THE BEATITUDES # 1

THE BEATITUDES

The beatitudes – an encouraging sermon that is referred to in both the book of Matthew and the book of Luke – In Matthew there were nine beatitudes recorded and in Luke just four.

Both accounts differ in several areas, probably because it was two different authors, but they both point to the fact that Jesus spoke to a crowd of people, and He desperately wanted them to experience how to live a happy Christian life.

Beatitude – means “blessed are” – which explains the name of the sermon.

What does Jesus promise us in the Beatitudes?

Possibly Jesus is expressing a message of hope that if we live according to the beatitudes we would live that happy Christian life.

GOD’S PROMISE DESCRIBING OUR REWARDS

The Beatitudes fulfill God’s promises made to Abraham and his descendants which describe the rewards that will be ours as followers of Christ.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS VS THE BEATITUDES

How do the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes differ?

In contrast to the 10 Commandments given to Moses, Jesus gives the encouraging promises of the Beatitudes, listing the values in life which will lead to prosperity and salvation, the Ten Commandments are basically instructions.

They were given to Moses to guide God’s people closer to him.

The Beatitudes tell what people should be like and were given by Jesus.

BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT…

Let’s talk about the first beatitude

Matthew – Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven

Luke – Blessed are the poor, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven

What does the 1st beatitude mean?

The first beatitude teaches that real happiness lies in recognizing and embracing our poverty, our need of God. When our eyes are opened, we see the futility of clinging to the lie of self-sufficiency and are freed to accept the help which comes only from God.

HAVE YOU STEPPED INTO A TIME OF SELF-SUFFICIENCY?

Think about a time when you stepped into a time of self-sufficiency.

Believing YOU could handle this – whatever plan you may have made.

It may be that you didn’t think about stopping to pray or go to God’s Word to verify, confirm, or even to contradict what your plans were. Maybe you had a passing thought but let it do just that, pass by.

STOP – DROP – PRAY

In the middle of possibly a turmoil, because of the plan you jumped into, you realize you did not stop, drop and pray.

You did not take the time to review the situation according to God’s Word. Maybe you did but didn’t like His response.

We have probably all had that experience – pushing it to the back of our minds, making excuses, justifying OUR reason.

So, how did it turn out for you?  We have all been there.

Me? Numerous times. Almost embarrassing to admit the number of times I’ve been there.

I can call that being poor in accepting God’s guidance.  And oh, the joy when we stop and allow Him to lead us. To stop when He tells us to stop. To forgive, to love, to hope, to give mercy and grace to someone.

This beatitude also addresses the reality of being poor, and how – no matter our level of social economics, how much money we have, – we can live for Jesus.

Jesus desires for each of us to experience the joy and blessings of following Him and what He teaches us through the Word.

BRING THIS BEATITUDE WITH YOU THIS WEEK

This week as you step into each day bring this beatitude with you.

How can you use it to change your outlook?

How can your walk with Christ be stronger?

LET’S PRAY…

Thank You Jesus for Your love for us! Thank You for giving us hope. The hope that comes with knowing You, having a relationship with You and following Your guidance.  Thank You for the Holy Spirit as it guides us through this life.  In Jesus Name Amen