The State, Character, Behavior & Treatment of The One Whose Life Is Ruled By God The Sermon on the...

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The State, Character, Behavior & Treatment of The OneWhose Life Is Ruled By God

The Sermon on the MountOne of the greatest problems in many local congregations today is superficiality. The remedy for superficiality is found in the Beatitudes!The famous historian Will Durant said that in any given generation only a handful of people make an impression on the world that lasts more than a few years. The person who stands out above all others, he said, is Jesus Christ. Jesus undoubtedly has had the most powerful and permanent influence on the thought of mankind. But, the historian went on to say, His teachings have not had a corresponding effect on mans actions. (MacArthur, Matthew 17, 137)C. The Sermon on the Mount is probably the best-known, but least understood and least followed, of all the teachings of Jesus.The Beatitudes are a collection of eight characteristics (qualities of life) that separate children of God from the rest of the world (Matt 5:312). These eight beatitudes describe the blessed state of those who humbly submit themselves to the will of God. These are not eight different groups of people (poor, mourners, meek, etc.), but every Christian is meant to manifest every one of these characteristics.

2Philip Yancey (born 1949) is an American Christian author. Fourteen million of his books have been sold worldwide, making him one of the best-selling evangelical Christian authors.[citation needed] Two of his books have won the ECPA's Christian Book of the Year Award: The Jesus I Never Knew in 1996, What's So Amazing About Grace in 1998.[1] He is published by Zondervan Publishing.

The CHARACTER and BLESSEDNESS of the citizens of the kingdom - (Matthew 5:3-16)The RIGHTEOUSNESS expected of its citizens - (Matthew 5:17-7:12)Our need to respond to the DEMANDS of the King in every respect - (Matthew 7:13-27)

Sermon on the Mount: Overview of the general outline of this sermon. (1) The CHARACTER and BLESSEDNESS of those citizens of the kingdom (Mt.5:3-16) (2) The RIGHTEOUSNESS expected of every citizen (Mt.5:177:12) (3) Our need to respond to the DEMANDS of the King in every respect to his instructions (Mt.7:13-27)3

In these first few lessons we are going to be concerned with the Lords teaching concerning attitudes which one must cultivate to be one of its citizens.These are things the Christians MUST BE. Every citizen, not a select few.Each one will build on the one that precedes it. Adding these makes us effective in His kingdom

General comments about the tenor of this message.

The Beatitudes are a collection of eight characteristics (qualities of life) that separate children of God from the rest of the world (Matt 5:312)These eight beatitudes describe the blessed state of those who humbly submit themselves to the will of God.These are not eight different groups of people (poor, mourners, meek, etc) but every Christian is meant to manifest every one of these characteristics.

The Beatitudes are a collection of eight characteristics (qualities of life) that separate children of God from the rest of the world (Matt 5:312). These eight beatitudes describe the blessed state of those who humbly submit themselves to the will of God. These are not eight different groups of people (poor, mourners, meek, etc.), but every Christian is meant to manifest every one of these characteristics.

By having these qualities, we clearly show the difference between the world and Christians.When the Christian is like the world, it allows the world to come into the church, what attraction does it offer the sinner? These blessings are the highest forms of true happiness. Moral and spiritual prosperity. Citizenship is an avenue of these blessings.

General comments about the tenor of this message.The Character and Blessedness of the Child of God

And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Matthew 5:1-3Text: Matthew 5:1-37

The Term Blessed

Used Nine Times In Nine Verses ... Literally "How Very Happy." , makarios was originally and commonly associated with the happiness produced by material wealth and prosperity - But the Lord and NT writers assigned to it a far greater meaning - happiness and joy associated with spiritual wealth which comes ONLY through a right relationship with God.

The State of the One Ruled by God Examine the term BLESSED. (1) Use nine times in nine versesLiterally means how very happy. (2) Greek word, was originally and commonly associated with happiness produced by material wealth and prosperity. (3) But the Lord and the NT writers assigned to it a far greater meaninghappiness and joy associated with spiritual wealth which comes ONLY through a right relationship with God.

Blessed means more thanhappiness. It implies the fortunate or enviable state of those who are in Gods Kingdom. The Beatitudes dont promise laughter, pleasure, or earthly prosperity. Being blessed by God means the experience of hope and joy, independent of outward circumstances. To find hope and joy, the deepest form of happiness, follow Jesus no matter what the cost. (Life Application Study Bible, comments on Matt 5:3)The Term Blessed

Quote from Life Application Study Bible, comments concerning Mt.5:39

Blessed are the poor in spirit,

Psalm 34:18The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.Mic 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? Lk 4:18 "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; Lk 6:20 Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said: "Blessed are you poor, For yours is the kingdom of God. Lk 18:14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Jas 1:10 but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. Jas 4:9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Jas 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.


Isaiah 57:15For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.Mic 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? Lk 4:18 "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; Lk 6:20 Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said: "Blessed are you poor, For yours is the kingdom of God. Lk 18:14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Jas 1:10 but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. Jas 4:9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Jas 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.


Isaiah 66:2For all those things My hand has made, And all those things exist," Says the LORD. "But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word.Mic 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? Lk 4:18 "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; Lk 6:20 Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said: "Blessed are you poor, For yours is the kingdom of God. Lk 18:14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Jas 1:10 but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. Jas 4:9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Jas 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.


Complete absence of pride and self relianceJeremiah 10:23; 1 Corinthians 3:18The opposite of poor of spirit would be proud of heartLuke 18:9-14Poor in Spirit (1) Complete absence of pride and self relianceJer.10:23not in man who walks to guide own steps.1 Cor.3:18dont deceive selfdont think wise(2) The opposite of poor in spirit would be proud of heartLk.18:9-14Publican and sinner praying in the temple


It is consciousness of the fact that we are nothing before GodPsalm 8:3,4Convicted of ones spiritual destitution without GodPsalm 51:16,17Poor in Spirit (1It is consciousness of the fact that we are nothing before God Psalm 8:3,4 When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him?

(2) Convicted of ones spiritual destitution without GodPsalm 51:16,17 For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart-These, O God, You will not despise.


For theirs is the kingdom of heavenIndividuals who, by choice, render themselves subservient to the will of God, partake of the blessings and benefits of being a citizen in the kingdom of heaven.

Poor in SpiritFOR THERE IS THE KINGDOM OF GOD Individuals who, by choice, render themselves subservient to the will of God, partake of the blessings and benefits of being a citizen in the kingdom of heaven!15

For theirs is the kingdom of heaven

Matthew 8:11And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.For theirs is the kingdom of heavenMatt.8:11

For theirs is the kingdom of heaven

James 2:5Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?For theirs is the kingdom of heavenJames 2:5The Character and Blessedness of the Child of God

Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.Matthew 5:4-6Text: Matt.5:4-618

Blessed are those who mourn,In a specific sense: over ones sinfulnessPsalm 51:3,4Luke 15:11-24The godly sorrow which produces repentance and leads to salvation2 Corinthians 7:10 Matthew 5:4 (NKJV) 4 Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. (1) In a specific sense: over ones sinfulness. (a) Psalm 51:3,4Davids sin with Bathsheba (b) Lk. 15:11-24the prodigal son.

(2) The godly sorrow of which produces repentance and leads one to salvation 2 Cor.7:10.

This must be sincere sorrow and grief over our sins. A deep penitent spirit must be exhibited. Inner man must look deep within his own heart. The realization of the terribleness of my sin must cut ones heart deeply! Until one can accept responsibility for their sins, without blaming others, and hate the sins, they can never truly be comforted by God!

Blessed are those who mourn,The worldly take a light hearted attitude to the serious issues of life, a fact that is very evident in our modern pleasure-loving generation. In their seeking after self gratification and pleasure they do not grieve over sin and evil. Because they do not grieve over what is wrong, they do not repent. (Morris, pg.97)Matthew 5:4 (NKJV) 4 Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. Quote of the worlds lack of remorse...

For they shall be comforted

Matthew 11:28-30Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.For they will be comfortedMatt.11:28-30Those who mourned over their sins will have the burden of sins guilt lifted!


2 Corinthians 1:3,4Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.For they will be comforted2 Cor.1:3,4Those who mourned over their sins will be comforted by God in this life even in the midst of trials through our faith and hope in Him!


2 Corinthians 1:5,6For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.For they will be comforted2 Cor.1:5,6Those who mourned over their sins will be comforted by God in this life even in the midst of trials through our faith and hope in Him! In vs. 7 theyre assured to be partakers in His consolation. In Rom.8:23-39, we are assured nothing can separate one from the love of God!


Revelation 21:4And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.For they will be comfortedRevelation 21:4Those who mourned over their sins will be comforted by God in the final reward given to the faithfulheaven itself!The Character and Blessedness of the Child of God


Blessed are the meekNot weakness, cowardice, or timidity Toward God: It is that temper of spirit in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting; . . . it is only the humble heart which is also the meek, and which, as such, does not fight against God and more or less struggle and contend with Him. (Vines Expository Dictionary of NT Words)

Numbers 12:3Matthew 5:5 -- Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. Not weakness, cowardice, or timidityComments from Vines Expos. Dictionary

this characteristic will largely determine how much peace and contentment are in our lives and how well we do during trials. The world would word this, "Blessed are the strong, who can hold their own." The world favors more conspicuous and so-called heroic virtues. Those who are stronglyalmost fiercelycompetitive, aggressive and assertive are the ones who receive recognition, admiration and reward.

William Barclay adds that meekness is "the most untranslatable of words in the New Testament" (p. 51).

Read more: http://www.cgg.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Library.sr/CT/PERSONAL/k/237/The-Fruit-of-Spirit-Meekness.htm#ixzz1pzfRTGSn27

Blessed are the meekPower under controlinward power and strength of mind to remain under control and respond properly to instruction, rebuke and adversity.The meek are those who have enough strength of character to be soft in spirit, to retain their poise in face of provocation.

Numbers 12:3Matthew 5:5 -- Blessed are the meek, (1) Power under controlinward power and strength of mind to remain under control and respond properly to instruction, rebuke and adversity. (2) The meek are those who have enough strength of character to be soft in spirit, to retain their poise in face of provocation.

Read more: http://www.cgg.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Library.sr/CT/PERSONAL/k/237/The-Fruit-of-Spirit-Meekness.htm#ixzz1pzfRTGSn28

Blessed are the meekPrautes, according to Aristotle, is the middle standing between two extremes, getting angry without reason, and not getting angry at all. Therefore, prautes is getting angry at the right time, in the right measure and for the right reason.It is a condition of mind and heart which demonstrates gentleness, not in weakness, but in power. It is a balance born in strength of character. (pg.1209,1210)

Numbers 12:3Matthew 5:5 -- Blessed are the meek, Comments concerning the Greek word for meek prautes. This characteristic will largely determine how much peace and contentment are in our lives and how well we do during trials. The world would word this, "Blessed are the strong, who can hold their own." The world favors more conspicuous and so-called heroic virtues. Those who are stronglyalmost fiercelycompetitive, aggressive and assertive are the ones who receive recognition, admiration and reward.

William Barclay adds that meekness is "the most untranslatable of words in the New Testament" (p. 51).

Read more: http://www.cgg.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Library.sr/CT/PERSONAL/k/237/The-Fruit-of-Spirit-Meekness.htm#ixzz1pzfRTGSn

Blessed are the meek

1 peter 3:15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.Blessed are the meek1 Pet.3:15We give an answer to our hope in meekness and respect for Godnot arrogance or with a haughty spirit.

Blessed are the meek

Galatians 6:1Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.Blessed are the meekGal. 6:1We must have the same spirit when attempting to restore a fallen brother or sister considering ourselves vulnerable to same problems

For they shall inherit the earthQuite different from the worlds view!Those who seek God FIRST will have material necessities.Matthew 6:33Instead of the world possessing uswe possess the world as good stewards.Mark 10:29,30Matthew 25:14-301 Corinthians 3:21

Matthew 5:5Meek shall INHERIT THE EARTH. (1) Quite different from the worlds vantage point! (2) Those who seek God FIRST will have material necessities Mt.6:33

(3) Instead of the world possessing uswe possess the world as good stewards (a) Mk. 10:29,30putting all else ahead of God (b) Matt.25:14-30using our talents in His service. (c) 1 Cor.3:21all things belong to the Lord!

For they shall inherit the earthA Hebraism for Gods blessingsGenesis 15:7,8; Psalm 37:22Not that the meek will be materially wealthy, but they shall receive His kingdom, partake of the blessings here, and of the glories of the heavenly Promised Land, hereafter.John 18:36Ephesians 1:31 Peter 1:4

They shall inherit the earth. This might have been translated the land. It is probable that here is a reference to the manner in which the Jews commonly expressed themselves to denote any great blessing. It was promised to them that they should inherit the land of Canaan. For a long time the patriarchs looked forward to this, Genesis 15:7,8, Exodus 32:13. They regarded it as a great blessing, It was so spoken of in the journey in the wilderness; and their hopes were crowned when they took possession of the promised land, Deuteronomy 1:38, 16:20. In the time of our Savior they were in the constant habit of using the Old Testament, where this promise perpetually occurs, and they used it as a proverbial expression to denote any great blessing, perhaps as the sum of all blessings, Psalms 37:20, Isaiah 60:21. Our Savior used it in this sense; and meant to say, not that the meek should own great property or have many lands, but that they should possess peculiar blessings. The Jews also considered the land of Canaan as a type of heaven, and of the blessings under the Messiah. To inherit the land became, therefore, an expression denoting those blessings. When our Savior promises it here, he means that the meek shall be received into his kingdom, and partake of its blessings here, and of the glories of the heavenly Canaan hereafter. The value of meekness, even in regard to worldly property and success in life, is often exhibited in the Scriptures, Proverbs 22:24,25, 15:1, 25:8, 15. It is also seen in common life that a meek, patient, mild man, is the most prospered. An impatient and quarrelsome man raises up enemies; often loses property in lawsuits; spends his time in disputes and broils, rather than in sober, honest industry; and is harassed, vexed, and unsuccessful in all that he does. Notes on the New Testament Explanatory and Practical.

The Character and Blessedness of the Child of God


Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousnessA hunger and thirst due to ones realization of their spiritual povertyPsalm 51:17Depicts one with an intense craving for being right with Goda strong desire to know Gods will and to do that which is right in His sight.Psalm 1:1,2; 42:1,2; 63:1,2; 119:97-1041 Peter 2:2

Blessed are those hunger and thirst after righteousness

A hunger and thirst due to ones realization of their spiritual povertyPsalm 51:17

Depicts one with an intense craving for being right with Goda strong desire to know Gods will and to do that which is right in His sight.Psalm 1:1,2; 42:1,2; 63:1,2; 119:97-1041 Peter 2:2

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousnessStudy Gods WordActs 17:11Assemble for Bible study and worshipHebrews 10:24,25Psalm 122:1Serve God by doing everything He wants, and doing it His way without complaint. Manifested in our desire to:

Blessed are those hunger and thirst after righteousness Study Gods WordActs 17:11

Assemble for Bible study and worshipHebrews 10:24,25Psalm 122:1Serve God by doing everything He wants, and doing it His way without complaint.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousnessShow me a man who is hungering and thirsting after righteousness and I will show you a man who doesnt need to be begged to come to worship!You will not need to nag this person to study, teach, or give as they have been prospered.There is a real difference between casually seeking heaven and making it your lifes work! Manifested in our desire to:

Blessed are those hunger and thirst after righteousness

Show me a man who is hungering and thirsting after righteousness and I will show you a man who doesnt need to be begged to come to worship! (Psalm 122:1)

You will not need to nag this person to study, teach, or give as they have prospered.

There is a real difference between casually seeking heaven and making it your lifes work!

Blessed are those who are hungering and thirsting after righteousness

Isaiah 55:1Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.Hungering and thirsting after righteousness Isa.55:1-3Knows what is valuable and seeks to purchase the wealth available!

Blessed are those who are hungering and thirsting after righteousness

Revelation 3:15,16I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.Hungering and thirsting after righteousness Rev.3:15,16Opposite attitude to one who is indifferent or lacks concern for spiritual things (classes, Bible study, personal study) that can improve his ability and effectiveness as a Christian!

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousnessWe have been invited to come and eat freely and be filledIsaiah 55:1-3; 65:13John 4:14; 6:35; 7:37,38Our ardent desire will be filled through and in Christ by faithRomans 5:1; 6:3-6Galatians 3:26,27Ephesians 1:3-132 Peter 1:3-11 For They Shall Be Filled

Blessed are those hunger and thirst after righteousnessWe have been invited to come and eat freely and be filledIsaiah 55:1-3; 65:13John 4;14; 6:35; 7:37,38Revelation 22:17Psalm 17:15

Our ardent desire will be filled through and in Christ by faithRomans 5:1; 6:3-6Galatians 3:26,27Ephesians 1:3-132 Peter 1:3-11

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True Success is ONLY Achieved By The Godly!Your Character and Behavior Determines Both Your Happiness & Reward Are you living the truly blessed life?

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