The Sermon on the Mount Summary: History of Israel Early in Jesus ministry Living as the true people of God

The Beatitudes Matthew 5 v

John Stott “It describes what human life and human community look like when they come under the gracious rule of God.” “This is what the enjoyment of God’s rule means.”

“Blessed” Means more than happy “Oh how happy!” Supremely blest or fortunate Highest well-being

Question: What kinds of people are receiving God’s favour and approval? What do the citizens of God’s kingdom look like?

Blessed are the poor in spirit POOR Does not mean lacking in wealth or needing to work. Desperate state of poverty – dependant on others for support. (Beggar or pauper)

Matthew 9 v 13 “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Blessed are those who mourn State of the nation Suffering and sickness Death of loved ones Injustice and cruelty Selfishness, greed and cynicism Erosion of God’s truth

OTHERS Wasted lives and wasted opportunities Poverty of their own spirit Sense of rejection and hopelessness “They will be comforted”

Question: Does God’s present kingdom save us from all hardships, sufferings and sorrows of every day life?

John 14 v 16 “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counsellor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener and Stand By) that He may remain with you forever.”

2 Corinthians 1 v 3,4 “The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles.”

Blessed are the meek The world belongs to: Rich, famous and powerful Those with status and influence Assertive and strong Extrovert Celebrity and those who project the right image!

Meek Humility “Essentially a true view of oneself, expressing itself in attitude and conduct with respect to others.” (Lloyd-Jones) “STRENGTH UNDER SUBMISSION”

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness So desperate for food and drink that everything else is excluded from one’s desire. Consuming passion or overwhelming ambition. Burning desire for things to be made right.

“They will be filled” Given what they desire. Delivered from the inward power and pollution of sin. Transformed and impact society.

Blessed are the merciful Mercy = active compassion (E.g. Parable of the good Samaritan) “Will not be taken advantage of but will have their own needs met!” God is rich in mercy. (Ephesians 2 v 4)

Blessed are the pure in heart Heart Centre of man’s inward life. Seat of his emotions, mind and will. Place of his inward motivation. Pure Heart Clean – unmixed or unadulterated.

“They will see God” Perceive and discern God in his words, works and ways, in His interaction with the whole of creation. Enjoy both His awesome majestic power and His intimate presence and Father heart.

Blessed are the peacemakers Peacemaker Actively seeks to make peace between hostile parties. Constantly looking and working to bring about reconciliation and harmony. Always lessening tensions; seeking solutions and communicating understanding.

“They will be called the sons of God” Demonstrate the family likeness! “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in Jesus, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” (Colossians 1 v 19,20)

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness

Persecuted How? Physical attack; imprisonment; loosing job; property confiscated;life taken Shunned by family; rejected; isolated Ridiculed; ostracised; slandered; marginalised

Persecuted What for? Displaying the right way to live! Being non compliant with evil and wrong. Living in submission to the will of God.

“Theirs is the kingdom of God” Unshakeable security of an eternal kingdom. Present here and now. Full arrival is still awaited!

One final blessing Insult, persecution and slander because of our allegiance to King Jesus. (“Because of me” ) Response: Be in good spirits and look on the bright side! Be glad - “Jump for joy!”

“As a people living in the good of these beatitudes we can have enormous influence on the world around us.” But that is next week’s sermon ………….