Sit, don’t quit
5. Emotions are not the enemy
6. People are still imperfect
7. Scars are storytellers “Scars are testimonies declaring life hurts, but God heals.”
8. Not all pain will not be removed, but all pain will be redeemed.
Psalm 56:8 (NLT) You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle.
Psalm 126:5 (NIV) Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.
Finding Comfort: Blessed are those who mourn.
Isaiah 61:1–3 (NIV) 1 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion. to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
1. Our Jesus Psalm 34:18 (NIV) The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
John 11:35 (NIV) Jesus wept. John 11:38–39 (NIV) 38 Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb...
2. His words
3. His Comforter “We don’t just get comfort. We get The Comforter.” John 14:16–17 (NIV) 16 I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.
4. His church 2 Corinthians 1:3–4 (NIV) 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
_____ Psalm 147:3 (NIV) He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
1 Peter 5:7(NIV) Cast your cares on him because he cares for you. Philippians 4:7 (NIV) The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Romans 15:13 (NIV) May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 5:2–5 (NIV) 3 We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Matthew 5:5 (NIV) Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him,
Matthew 5:2–11 (NIV) 2 And he began to teach them. He said: 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.
Matthew 5:3 (NIV) “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Hebrew: bārûḵ
“Yahweh is the one who has brought it about.”
“God did it”
Greek: makarios
Happy, blissful, literally, to be enlarged, The good life.
Aramaic: Toowayhon
How good is life. Enriched, happy, delighted, blissful, content.
“Congratulations”
Blessed:Experiencing fully your God-breathed intention.
“Poor In Spirit” “Congratulations if you desperately need God, for the Kingdom is yours.”
Ephesians 1:3 (NIV) Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
Mark 10 1. Rich Young Ruler/ Poor Young Slave Mark 10:21–22 (NIV) 21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.
2. Baritmaus Mark 10:46–52 (NIV) 46 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” 50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. 51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” 52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately, he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
Staying dependent on Jesus 1. Recognize your need
“We can’t follow the lead unless we listen to his voice. “
Revelation 3:17–18 (NIV) 17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
“You still need Jesus”
2. Direct your ambitions Matthew 6:33(NIV) Seek first the Kingdom.
3. Let go of what you have. “Everything is a small price to pay to follow Jesus.”
Mark 10:31 (ESV) Many who are first will be last, and the last first.
