“Together We Unite To Build God’s Kingdom” Together We GROW, United We BUILD! (Part II) Matthew 5:1-12

 The first four –  The first four – Preparation of our Attitudes and Character toward God Preparation of our Attitudes and Character toward God

 The second four –  The second four – Presentation of our Attitudes and Character toward others Presentation of our Attitudes and Character toward others

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” (NIV) “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” (NIV) Matthew 5:7….

eleos eleos meaning “compassion, pity, sympathy” or “loving consideration and help.” meaning “compassion, pity, sympathy” or “loving consideration and help.”

The first work that is required of the Christian is that of MERCY, not piety or religion. The first work that is required of the Christian is that of MERCY, not piety or religion. MERCY is a sense of pity plus a desire to relief the suffering.

Luke 10:25-37 Luke 10:25-37 Scripture says…. Scripture says…. “… those who are merciful, will be shown mercy.” “… those who are merciful, will be shown mercy.”

The measure by which you show mercy to others, God will also show mercy to you. The measure by which you show mercy to others, God will also show mercy to you.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (NIV) “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (NIV) Matthew 5:8….

shifts our attention… shifts our attention… from charity to PURITY. from practical Christianity to INTERNAL HOLINESS. from practical Christianity to INTERNAL HOLINESS.

What is meant by the What is meant by the God is only interested in your heart! God is only interested in your heart! “Pure in heart” (verse 6) “Pure in heart” (verse 6) does not mean “without sin,” but those who are “upright, just, righteous” does not mean “without sin,” but those who are “upright, just, righteous” Psalm 24:4 Psalm 24:4

Biblically speaking, the “heart” is the site of humanity’s innermost being, the center of personality. (cf. Proverbs 4:23) Biblically speaking, the “heart” is the site of humanity’s innermost being, the center of personality. (cf. Proverbs 4:23) “They shall see God” implies “face-to-face contact with the living God.” “They shall see God” implies “face-to-face contact with the living God.” 1 Corinthians 13:12; 1 John 3:2; Revelation 22:4 1 Corinthians 13:12; 1 John 3:2; Revelation 22:4

Read…. The word “PURE” literally means The word “PURE” literally means

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” (NIV) “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” (NIV) Matthew 5:9….

It suggests active efforts to bring about peace & salvation. It suggests active efforts to bring about peace & salvation. “Blessed are the peacemakers” deals with the Christian’s social responsibility. “Blessed are the peacemakers” deals with the Christian’s social responsibility.

A “peacemaker” is not someone who settles for peace regardless of the cost. A “peacemaker” is not someone who settles for peace regardless of the cost. A “peacemaker” is someone who is prepared to pursue peace and pay the high price if necessary. A “peacemaker” is someone who is prepared to pursue peace and pay the high price if necessary.

There are 3 realms of PEACE …. There are 3 realms of PEACE ….  In the HOME  In the COMMUNITY  In the SOCIETY  In the HOME  In the COMMUNITY  In the SOCIETY

Scripture says…. “the peacemakers … will be called sons of God.” Scripture says…. “the peacemakers … will be called sons of God.” Because they REFLECT the work of the Son of God who brought peace Himself. Because they REFLECT the work of the Son of God who brought peace Himself.

The phrase “they will be called” here means “to receive the name or nature of.” The phrase “they will be called” here means “to receive the name or nature of.”

“ (v.10) Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. … “ (v.10) Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. … Matthew 5:10-12….

…. (v.11) Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. (v.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.” (NIV) …. (v.11) Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. (v.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.” (NIV) Matthew 5:10-12….

“Those who are persecuted…” (verses 10-12) “Those who are persecuted…” (verses 10-12) With these words, Jesus began to instruct His disciples about the persecution that believers will experience because of their desire for righteousness. (cf. 1 Peter 3:14)

Unbelievers take BELIEVERS’ CHANGED LIFE as a rebuke to their sinful lifestyle and react against them. True discipleship of Jesus Christ is very costly! True discipleship of Jesus Christ is very costly!

“ (v.11) Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. (v.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.” (NIV) “ (v.11) Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. (v.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.” (NIV) Matthew 5:11,12….

Paul describes the persecution and suffering one can expect for following Christ. 1 Peter 4:12-19 Scripture says…. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for they will receive the kingdom of heaven.”

We are to rejoice when we are persecuted because we know that great is our reward – CITIZENSHIP IN HEAVEN!

Let us ask ourselves these questions? Are you…. Are you…. Poor in Spirit – recognizing your absolute need of Him? Mourning – truly sorry for your sin and thankful for God’s salvation?

Are you…. Meek – understand who we are in the sight of God and how to properly treat others? Hungering and thirsting for righteousness – just can’t get enough of God?

Are you…. Merciful – understand who we are in the sight of God and how to properly treat others? Pure in heart – be clean and clear in our heart and motive?

Are you…. Peacemaker – to live and pursue peace and harmony with God and man? Persecuted – committed to follow Jesus all the way no matter what the cost?

… ought to be evident in every believer’s life. Jesus gave these instructional …