1. Living the Blessed Life
Matthew 5:1-12

2. Sermon on the Mount (ch.5-7)
The most detailed exposition of God’s ethical standards in the Bible.
Reflects God’s character (also displayed in life of Jesus)
John 14:8, 9 “Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us. Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father...”
Teaches kingdom principles
Helps to show us how we as Christians should live our lives.
Audience = “disciples” (believers)

3. Beatitudes (v.3-12)
Aren’t a list of things you should do (or not do), but of what you should be
Bring a deep inner joy and satisfaction (blessing)
Used to measure spiritual growth and maturity
Are a progression or “steps” to spiritual joy and blessing
Are contrary to the characteristics admired by the world
Blessed are the self confident, good looking, powerful, self reliant, open minded, aggressive, popular…

4. The Poor in Spirit Not physical poverty
Is realization that we are spiritually broke/bankrupt
Pharisee & tax collector (Luke 18:9-14)
Humble
Pride is the single biggest thing that keeps people from coming to Christ

5. Those Who Mourn Not people who cry at funerals
Beginning of true repentance
David (Psalm 51:1-5, 16-17)

6. The Meek Jesus described Himself this way
Matt 11:29 “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”
Meekness is not weakness; it is power under control
It is being obediently submissive to a higher authority

7. Those who Hunger & Thirst for Righteousness
Deep seated desire…a longing…to live right and be right before God
Just how much do we desire to live righteously?

8. The Merciful
Once we fully understand how much mercy we’ve been shown, we can’t help but begin to share it with others
Unmerciful servant (Matt 18:21-35)
Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)

9. The Pure in Heart Does not mean perfect in heart
It means clean. It can also mean genuine or authentic.
When you have a pure heart it will show in your words and actions
Matt 12:34 “…for out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks”
James 3:9-17a

10. The Peacemakers Is not:
Someone who can break up a fight
Someone who always avoids conflict
Someone who overlooks sin
Spirit controlled person who can turn a tense/angry situation into one that is calm/understanding

11. Those Persecuted Because of Righteousness
Gives encouragement
Great is your reward
Treated like the prophets
Persecuted for righteousness
Persecution should not be something we seek, but it should be something we expect
II Tim 3:12 “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted”

12. Challenge
Live these beatitudes as our Savior has taught so that we can live a blessed life
How?
Rely on the Holy Spirit (we don’t have the power in ourselves)
Draw closer to Christ (through Bible study and prayer)
The closer we draw to Christ, the more we become like Him
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT) – “As the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like Him and reflect His glory even more…”