Speaking the Truth in Love
A Few Lessons from The Sermon On The Mount
THE BEATITUDES (MATTHEW 5:1-12)
Blessed are the poor in spirit: This means to have a humble opinion of ourselves; to be sensible that we are sinners, and have no righteousness of our own; to be willing to be saved only by the rich grace and mercy of God. This attitude is seen in the tax collector in Luke 18:13. Such people God will accept. The opposite of "poor in spirit" would be "proud of heart". Examples are the pharisee (Luke 18:11-12) and the Laodiceans (Revelation 3:17-19).
Blessed are those who mourn: Mourn over one's own spiritual poverty or sinfulness. David is an example of one who mourned (Psalm 51:3-4). Notice the relationship between Matthew 5:3-4. Unless one is first "poor in spirit" they will not mourn over their sinfulness.
Blessed are the meek: These are gentle; easy to be entreated; would rather suffer injury than inflict it. An example is a work horse. It is strong enough to do what it wants, but it willingly and obediently submits to its master and the work at hand. Jesus is a biblical example of meekness. He was certainly not a weak or timid man (John 2:13-16), but He willingly submitted to the Father's will (Luke 22:41-42).
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness: These are not searching half-heartedly for righteousness but like David in Psalm 42:1-2. The righteousness of God is the only thing that really satisfies the soul (John 4:13-14, 7:37-38, Revelation 22:17).
Blessed are the merciful: One who possesses a forgiving spirit toward those who sin against them. Notice Jesus (Luke 23:34) and Stephen (Acts 7:60).
Blessed are the pure in heart: Those who have singleness of heart, honest and true, not self-seeking, and without hypocrisy. Such a quality is necessary to see God (Psalm 24:3-5, Ephesians 6:5-7).
Blessed are the Peacemakers: Those who devote their lives to making peace by practicing those things from above (James 3:17-18). The pursuit of peace with all men involves effort (Romans 12:18-21, 14:19). Peacemakers help others to be at peace with God through the gospel (Romans 5:1-2).
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness'sake: These have willingly endured persecution (Acts 5:41, Philippians 3:7-8) by being reviled or reproached, spoken evil of, and slandered falsely (Matthew 5:11). Such persecution will come to citizens of the Kingdom (2 Timothy 3:12).
THE BLESSINGS OF THE CITIZENS OF THE KINGDOM (MATTHEW 5:1-12)
Theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven: These blessings are in the spiritual kingdom now on earth (Colossians 1:13-14) and forever (2 Peter 1:11). Note that the first (verse 3) and the last beatitude (verse 10) include this expression indicating that the blessings in between (verses 4-9) would likewise apply to citizens of the Kingdom. Just as the Kingdom is both present and future, the blessings described are both present and future.
Shall be comforted: In reference to those who mourn over their sins, they are comforted now (2 Corinthians 1:3-5) and shall be comforted for eternity (Revelation 22:4).
Shall inherit the earth: In one sense they inherit it now (Mark 10:29-30) and in another sense there is a promise of a "new earth" (2 Peter 3:13).
Shall be filled: The righteousness of Jesus is the only food that satisfies forever (John 6:57-58).
Shall obtain mercy: Those in the Kingdom, enjoy the mercy of God (Ephesians 2:4-6) and they can have eternal life (Jude 20-21).
Shall see God: Presently those who are citizens of the Kingdom can see God through their Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:6-7) and in the future we shall see Him face to face (Revelation 21:3 and 22:3-4).
Shall be called sons of God: How great to be a son of God forever (Romans 8:13-14, Revelation 21:7).
How about you? Are you a member of the Lord’s Kingdom tonight?
TREASURES IN HEAVEN (MATTHEW 6:19-21, 24)
Lay up your treasures in heaven (19-21), not on earth. For on earth moth and rust destroy; thieves break in and steal. In heaven neither moth nor rust destroys. Our treasures are imperishable and securely guarded (1 Peter 1:3-5). Jesus said, where your treasure is, there your Heart will be also! If your treasure is on Earth, your heart will experience much disappointment, as things you have affection for decay, are destroyed, or are stolen or lost (Proverbs 23:4-5). But if your treasure is in Heaven, your heart will not suffer disappointments.
One cannot serve both God and "mammon" (24). For no one can serve two masters. A "master" by definition demands "total loyalty". Such is certainly true with God (Exodus 34:14). We must choose between God and "Mammon". "Mammon" is an Aramaic term which refers to wealth or prosperity. When wealth is coveted, it becomes a "god" (Colossians 3:5). Riches can choke the Word of God in our hearts (Luke 8:14).
HEAR AND DO (MATTHEW 7:21-24)
Only by "Doing" the Father's will can we enter the Kingdom (Matthew 7:21-23). Faith alone is not enough (James 2:14-17). Doing many "mighty works" of man's devising will not help either, even if done sincerely in Jesus' name (Matthew 7:22). These are described as those who practice "lawlessness" (i.e., without authority) (Matthew 7:23).Only by hearing and obeying Jesus' Words shall we be able to stand firm (Matthew 7:24).
We have only touched on certain portion of this great sermon of Jesus. The entire sermon recorded inMatthew chapters 5-7, takes only a few minutes to read. The result of was that all the people who heard it were amazed at the teaching of Jesus (Matthew 7:28-29). It still amazes anyone with a good and honest heart! Many people today claim to be amazed at the teachings of Jesus, but they choose not to obey Him. If all authority has been given to Him, Matthew 28:18-20, then why don't more follow people follow Him? You in our audience obviously have some interest in the Word of God and the Savior of the world. If you have not given your life to Him, why not choose to do that? Confess that He is the Son of God. Repent of your sinful life and turn to serving Him. Be baptized to wash away your sins. And then follow this great Teacher all of your life on the only path that leads to Heaven. We have been blessed with over 20 years of being able to study with you the gospel that has the power to save your soul. Please heed the message and become a Christian before it is too late.
Please check the scriptures out for yourselves to see what God would have you to do to be granted citizenship in His Kingdom. We want to help you in any way we can. Contact us for Bible studies, by telephone, e-mail, or simply come to one of our assemblies. We also hope to see you next time on "Speaking The Truth In Love". Our next program on Labor Day is to be a rerun, and we plan to be live on September 15 when we hope to study "Religious Division at the Time of Jesus”.
