The Life of Christ – Lesson 7 April 4, 2018 Matthew Chapters 5-7 Luke 6:20-49 The Life of Christ – Lesson 7 The Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 5:10-12 “Blessed are the persecuted …”
Review Blessed: A blessed person is one whom God makes fully satisfied, not because of favorable circumstances, but because of the fellowship enjoyed through Christ … Poor in spirit: to crouch or cringe and therefore conveys the idea of utter destitution, which abjectly solicits and lives by alms … denoting the utter spiritual destitution, the consciousness of which precedes the entrance into the kingdom of God, and which cannot be relieved by one's own efforts, but only by the free mercy of God
Review Mourn: The word used for the sorrow for the dead. Passionate lamentation “too deep for concealment.” Used of Jacob when he thought his son Joseph was dead. Gentle/Meek: It is that temper of spirit in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting. A horse obedient to the reins. Ready to yield.
Review Hunger and thirst for righteousness: To crave ardently, to seek with eager desire. The type of hunger experienced in a famine but for a right standard of conduct, a right standing before God and a right relationship with God. Merciful: Kindness or good will towards the miserable and afflicted, joined with a desire to relieve them. The outward manifestation of pity. Active compassion.
Review Pure in heart: Unmixed, unadulterated. Free from impurities. Pure or clean in and of itself, or that which is made clean or pure; i.e., to be cleansed. Of the inner man not outwardly. Peacemakers: shalom – tranquility, security and safety. Harmonized relationships between God and man. The tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ.
“Blessed are the peacemakers …” The Church Man God Isaiah 27:5 Peace Ephesians 2:11-17 Isaiah 57:14-21 Peace Colossians 1:19 Romans 5:1 Peace Colossians 1:19 Romans 5:1
“Blessed are the peacemakers …” Among men – Hebrews 12:14; Romans 12:18; 14:19; Mark 9:50; 1 Thessalonians 5:13; James 3:17-18 Not the primary goal – Matthew 10:34-35 – not peace at any price. The outcome of peace with God – inner peace - John 14:27; Philippians 4:7; Colossians 3:15; Galatians 5:22
“… For they shall be called sons of God” Adopted children into God’s family. Romans 8:14-17; Galatians 4:4-7 Jesus was to be “the firstborn among many brethren” who are “conformed” to the image of Christ. Romans 8:29 He whom we’re to be conformed to was indeed the “prince of peace” (Isaiah 9:6) as He left the glory of heaven to provide peace between God and man.