1. Matthew 5:8 “Pure in heart”

5. Big Idea: Jesus want us to experience the PROFOUND FAVOR that accompanies the RADICAL TRANSFORMATION of those living under His ROYAL CONTROL.

6. Mathew 5:1-12 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Character Quality Promise

7. 1. What does Jesus Commend? 2. What does Jesus Promise? 3. How do we become pure in heart?

8. 1. What does Jesus Commend? Blessed are the pure in heart,

9. Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

10. Romans 10:9 That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

11. Ephesians 6:6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.

12. Matthew 15:8 These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.

13. 1. What does Jesus Commend? Blessed are the pure in heart, The inner person: the center of thoughts, feelings & choices

14. 1. What does Jesus Commend? Blessed are the pure in heart, Inner Moral Purity?

15. Matthew 23:25-28 Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self- indulgence.

16. 1. What does Jesus Commend? Blessed are the pure in heart, Inner Moral Purity? Single-mindedness?

17. James 4:8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

18. 1. What does Jesus Commend? Blessed are the pure in heart, Inner Moral Purity? Single-mindedness? Both

19. Psalm 24:3-4 Who will ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false.

20. Their whole life, public and private, is transparent before God and men. Their very heart – including their thoughts and motives – is pure, unmixed with anything devious, ulterior or base. Hypocrisy and deceit are abhorrent to them; they are without guile. (John Stott) Inner Moral Purity Single-mindedness Both

21. 1. What does Jesus Commend? Blessed are the pure in heart, 2. What does Jesus Promise? for they will see God. Direct or Comprehensive Relational - Christ Centered Present & Future

22. John 14:9 Anyone who as seem me has seen the Father. Relational - Christ Centered

23. 1 John 3:1-3 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure. Present & Future

24. 1. What does Jesus Commend? 2. What does Jesus Promise? 3. How do we become pure in heart? Justification (Status) The righteousness of God is credited to my account because Jesus paid the penalty for my sin on the cross. (Romans 5:1) Sanctification (Transformation) Actually becoming holy Defense/Offense

25. 2 Timothy 2:22 Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Defensive Strategy Offensive Strategy

26. WMC-TV, "Kids leave dad at gas station, realize mistake 100 miles away," (6-25-13)