The Beatitudes

Introduction

• Matthew 7:13-14


• Being on the narrow way requires constant effort.

The Beatitudes
Matthew 5:3 - “Blessed are the poor in spirit”

• “Poor” here means totally destitute and unable to provide for yourself.


• The first stop to serving God is truly realizing your situation.

Matthew 5:4 - “Blessed are those who mourn”

• The biggest thing for us to mourn is loss of connection to God. We must grieve over sin.

Matthew 5:5 - “Blessed are the meek”

• Meekness is strength under control. In this case, your strength is under God’s control.


• In John 2, Jesus drove people out of the temple to make a point. He had unlimited power but was under control.

Matthew 5:6 - “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness”

• If you are truly pursuing and under God’s control, why would our highest priority not be seeking God?

Matthew 5:7 - “Blessed are the merciful”

• It’s hard to let go of perceived wrongs against us.


• See Luke 17.


• James 1:20 - Being angry does not achieve the righteousness of God.


• Mercy is unwarranted, which is what makes it powerful.


• See Matthew 18.


• How can I expect mercy from God and not give mercy myself?

Matthew 5:8 - “Blessed are the pure in heart”

• See Matthew 5:21-24, 27. You can’t have a pure heart if you are full of anger or lust.

Matthew 5:9 - “Blessed are the peacemakers”

• There is peace vertically (with God) and horizontally (with our brethren).


• I Peter 3:8-9