The beatitudes are eight statements
taught by Jesus on how a Christian can
achieve Christ like virtue. As a
Christian we are called to be “child like”
What does that mean and how do we
obtain this quality? (Matthew 18:3)
"Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and
become as little children, you will by no
means enter the kingdom of heaven." A
child posses a blind faith, a trust in the
Lord, without question. This quality can
only be obtained through the Holy
Spirit, the proof of which is manifested,
after becoming reborn in the Spirit
through the saving power of Jesus’ work
completed on the cross. It shows the
world how a reborn Christian acts as
light, a beacon of hope, that can only
come from and through Christ Jesus.
The Beatitudes are a map of life for a
Christian, a series of directives helping
us on our journey to be with God. They
also describe the actual condition of
Christians who follow God's will. Let us
examine each one and look at each one
as it applies in our Christian walk.
taught by Jesus on how a Christian can
achieve Christ like virtue. As a
Christian we are called to be “child like”
What does that mean and how do we
obtain this quality? (Matthew 18:3)
"Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and
become as little children, you will by no
means enter the kingdom of heaven." A
child posses a blind faith, a trust in the
Lord, without question. This quality can
only be obtained through the Holy
Spirit, the proof of which is manifested,
after becoming reborn in the Spirit
through the saving power of Jesus’ work
completed on the cross. It shows the
world how a reborn Christian acts as
light, a beacon of hope, that can only
come from and through Christ Jesus.
The Beatitudes are a map of life for a
Christian, a series of directives helping
us on our journey to be with God. They
also describe the actual condition of
Christians who follow God's will. Let us
examine each one and look at each one
as it applies in our Christian walk.
"Poor in spirit" means to be humble (see Sermon). Humility is the realization that all
your gifts and blessings come from the grace of God. To have poverty of spirit means
to be completely empty and open to the Word of God. When we are an empty vessel
and devoid of pride (see Sermon), we are then humbled. Humility brings us into
communion with God, allowing one to live their life according to the will of God
instead of living by their own will.
The opposite of humility, is pride, which brings on misery in life. For pride brings
conceit, covetousness, greediness, vanity, lust, selfishness, haughtiness, anger, lies,
thief’s, and even murder. (Proverbs 16:18)
”Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
your gifts and blessings come from the grace of God. To have poverty of spirit means
to be completely empty and open to the Word of God. When we are an empty vessel
and devoid of pride (see Sermon), we are then humbled. Humility brings us into
communion with God, allowing one to live their life according to the will of God
instead of living by their own will.
The opposite of humility, is pride, which brings on misery in life. For pride brings
conceit, covetousness, greediness, vanity, lust, selfishness, haughtiness, anger, lies,
thief’s, and even murder. (Proverbs 16:18)
”Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Why do we grieve as a Christian? Our Spirit grieves because of our sin. It tells us
when we have, “fallen short” of His Glory, or have wronged God whom has done so
much for us. It causes us to humble ourselves and appreciate all of the gifts and
blessings we receive from God. Those who mourn learn to grow in love and gratitude
for Jesus Christ our Savior. Grieving when you sin is a sure sign your on the right
path in your Christian walk with God.
(Psalm 37:24) “though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his
hand”
(2 Corinthians 1:5)”For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also
through Christ our comfort overflows.”
(Psalm 71:19-21) “Also Your righteousness, O God, is very high, You who have done
great things; O God, who is like You? You, who have shown me great and severe
troubles, Shall revive me again, And bring me up again from the depths of the earth.
You shall increase my greatness, And comfort me on every side.”
when we have, “fallen short” of His Glory, or have wronged God whom has done so
much for us. It causes us to humble ourselves and appreciate all of the gifts and
blessings we receive from God. Those who mourn learn to grow in love and gratitude
for Jesus Christ our Savior. Grieving when you sin is a sure sign your on the right
path in your Christian walk with God.
(Psalm 37:24) “though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his
hand”
(2 Corinthians 1:5)”For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also
through Christ our comfort overflows.”
(Psalm 71:19-21) “Also Your righteousness, O God, is very high, You who have done
great things; O God, who is like You? You, who have shown me great and severe
troubles, Shall revive me again, And bring me up again from the depths of the earth.
You shall increase my greatness, And comfort me on every side.”
A person who is meek is gentle and kind, and
exhibits grace of the spirit. Obedience and
submission to the will of God are certainly not
popular these days among men, but are a fruit
to those Christians whom have grown in grace
through the Holy Spirit. A meek Christian is a
sure sign of someone whom draws their
strength from God. Meekness is not of your
own works but are a gift from God as are all
fruits of the Spirit. (James 3:13) “Who is wise
and understanding among you? Let him show by
good conduct that his works are done in the
meekness of wisdom.”
exhibits grace of the spirit. Obedience and
submission to the will of God are certainly not
popular these days among men, but are a fruit
to those Christians whom have grown in grace
through the Holy Spirit. A meek Christian is a
sure sign of someone whom draws their
strength from God. Meekness is not of your
own works but are a gift from God as are all
fruits of the Spirit. (James 3:13) “Who is wise
and understanding among you? Let him show by
good conduct that his works are done in the
meekness of wisdom.”
What is meant by righteousness? Righteousness means being in complete accordance
with what is just, honorable, and Godly. Righteousness is those things that are upright,
virtuous, noble, morally right, and ethical. More examples of fruits manifested through
and from the Holy Spirit. (Proverbs 11:19) “As righteousness leads to life, So he who
pursues evil pursues it to his own death.”
with what is just, honorable, and Godly. Righteousness is those things that are upright,
virtuous, noble, morally right, and ethical. More examples of fruits manifested through
and from the Holy Spirit. (Proverbs 11:19) “As righteousness leads to life, So he who
pursues evil pursues it to his own death.”
Love, compassion, and forgiveness towards others will bring peace in your
relationships. Your Heavenly Father will be merciful with you! Jesus reminds us that
whatever "you did to the least of my brethren, you did it to me (Matthew 25:31-40)."
(NKJV)
34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My
Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35
for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was
a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and
you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry
and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and
take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in
prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly,
I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did
it to Me.’
relationships. Your Heavenly Father will be merciful with you! Jesus reminds us that
whatever "you did to the least of my brethren, you did it to me (Matthew 25:31-40)."
(NKJV)
34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My
Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35
for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was
a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and
you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry
and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and
take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in
prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly,
I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did
it to Me.’
To be pure of heart means to be free of all selfish intentions and self seeking desires.
How many times have any of us performed an act perfectly free of any personal gain?
But an act of pure and selfless giving brings happiness to all. (1 Peter 1:22) “Since
you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of
the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart”
How many times have any of us performed an act perfectly free of any personal gain?
But an act of pure and selfless giving brings happiness to all. (1 Peter 1:22) “Since
you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of
the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart”
Peacemakers not only live
peaceful lives but also try to
bring peace and friendship to
others, and to preserve peace
between God and man.
(Ephesians 5:1) “Therefore walk
in love and be imitators of God
as dear children.”
peaceful lives but also try to
bring peace and friendship to
others, and to preserve peace
between God and man.
(Ephesians 5:1) “Therefore walk
in love and be imitators of God
as dear children.”
Jesus said many times that those who follow Him will be
persecuted. "If they persecute me, they will persecute you
(John 15:20-21)." But the Lord promises his disciples that
their reward will be the Kingdom of Heaven!
persecuted. "If they persecute me, they will persecute you
(John 15:20-21)." But the Lord promises his disciples that
their reward will be the Kingdom of Heaven!
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