Today's lesson comes from Matthew 5: 1-12. There is a parallel passage found in Luke 6: 20-26. Most people want to be happy in life. Some people try to find happiness in the wrong things and find themselves addicted to drugs, alcohol, people, their jobs, or even false religions. Jesus Christ has a better approach to happiness and these Scriptures will direct us to true happiness.
These verses begin what has been named, "The Sermon on the Mount." These verses explain what a true Christian should both act and look like. Nine times Jesus uses the word "blessed." The word literally means "happy." The person who has sold out for God and has abandoned himself to His will, will be truly happy regardless of the circumstances in his life.Coming from the lips of Jesus, we have what we have labeled "The Beatitudes."
The first section is "The Seekers." vv. 3, 4 Verse three states, "Blessed are the poor in spirit...." This is a recognition of our poverty of spirit. It is a place where pride disappears and humility takes over. Understanding being poor in spirit is essential to both salvation and sanctification. No one comes to Jesus Christ until they see themselves as a lost sinner headed to hell. This is why the seeker sensitive movement that softens the gospel is so dangerous. Preachers must preach against sin. Without doing so, people will not repent. It is not about making a "decision" for Christ. It is about coming as a lost sinner crying out to God to save you based on your faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.
In the same way, people will not go further into sanctification until they see the inner corruption of their heart. People don't get sanctified by just coming and surrendering. While surrender is necessary, as is faith, there still needs to be an admission of the evil tendencies in the heart that remain after conversion. One needs an honest assessment of their heart. Are you really saved? Are you really sanctified? If so, it was by none of your works but by grace that was applied once you came to a place of seeing how wretched you were.
Verse four states: "Blessed are they that mourn...." This references godly sorrow for sin. They are sorry they ever sinned against a holy God. As you see the effects of sin around you, it will bring a deep sorrow. You will hate sin and its effects on people. If you are not sanctified and you see the inner corruption in your heat, e.g. hatred, anger, lust, greed, jealousy, worldliness, etc., you should see a pure heart. The mourning takes place when you see what remains in your heart after conversion. God has a better life for you that that and that life is not found in Joel Osteen's books. It is found in the bloody cross of Jesus Christ who bleed and died for your salvation and sanctification.
Those that are poor in spirit will inherit the kingdom of heaven because they will receive salvation. Those that mourn will be comforted because they will receive the Holy Ghost as their Comforter when they are sanctified. In God's action plan, those that seek will find what they are looking for. What are you really looking for? Have you found Him yet? Remember, He was never lost, it was you!
The second section is "The Satisfied." vv. 5-9 Verse five begins, "Blessed are the meek...." Meekness does not mean weakness. It is a sign of strength. Jesus was meek, but He was not weak. Moses was considered very meek, but he certainly was not weak. Those that are meek can endue ridicule and rebuke coming from the world because they know they will inherit the world.
Verse six states, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness...." Hunger and thirst are among the strongest bodily appetites. They are never satisfied until one takes in food or water. In the same way, when you hunger and thirst after righteousness, you will never be satisfied until you partake of the grace of God and you are saved and then entirely sanctified. The hunger after righteousness will cause you to want more of God. This search for a deeper relationship will lead you to seek to be sanctified wholly. You will want all that God has for you. You will be filled when you search for more of Him.
Verse seven starts, "Blessed are the merciful...." This means that the sanctified person is truly sensitive to the sufferings of others. This is our opportunity to be like our Heavenly Father. As He was merciful to us, we are to be merciful to others. When we do, we will receive mercy. Our world is a place that contains much evil. We have the ability and opportunity to relieve the suffering of the poor and hurting. Our lives will be enriched by doing so.
Verse eight declares, "Blessed are the pure in heart...." Those with pure hearts are sanctified wholly. Their minds, motives, and principles are pure. They are in possession of the fruits of the Spirit. It can be said of them that they love the Lord with all their hearts. They have the promise that "they shall see God."
Verse nine begins, "Blessed are the peacemakers...." In a literal sense, this means that you try to the best of your ability to calm upset people, put out the fires of anger, to quiet the passions of those who seek to be aggressive and violent, and to reconcile as much as you can with others. Truly, these are the ones that are "children of God."
Section three is "The Secured." vv. 10-12 In these verses we see that they that are living a holy life for Jesus Christ will be persecuted. You will be slandered, abused, and threatened. Especially in this day. Stand up for traditional marriage, e.g., one man one woman, oppose transgenders and proclaim that there are only two sexes, male and female determined at birth. Persecution will come at some point if you live a holy life. Only the sanctified will take the abuse and seek God for comfort. The carnal will be like Peter at the arrest of Jesus and seek to use the sword. In these days, you need the fullness of the Holy Ghost to endure to the end and be saved. Are you ready? Have you received the Holy Ghost for your sanctification?
The Golden Text is : "Rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven." (Matthew 5: 12) One definition of "rejoice" is to jump up and spin around in joyfulness. It means to be excited and thrilled in Jesus Christ. No matter what comes, you will not face it alone. Jesus Christ is with you if you are sold out for Him. Have you picked up your cross? Have you denied yourself? Are you following Him? If so, rejoice!
My summary points:
1. Those that seek Him will find Him.
2. When you find Him, you will be satisfied.
3. When you are satisfied in Him, you will be secure in Him.
Next week, "Jesus, the Divine Healer." (Matthew 9: 18-34.
Please read the Sunday School Beacon for inspiration and encouragement.
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