Opening prayer
Father God we ask your blessing on this study tonight, that you would open our minds and our hearts to your word. Bring us to the realization of those matters that you would have us learn from this study. Make us aware that in this world you do not always work independently. Help us to realize that we too are vessels that you use to further your Kingdom on this earth. Jesus says that we are the Salt of the earth, and the light of the world, and it is through us that you seek to spread the word of Your Kingdom. We pray that your peace and comfort be with those of us who are sick or disabled and cannot be here tonight. We ask that you share our blessing with them. Lead us now and give us understanding as we study the teachings of Jesus, The word of God..
In Jesus Name we pray Amen
This Study is a continuation of the Sermon on the Mount which started with our study of the Beatitudes. Jesus is sitting in an amphitheater setting where he has a mountain for a backdrop. The Sermon on the Mount is the longest of any teaching from Jesus in the Bible and occupies chapters 5, 6 and 7 of the Gospel of Matthew. The Sermon has been one of the most widely quoted of any of Jesus teachings. To most believers the Sermon contains the central tenets of Christian discipleship. It is the first of the Five Discourses of Matthew, the other four being Matthew 10,Matthew 13 (1–53), Matthew 18 and the Olivet discourse in Matthew 24.
The Sermon takes place relatively early in the Ministry of Jesus, after he has been baptized by John the Baptist and has now gathered his first disciples. Before this episode, Jesus had been "all about Galilee" preaching, teaching, healing and spreading the word of God and "great crowds followed him" from all around the area.
Meditation
"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men"
If salt lost its flavor, it would be worthless, for its flavor is what makes it valued. Salt is good precisely because it tastes different than other things. In the same way, Jesus' disciples are scattered in the world—but if they are just like the world, they are not doing any good.
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house" (vs. 14-15). The disciples are not to hide themselves—they are to be seen. Their example is part of their message.
"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (v. 16). Later, Jesus criticized the Pharisees for doing works in order to be seen (6:1). But good works should be seen—for God's praise, not our own.
Lesson #1 Sermon on the Mount… Who is righteous? Pg.1
Mat 5:13 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
Speaking to the crowd and specifically to his disciples, Jesus instructs them on righteousness with two parables. Jesus encourages them to become the salt of the earth and to season the world around them with grace. If their savor should fail as the Pharisees and scribes, it would be worth nothing at all. Without salt human life cannot be sustained. Thoughts and affections, words and deeds, all seasoned with grace. What are we to be to others? We must not only be good but do good, That those whom we meet might know that about us, not from a secular interest but from a Godly interest.
Even though this passage is not part of the Beatitudes, it has a lot to do with the Beatitudes. The people who are said to be blessed because they are poor in spirit, because they mourn, because they are meek, these are precisely the people who, by their Christlikeness, are the salt of the earth. ‘The blessed man of the Beatitudes,’ the Lord Jesus says, ‘is to function as the salt of the earth.’ Notice that the last Beatitude changes from ‘Blessed are those who’ to ‘Blessed are you.’ The first eight statements were impersonal. Anyone who is like this is blessed. But now in v. 11, the last Beatitude makes it very specific that Jesus is talking about His disciples. Blessed are you (My disciples) when people revile you. And this ‘you’ continues into v. 13, You are the salt of the earth, connecting this verse directly to the Beatitudes. The beatitudes define the Christian, the Christian then is the “salt of the earth”. We then should be careful not to lose our saltiness lest we become useless, and be cast out and trampled underfoot.
A good biblical example from the old testament is in 2Kings 2:19. Then the men of the city said to Elisha, "Behold now, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord sees; but the water is bad, and the land is unfruitful. 20 And he said, "Bring me a new jar, and put salt in it." So they brought it to him. 21 And he went out to the spring of water, and threw salt in it and said, "Thus says the LORD, 'I have purified these waters; there shall not be from there death or unfruitfulness any longer.'" 22 So the waters have been purified to this day, according to the word of Elisha which he spoke.
So in the case of Elisha’s purifying action, salt was not the cause of the miracle that took place. It should be viewed as a spiritual symbol that represents God’s purifying power. When Jesus says that the Christians are the salt of the earth, it doesn’t mean that we have anything special in ourselves that makes us to be like salt. It is Christ in us that makes us to be what we are. And if we are the salt of the earth, it is only because God’s power is at work in us to make us to be salt. Without God in us, we wouldn’t be anything. It is all of God’s grace that we are what we are.
Q.1 Is it confusing to Christians being referred to as salt of the earth?
Q.2 What was the effectiveness of salt that Jesus spoke of in those days?
Q.3 Do you believe this description is applicable in our world today?
Q.4 How does one go about becoming salt of the earth in such a vaporous society today?
Q.5 Does there always seem to be a need for personal fulfillment in order for one to attend to Christian activity? such as going to church, praying to God, serving others,
Q.6 Why are we not able to do this as a matter of personal righteousness
Q.7 Does this phrase fit the golden rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you?
Pg.2
Mat 5:14 "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
Mat 5:15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
Mat 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
The doctrines which the apostles were commissioned to preach, are not to be hid or concealed from men: They are there and are maintained to declare the whole counsel of God, and shall be fortified so as not to hide from the reproaches and persecutions of men. They are to be "made a spectacle, and maintained"; to be set as in a public theatre, as an attraction, to be seen by "the world, angels, and all men", to draw men to the word of God.
As the lights of the world, we are intended to illuminate and give light to others. Christ has lighted these candles, they shall not be put under a bushel, not confined, as they are now, to the cities of Galilee, or the lost sheep of the house of Israel, but our light shall be sent into all the world. The churches are the candlesticks, in which these lights are placed, that their light may be diffused; and the gospel is so strong a light, and carries with it so much of its own evidence, that, like a city on a hill, it cannot be hid. It is clear to all those who do not willfully shut their eyes against it. It will give light to all that are in the house, to all that will draw near to it, and come where it is. For what end our light must shine - “That those who see your good works may be brought, not to glorify you but to glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Christ has lighted the candle of the everlasting Gospel, and given gifts to men for the ministration of it, not to be concealed and neglected, or to be misused as the servant did his lord's money, wrap it up in a napkin, and hide it in the earth. Ministers are not, through slothfulness, to neglect the gift that is in them; nor, through fear, to hide their talents, or keep back any part of the Gospel from anyone at any time for any purpose. As light is held high on a lamp stand, so must the Gospel shine through us so as to be a help in understanding God’s purpose in the life of all, so that all may be enlightened, and that none remain in darkness regarding the word of God, the life death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, their savior.
Q.1 What is the first thing needed to find objects lost?
Q.2 The “City on a hill” has at least three additional connotations, what do you think they are?
Q.3 And what is meant by putting your light under a bushel?
Q.4 Who needs to have this light?
Q.5 Who or What is meant by putting it on “a stand”?
Q.6 Who then should it be, looking for the lost?
Q.7 And where is it that one should be looking?
Q.8 Should we the enlightened then shy away from the Joy of sharing this blessing with others?
Pg.3
Mat 5:17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
Mat 5:18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.
Our Savior was just entering on his work. It was important for him to state what he came to do. By his setting up to be a teacher in opposition to the scribes and Pharisees, some might charge him with an intention to destroy their law; To deny their divine authority; To set people free from the obligation to obey them. “The law.” The five books of Moses called the law. And to abolish the customs of the nation. Throughout His ministry, Jesus violated many of The Pharisees oral laws. He broke their Sabbath laws by healing people, and gleaning corn to eat (Luke 13:14, Matthew 12:1-2). He forgave peoples' sins, which to the Pharisees was blasphemy (Luke 5:21). He also freely criticized the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and self righteousness (Luke 11:37-52).
Christ commands nothing now which was forbidden either by the law of nature or the moral law, nor forbids any thing which those laws had enjoined; it is a great mistake to think he does, and he takes this opportunity to rectify the possibility of a misunderstanding. “I am not come to destroy”
The Savior of our souls is the destroyer of nothing but the works of the devil, of nothing that comes from God, much less of those excellent dictates which we have from Moses and the prophets. The word of the Lord endures for ever, both that of the law, and that of the gospel.
What is it that God is doing in all the operations both of providence and grace, but fulfilling the scripture? Heaven and earth shall come together, and all shall be ruin and confusion, rather than any word of God be in vain. The word of the Lord endures for ever, both that of the law, and that of the gospel. Observe, The care of God concerning his law extends itself even to those things that seem to be of least account in it, the iotas and the tittles; for whatever belongs to God, and bears his stamp, be it ever so little, shall be preserved.
Q.1 What restrictive laws had Jesus already opposed by this time?
Q.2 What were the acts that Jesus did that caused his enemies to criticize him?
Q.3 What was Jesus’ response to the Pharisees criticizing him? See Matt. 23:13-29
Q.4 Not everyone who was a Pharisee was a hypocrite, who comes to mind?(John 3: 1-21).
Q.5 Do we have problems today that involve conflict between the church and the state?
Q.6 What did Jesus mean by saying “not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished”.
Q.7 What is Jesus emphasizing by saying “, until heaven and earth disappear,”
In Mark 7 that is where Jesus is talking to the Pharisees and Scribes. He tells them they are worshiping in vain. He says they honor him with their lips but their heart is far from HIM. They follow traditional teaching of doctrines, the way man perceives it. But Jesus makes it clear, what defiles man comes out of heart. Notice the things he mentions: evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness, Jesus shows the things that will defile man always comes from the heart. The good news is all sins are forgiven if we repent, and we have faith in Our Lord Jesus Christ, walking in righteousness.
Pg.4
Mat 5:19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
It is a dangerous thing, in doctrine or practice, to make ineffective the least of God's commands; or to weaken them in any way. And to determine to reason by either definition or common consent to alter or annul even one of them. Whoever does so, will find it is at his peril. Thus to vacate any of the Ten Commandments, is too bold a stroke for the jealous God to pass by. It is something more than transgressing the law, it is making void the law, and Jesus is saying he is there to make a fulfillment of it all. And he further warns even that such corruptions as they spread by their teachings, the worse offence they are committing. It is impudence enough to break the command, but it is a greater offence to teach men so. This plainly refers to those who at this time sat in Moses' seat, and by their comments corrupted and perverted the text. (The Scribes and Pharisees and the teachers of the law)
But, on the other hand, Those are truly honorable, and of great account in the church of Christ, who lay out themselves by their life and doctrine to promote the purity and strictness of practical religion; who both do and teach that which is good; for those who do not as they teach, pull down with one hand what they build up with the other, and give themselves the lie, and tempt men to think that all religion is a delusion; but those who speak from experience, who live up to what they preach, are truly great; they honor God, and God will honor them (1Sa_2:30), and hereafter they shall shine as the stars in the kingdom of our Father
In Mark 7 that is where Jesus is talking to the Pharisees and Scribes. He tells them they are worshiping in vain. He says they honor him with their lips but their heart is far from HIM. They follow traditional teaching of doctrines, the way man perceives it. But Jesus makes it clear, what defiles man comes out of heart. Notice the things he mentions: evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness, Jesus shows the things that will defile man always comes from the heart. The good news is all sins are forgiven if we repent, and we have faith in Our Lord Jesus Christ, walking in righteousness.
Q.1 Setting aside commands, are there some that we have set aside in our society today?
Q.2 What does it mean to be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven?
Q.3 What is meant by Whoever practices and teaches these commands?
Q.4 What do we think would define “Great in The Kingdom of Heaven”?
Q.5 Read Matt. 16:27 and Romans 2:6 and give an explaination.
Deut. 5:7-21 The Ten Commandments: 1)I am the Lord, your God. 2)Thou shall bring no false idols before me. 3)Do not take the name of the Lord in vain. 4)Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. 5)Honor thy father and thy mother. 6)Thou shall not kill/murder†. 7)Thou shall not commit adultery. 8)Thou shall not steal. 9)Thou shall not bear false witness against your neighbor 10)Thou shall not covet‡ your neighbor's wife (or anything that belongs to your neighbor)
The Ten Commandments
1. I am the Lord, your God.
2. Thou shall bring no false idols before me.
3. Do not take the name of the Lord in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.
5. Honor thy father and thy mother.
6. Thou shall not kill/murder†.
7. Thou shall not commit adultery.
8. Thou shall not steal††.
9. Thou shall not bear false witness against your neighbor
10. Thou shall not covet‡ your neighbor's wife (or anything that belongs to your neighbor).
Mat 5:20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Our Lord Jesus here tells his disciples, that the religion he came to establish, did not only exclude the badness, but surpass the goodness, of the scribes and Pharisees. We must do more than they, and better than they, or we shall come short of heaven. They were partial in the law, and laid most stress upon the ritual part of it; but we must be universal, and not think it enough to give the priest his tithe, but must give God our hearts. They minded only the outside, but we must be ever mindful of inside godliness. They aimed at the praise and applause of men, but we must aim at acceptance with God: they were proud of what they did in religion, and trusted to it as a righteousness; but we, when we have done all, must deny ourselves, and say, We are unprofitable servants, and trust only to the righteousness of Christ; and thus we may go beyond the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees.
1. Whose brand of righteousness does Jesus insult?
2. What matters of the law did they overlook in their quest for righteousness?
3. What “loophole” did they come up with regarding their parents in Matthew 15?
4. Did Jesus find fault with the fact that they tithed everything strictly according to the Law?
5. What does Jesus mean when he tells his followers to be the salt of the earth?
6. What does it mean to be the light of the world?
7. How were the Pharisees failing in these ways?
•Christians should reflect the light of Christ in the world ab •They must add savor to a world that is o
8. Did Jesus destroy the Law of Moses on the cross? Why or why not?
out them and illuminate sin that it might be eclipsed by repentance and grace.
9. How can one generally distinguish a person trying to exceed the righteousness of the scribes and
Pharisees?
10. What are the fruits of the Spirit?
•
11. Were the Pharisees and scribes condemned because they worked hard to keep the law as perfectly as they could?
They were as heartless as those who knew not God and covered up many sins rather than expose them.
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Friday, September 5, 2014
the beatitudes 7,8,9
Opening Prayer Pg.1
God of our salvation, Just as we come into your presence in great humility, we also come in the joy of being in your service, of spending time in Your word, learning in fellowship among like followers of Your Son Jesus. We are thankful for your word in our study of the beatitudes as given to us by Jesus. We pray that our fellowship today will bless each one here and give each of us joy and purpose that we may be useful vessels in your service. Be with those of our group who cannot be here today, we pray you will share our blessing with them. Be with those of us who are suffering illness and those who care for them. Restore their health and bring them back into our midst. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen
The Study
Continuing our study of the beatitudes as given to us by Jesus in his sermon on the mount This particular study gives us some insights as to what true peacemakers are and as such, what to expect because one is a follower of the way, and a servant to Jesus Christ. The one quality and the other two conditions listed in the study are to be desired and sought after by anyone who would be a Christian.
This is also a departure from there being only 8 beatitudes to what some scholars say are 9 since there is reference in the eighth to “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness” and an additional reference to “blessed are you who are persecuted because of me”. There are two different rewards mentioned as well, the first being “theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven”, the other is “Great is your reward in Heaven”. It is not our purpose in this Study of Jesus’ teachings to cause to be lessened, the teachings of Jesus, but to add emphasis to the word as it was given to us by Jesus for our study, and edification of the knowledge that he has given to us in all of his words. Jesus did not misspeak nor does he choose to teach us that his words have a double meaning. Our purpose is to learn from him how to live the beatitudes and as Christians, to lead others to him through our applying these principles to our daily lives.
Pg.2
7. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
The Bible says we have peace with God through Jesus Christ. Reconciliation through Jesus Christ brings restored fellowship (peace) with God. 2 Corinthians 5:19-20 says God entrusts us with this same message of reconciliation to take to others. Peacemakers not only live peaceful lives but also try to bring peace and friendship to others, and to preserve peace between God and man. St. Gregory of Nyssa calls a peacemaker a man who brings peace to another; but one cannot give another what one does not possess oneself. Hence the Lord wants you first to be yourself filled with the blessings of peace and then to communicate it to those who have need of it. By imitating God's love of man, the peacemakers become children of God.
Q.1 In the previous session, what is the phrase that is common to this discussion as well?
Q.2 Is it possible for one to be a peacemaker in our troubled world today?
Q.3 Have you ever experienced the act of being a peacemaker in any way ?
Q.4 Was Jesus considered a peacemaker in his day?
Q.5 Mat 10:34 "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. How does this verse fit into our study?
Q.6 “Sons of God” What does this phrase mean in the context which it is used.
The one key element in Matt. 10:34, is the word "sword," and it’s meaning is clear. It indicates that following Jesus may not bring peace to a family, but may "split" it up, the precise function of a metaphorical sword. Are we, his disciples ready for that? This applies where a nation, or a race of people, or even one’s family rejects Jesus. The act of being a follower of Jesus is sometimes so foreign to some as to turn them against those who have claimed him as Savior. Jesus’ mission is to convert souls to follow his teaching and become reconciled to God on God’s terms, repenting of their sins, and accepting His Son as Savior. And Jesus is warning his disciples that sometimes this will divide families, people, or even nations.
To become children of God one must accept Jesus Christ as the sole remission of our sin, making us heirs to the bountiful blessings God has in store to those who thru Christ have been accepted into the family of God. Peacemakers are righteous, merciful, pure of heart and upheld thru Jesus Christ by the mighty right arm of God. This association is contingent upon the ladder of the beatitudes being our entry to the family of God, and heirs with Jesus Christ. Giving us peace with God and making us adopted children of God.
Paraphrase: "Blessed are those who have been reconciled to God through Jesus Christ and who bring this same message of reconciliation to others. All those who have peace with God are called his sons
Pg3
8. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
To persecute means literally to pursue; follow after, as one does a fleeing enemy. Here it means to vex, or oppress one, because of his religion. They persecute others who injure their names, reputation, property, or who endanger or take their life, on account of their religious beliefs.
Just as Jesus faced persecution, so he promised his followers persecution. Those who endure because of their faith rather than hiding their righteousness to avoid persecution are genuine followers of Christ. If one is to be considered righteous, they will be kind, loving, fair minded, and pure in heart and mind, free of evil in thought, word, or deed. Righteousness (also called rectitude) is an important theological concept in Christianity Judaism and Islam. It is an attribute that implies that a person's actions are justified, and can have the connotation that the person has been "judged" or "reckoned" as leading a life that is pleasing to God. If, in the honest effort to be Christians, and to live the life of Christians, others persecute and revile us, we are to consider this as a blessing. It is an evidence that we are the children of God, and that he will defend us. “All that live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution,” 2Ti_3:12.
Q.1 Christians are persecuted for whose righteousness ?
Q.2 Are Christians being persecuted today through laws and regulations ?
Q.3 What other means of persecution are Christians subjected to today ?
Q.4 Do you consider the banning of prayer in schools, a form of persecution?
Q.5 Do you believe that God Judges those who persecute the righteous?
Q.6 Why would God allow such persecutions of the righteous?
Q.7 What is meant by the phrase “Theirs is the kingdom of heaven”?
Q.8 Is this the final blessing, or is it given in the next verse?
Heaven will become as an inheritance, for those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for Jesus’ sake. Not as a reward for good works that we have done or for how we were treated, but because we were steadfast in our faith in the face of persecution, even death.
The inheritance is promised as a blessing, and of a certainty there will not be persecution of anyone or anything in Heaven, all will be pleased to be in the presence of the throne of God and will enjoy eternal joy with God in paradise.
Paraphrase: "Blessed are those daring enough to openly live for righteousness and suffer persecution, for they will receive the kingdom of heaven."
Pg.4
9. "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Mat 5:12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
The Lord Jesus Christ calls especially blessed those who for the sake of Christ and for the true faith in Him, patiently bear disgrace, persecution, malice, defamation, mockery, privation and even death. Such a spiritual feat is known as martyrdom. There is no higher spiritual feat than martyrdom. The courage of Christian martyrs must be distinguished from fanaticism, which is irrational zeal not according to reason. Christian martyrs must also be distinguished from the lack of feeling brought on by despair or pretended indifference. Christian courage is based on the highest of Christian virtues, on faith in God, on hope in God, on love for God and neighbor, on complete obedience and unshaken faith in the Lord God. The highest form of martyrdom was suffered by Jesus Christ Himself, and in like manner, the Apostles and an innumerable multitude of Christians, who with joy went to martyrdom for the name of Christ.
Q.1 Who is being insulted, persecuted, and falsely spoken evil against? And for what reason ?
Q.2 Have you ever experienced being falsely accused?
Q.3 In the preceding Beatitudes, Is Jesus giving us the description of what a Christian should be?
Q.4. Have you ever experienced persecution because of Your faith in Jesus as your savior?
Q.5 Have you ever been the subject of gossip or falsehood?
Q.6 Have you any questions about rejoicing because of such injustices against you?
Q.7 Do our civil laws have any type of provision for remedial justice in such cases?
Q.8 What would you consider that Jesus meant by “great is your reward in Heaven
For the spiritual feat of martyrdom, the Lord promises a reward in Heaven. But here on earth the Lord glorifies many martyrs for their firm confession of faith with incorruptible bodies and miracles. How different is that concept? From the concept of persecution because of righteousness. There are two different concepts herein described. And two different blessings also described. The one promising that being persecuted because of righteousness one will receive the Kingdom of Heaven, and the other promising that being insulted and persecuted because of (ones faith in) Jesus, great is one’s reward in Heaven. I do not think Jesus misspoke, as these words are given to us as having been spoken by Jesus, in the form of two different kinds of blessings.
Paraphrase: "Blessed are those daring enough to openly live their faith in God through the leading of Jesus and his teachings, and suffer persecution, and even death. Great is their reward in the kingdom of heaven."
There is one additional beatitude:
John 20:29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.
Meditation:
In rising from these meditations, O my soul, see that thou hast learnt this lesson well. Be careful what thou sayest of the Lord's redeemed, and how thou actest towards them. They are not only dear to His heart; He delights in them. Grieve Him not by any unkindness to them. If plain speaking or faithful dealing with some be needful, let all be done in love and tenderness. "Let brotherly love continue." That must never be interrupted, though brotherly kindness may, with the Lord's sanction.
The Lord grant that our meditations on these beautiful beatitudes may leave an indelible impression of the Saviour's character, not only on the whole life of the writer, but also of the reader. So shall we answer to the divine emblems here spoken of; "salt" and "light" — the preservative principle or energy in the place where light has already come, where truth is already professed: and the blessed activities of love that go out in the light of grace and truth to a dark benighted world. Be this thy mission, O my soul, unweariedly, unchangeably, that many may be turned from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified, by faith which is in Christ Jesus. Acts 26:16-18.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, God of our salvation. There is so much about becoming a Christian and being a Christian that we do not know. We pray that through our study of Your word and through our interactions with our Christian Brothers and Sisters that we can become more Like Your Son Jesus in our Christian walk. We know that our wayward condition needs your constant attention so that we may Grow in our Christian faith. We ask you blessings now on each of us, and our loved ones and those among us who are sick or disabled, that your Holy Spirit will be with us in all that we do and give comfort to us in our times of distress. Help us in our daily walk with thee. In the Name of Jesus we pray. AMEN
God of our salvation, Just as we come into your presence in great humility, we also come in the joy of being in your service, of spending time in Your word, learning in fellowship among like followers of Your Son Jesus. We are thankful for your word in our study of the beatitudes as given to us by Jesus. We pray that our fellowship today will bless each one here and give each of us joy and purpose that we may be useful vessels in your service. Be with those of our group who cannot be here today, we pray you will share our blessing with them. Be with those of us who are suffering illness and those who care for them. Restore their health and bring them back into our midst. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen
The Study
Continuing our study of the beatitudes as given to us by Jesus in his sermon on the mount This particular study gives us some insights as to what true peacemakers are and as such, what to expect because one is a follower of the way, and a servant to Jesus Christ. The one quality and the other two conditions listed in the study are to be desired and sought after by anyone who would be a Christian.
This is also a departure from there being only 8 beatitudes to what some scholars say are 9 since there is reference in the eighth to “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness” and an additional reference to “blessed are you who are persecuted because of me”. There are two different rewards mentioned as well, the first being “theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven”, the other is “Great is your reward in Heaven”. It is not our purpose in this Study of Jesus’ teachings to cause to be lessened, the teachings of Jesus, but to add emphasis to the word as it was given to us by Jesus for our study, and edification of the knowledge that he has given to us in all of his words. Jesus did not misspeak nor does he choose to teach us that his words have a double meaning. Our purpose is to learn from him how to live the beatitudes and as Christians, to lead others to him through our applying these principles to our daily lives.
Pg.2
7. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
The Bible says we have peace with God through Jesus Christ. Reconciliation through Jesus Christ brings restored fellowship (peace) with God. 2 Corinthians 5:19-20 says God entrusts us with this same message of reconciliation to take to others. Peacemakers not only live peaceful lives but also try to bring peace and friendship to others, and to preserve peace between God and man. St. Gregory of Nyssa calls a peacemaker a man who brings peace to another; but one cannot give another what one does not possess oneself. Hence the Lord wants you first to be yourself filled with the blessings of peace and then to communicate it to those who have need of it. By imitating God's love of man, the peacemakers become children of God.
Q.1 In the previous session, what is the phrase that is common to this discussion as well?
Q.2 Is it possible for one to be a peacemaker in our troubled world today?
Q.3 Have you ever experienced the act of being a peacemaker in any way ?
Q.4 Was Jesus considered a peacemaker in his day?
Q.5 Mat 10:34 "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. How does this verse fit into our study?
Q.6 “Sons of God” What does this phrase mean in the context which it is used.
The one key element in Matt. 10:34, is the word "sword," and it’s meaning is clear. It indicates that following Jesus may not bring peace to a family, but may "split" it up, the precise function of a metaphorical sword. Are we, his disciples ready for that? This applies where a nation, or a race of people, or even one’s family rejects Jesus. The act of being a follower of Jesus is sometimes so foreign to some as to turn them against those who have claimed him as Savior. Jesus’ mission is to convert souls to follow his teaching and become reconciled to God on God’s terms, repenting of their sins, and accepting His Son as Savior. And Jesus is warning his disciples that sometimes this will divide families, people, or even nations.
To become children of God one must accept Jesus Christ as the sole remission of our sin, making us heirs to the bountiful blessings God has in store to those who thru Christ have been accepted into the family of God. Peacemakers are righteous, merciful, pure of heart and upheld thru Jesus Christ by the mighty right arm of God. This association is contingent upon the ladder of the beatitudes being our entry to the family of God, and heirs with Jesus Christ. Giving us peace with God and making us adopted children of God.
Paraphrase: "Blessed are those who have been reconciled to God through Jesus Christ and who bring this same message of reconciliation to others. All those who have peace with God are called his sons
Pg3
8. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
To persecute means literally to pursue; follow after, as one does a fleeing enemy. Here it means to vex, or oppress one, because of his religion. They persecute others who injure their names, reputation, property, or who endanger or take their life, on account of their religious beliefs.
Just as Jesus faced persecution, so he promised his followers persecution. Those who endure because of their faith rather than hiding their righteousness to avoid persecution are genuine followers of Christ. If one is to be considered righteous, they will be kind, loving, fair minded, and pure in heart and mind, free of evil in thought, word, or deed. Righteousness (also called rectitude) is an important theological concept in Christianity Judaism and Islam. It is an attribute that implies that a person's actions are justified, and can have the connotation that the person has been "judged" or "reckoned" as leading a life that is pleasing to God. If, in the honest effort to be Christians, and to live the life of Christians, others persecute and revile us, we are to consider this as a blessing. It is an evidence that we are the children of God, and that he will defend us. “All that live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution,” 2Ti_3:12.
Q.1 Christians are persecuted for whose righteousness ?
Q.2 Are Christians being persecuted today through laws and regulations ?
Q.3 What other means of persecution are Christians subjected to today ?
Q.4 Do you consider the banning of prayer in schools, a form of persecution?
Q.5 Do you believe that God Judges those who persecute the righteous?
Q.6 Why would God allow such persecutions of the righteous?
Q.7 What is meant by the phrase “Theirs is the kingdom of heaven”?
Q.8 Is this the final blessing, or is it given in the next verse?
Heaven will become as an inheritance, for those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for Jesus’ sake. Not as a reward for good works that we have done or for how we were treated, but because we were steadfast in our faith in the face of persecution, even death.
The inheritance is promised as a blessing, and of a certainty there will not be persecution of anyone or anything in Heaven, all will be pleased to be in the presence of the throne of God and will enjoy eternal joy with God in paradise.
Paraphrase: "Blessed are those daring enough to openly live for righteousness and suffer persecution, for they will receive the kingdom of heaven."
Pg.4
9. "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Mat 5:12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
The Lord Jesus Christ calls especially blessed those who for the sake of Christ and for the true faith in Him, patiently bear disgrace, persecution, malice, defamation, mockery, privation and even death. Such a spiritual feat is known as martyrdom. There is no higher spiritual feat than martyrdom. The courage of Christian martyrs must be distinguished from fanaticism, which is irrational zeal not according to reason. Christian martyrs must also be distinguished from the lack of feeling brought on by despair or pretended indifference. Christian courage is based on the highest of Christian virtues, on faith in God, on hope in God, on love for God and neighbor, on complete obedience and unshaken faith in the Lord God. The highest form of martyrdom was suffered by Jesus Christ Himself, and in like manner, the Apostles and an innumerable multitude of Christians, who with joy went to martyrdom for the name of Christ.
Q.1 Who is being insulted, persecuted, and falsely spoken evil against? And for what reason ?
Q.2 Have you ever experienced being falsely accused?
Q.3 In the preceding Beatitudes, Is Jesus giving us the description of what a Christian should be?
Q.4. Have you ever experienced persecution because of Your faith in Jesus as your savior?
Q.5 Have you ever been the subject of gossip or falsehood?
Q.6 Have you any questions about rejoicing because of such injustices against you?
Q.7 Do our civil laws have any type of provision for remedial justice in such cases?
Q.8 What would you consider that Jesus meant by “great is your reward in Heaven
For the spiritual feat of martyrdom, the Lord promises a reward in Heaven. But here on earth the Lord glorifies many martyrs for their firm confession of faith with incorruptible bodies and miracles. How different is that concept? From the concept of persecution because of righteousness. There are two different concepts herein described. And two different blessings also described. The one promising that being persecuted because of righteousness one will receive the Kingdom of Heaven, and the other promising that being insulted and persecuted because of (ones faith in) Jesus, great is one’s reward in Heaven. I do not think Jesus misspoke, as these words are given to us as having been spoken by Jesus, in the form of two different kinds of blessings.
Paraphrase: "Blessed are those daring enough to openly live their faith in God through the leading of Jesus and his teachings, and suffer persecution, and even death. Great is their reward in the kingdom of heaven."
There is one additional beatitude:
John 20:29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.
Meditation:
In rising from these meditations, O my soul, see that thou hast learnt this lesson well. Be careful what thou sayest of the Lord's redeemed, and how thou actest towards them. They are not only dear to His heart; He delights in them. Grieve Him not by any unkindness to them. If plain speaking or faithful dealing with some be needful, let all be done in love and tenderness. "Let brotherly love continue." That must never be interrupted, though brotherly kindness may, with the Lord's sanction.
The Lord grant that our meditations on these beautiful beatitudes may leave an indelible impression of the Saviour's character, not only on the whole life of the writer, but also of the reader. So shall we answer to the divine emblems here spoken of; "salt" and "light" — the preservative principle or energy in the place where light has already come, where truth is already professed: and the blessed activities of love that go out in the light of grace and truth to a dark benighted world. Be this thy mission, O my soul, unweariedly, unchangeably, that many may be turned from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified, by faith which is in Christ Jesus. Acts 26:16-18.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, God of our salvation. There is so much about becoming a Christian and being a Christian that we do not know. We pray that through our study of Your word and through our interactions with our Christian Brothers and Sisters that we can become more Like Your Son Jesus in our Christian walk. We know that our wayward condition needs your constant attention so that we may Grow in our Christian faith. We ask you blessings now on each of us, and our loved ones and those among us who are sick or disabled, that your Holy Spirit will be with us in all that we do and give comfort to us in our times of distress. Help us in our daily walk with thee. In the Name of Jesus we pray. AMEN
Thursday, August 21, 2014
beatitudes, 4,5,6 .
Opening Prayer Pg.1
Holy God, our Father, teach us again on this night. We ask that you bring to us the great truths in these the beatitudes as taught by Jesus. Just as Jesus taught his disciples, we pray that you through your Holy Spirit will teach us how to live as Disciples of Christ. We also come in the joy of being in your service, of spending time in Your word, learning in fellowship among like followers of Your Son Jesus. Be with those of our group who cannot be here today, we pray you will share our blessing with them. Be with those of us who are suffering illness and those who care for them. Restore their health and bring them back into our midst. And Please God make your presence known throughout the world, and protect those Christians world wide who are being persecuted, and killed for their beliefs We pray that You will rescue them.
In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen
The Study
This is the continuation of our study of the beatitudes as given to us by Jesus in his sermon on the mount. The three beatitudes we are studying here are certainly qualities that we desire to have as Christians, and a higher goal cannot be desired than to be equal to the descriptions given in these qualities.
Righteousness, mercy, and a pure heart are of necessity three of the spiritual qualities that are required to obtain the stated blessings promised in the beatitudes. One cannot have even one of these promised blessings unless that person strives to make all of them a part of the life one lives.
The desire for righteousness is a God given desire to “do the right thing”. To live our lives in response to the will of God. To humbly worship God in every phase of this life, in anticipation of the blessing of having that desire filled as promised by our Lord Jesus Christ.
The quality of mercy is another God given trait of human interaction that comes into focus where there is a need for human care and compassion. It is the desire to treat others as we would like to be treated, fairly and rightly, and to help in any way possible to alleviate any injustice we encounter, and thus to inherit the blessing of mercy as promised by our Lord Jesus Christ.
A pure heart is a quality with which one overcomes all of the ills and temptations that beset any and all. It is a desire to become a follower of Jesus. Just as Jesus refused to be tempted by Satan in the wilderness, so to do we refute Satan in the name of Jesus, with a pure heart. This is a quality that is God given, and must be constantly in the forefront of our every thought word and deed. A pure heart will see God, as promised by our Lord Jesus Christ.
Pg.2
4. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
The concept of Righteousness is not seeking self-righteousness, but it is the righteousness that comes from God. A desire to “do the right thing” as God would have it. It is to depend, not on our own will-power to achieve it but upon God.
In Jesus’ time, He makes a startling statement. “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law, You will certainly not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” That pretty much eliminates most of the worlds population. How can one attain a righteousness, which even Pharisees failed to achieve? What kind of righteousness is Jesus talking about? As we Study the life and times of Jesus we realize that The Righteousness of God is available through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe in Him, and repent of their sins. Jesus said in John 7:37: “If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink.” Our spirit needs daily replenishment. Only God can quench our thirst and satisfy our hunger for righteousness. What do you desire most? That desire will drive your “Hunger and thirst". It speaks of a deep need and a driving passion. This "righteousness" refers to the Lord, Jesus Christ, who is our righteousness.
Q.1 Does the world today exhibit a hunger and thirst for righteousness? Q.2 Does the Church today exhibit a hunger and thirst for righteousness?
Q.3 Are Christians justified in wanting to spread the righteousness of Christ as a virtue? Q.4 By the grace of God, Jesus Christ removes the condemnation pronounced on the sinner,
by His life death and resurrection, Thus making us Righteous in the eyes of God.
There is one condition that the sinner must meet. What is it?
Q.5 Only a relationship with the living Lord can satisfy—but even that satisfaction leaves us hungry for more.” Why are we not satisfied in this life?
Q.6 In a world of overwhelming choice, how does being in a relationship with God limit our choices?
Q.7 What is the difference between spiritual hunger and thirst, and the hunger and thirst of consumerism?
Q.8 Is it our dissatisfaction of our world that draws us toward righteousness?
Q.9 What is meant by the phrase “they will be filled”?
Q.10 What or who leads us to a desire to be filled?
To "be filled" is the satisfaction of the soul's desire. A continuous desire for justice and moral perfection will lead one to a fulfillment of that desire - a transition and conversion to holiness. This is true for all the virtues - if you hunger and thirst for temperance, you will head towards the goal you have in mind. St. Augustine called the Beatitudes the ideal for every Christian life! In his discourse on the Lord's Sermon on the Mount, he noted the correspondence of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and their necessity in fulfilling the Beatitudes.
Paraphrase: "Blessed are those who passionately long for the Lord, Jesus Christ, for he will satisfy their souls."
Pg.3
5. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Simply put, we reap what we sow. Those who demonstrate mercy will receive mercy. Likewise, those who receive great mercy will show great mercy. Mercy is the loving disposition towards those who suffer distress. Love, compassion, and forgiveness towards one's neighbor will bring peace in your relationships. As we are merciful to others, so our Heavenly Father will be merciful with us! Jesus reminds us that whatever "you did to the least of these, my brethren, you did it to me (Matthew 25:31-46)
The Corporal Works of Mercy
1 Feed the Hungry 2 Give drink to the thirsty 3 Clothe the naked 4 Shelter the homeless
5 Comfort the imprisoned 6 Visit the sick 7 Bury the dead
The Spiritual Works of Mercy
1 Admonish sinners 2 Instruct the uninformed 3 Counsel the doubtful 4 Comfort the sorrowful
5 Be patient with those in error 6 Forgive offenses 7 Pray for the living and the dead
Q.1 Would you say the corporate world is merciful? Q.2 Does the Church today exhibit mercy in the programs, missions and events it provides?
Q.3 Is mercy a spiritual quality or a corporal quality, and which is more desirable? Q.4 How often do events present themselves, where one might exhibit mercy?
Q. 5 What has one achieved by showing mercy if ones dignity becomes compromised?
Q.6 Does one have to give up dignity and honor to be merciful?
Q.8 What, if anything, is the difference between mercy and tolerance?
Q.9 What good can come of being freed from self-centeredness?
Q.10 What does the promise of receiving Gods mercy if one is merciful mean to us?
The quality of mercy is not strained. It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blessed, It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.
Tis mightiest in the mightiest. It becomes The thronèd monarch better than his crown.
His scepter shows the force of temporal power, The attribute to awe and majesty
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings, But mercy is above this sceptered sway.
It is enthronèd in the hearts of kings. It is an attribute to God himself.
And earthly power doth then show likest God’s When mercy seasons justice. Justice won’t save our souls though and thus we pray for mercy, and this same prayer teaches us to show mercy to others as well.
Paraphrase: Blessed are those who show mercy through forgiveness, kindness and compassion, for they will receive mercy
Pg.4
6. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
The only way anyone can see God in this sense and be with Him for eternity is to have established a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).The "pure in heart" are those who have been cleansed from within. This is not talking about outward righteousness seen by men, but inward holiness that only God can see. To be pure of heart means to be free of all selfish intentions and self-seeking desires. Being pure in heart involves having a singleness of heart toward God. A pure heart has no hypocrisy, no guile, no hidden motives. The pure heart is marked by transparency and an uncompromising desire to please God in all things. It is more than an external purity of behavior; it is an internal purity of soul. The only way we can be truly pure in heart is to give our lives to Jesus and ask Him to do the cleansing work. Psalm 51:10 says, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” God is the one who makes our hearts pure – by the sacrifice of His Son and through His sanctifying work in our lives
Q.1 What explanation would you give to describe a pure heart?
Q.2 How would you describe the purity of our world today are there the pure in heart?
Q.3 How is it possible for one to have a pure heart ?
Q.4 Does the church have a role to play in leading it’s people to be pure in heart?
Q.5 Do we have a reference by which we know the pure in heart ?
Q.6 What is the purpose in having a pure heart?
Q.7 Is a pure heart a gift from God or must one work at becoming pure in heart?
Q.8 Have you a personal memory of one whom you feel has a pure heart?
Q.9 what is the blessing promised to those with a pure heart?
Psa 24:3 Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? 4 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god. 5 They will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God their Savior.
The Bible says in Hebrews 12:14 that without holiness, no man will see God. Moses (Exodus 33:20), John (1:18), and Paul (1Timothy 6:16) all say that no one can see God here on earth! But Jesus says the pure of heart shall see God!
"Hide not thy face from me," is the same as saying, "Be gracious to me!" This means that seeing the face of God is considered to be a sweet and comforting experience. If God shows his face, we are helped. If he turns his face away, we are dismayed.
So when Jesus promises the reward of "seeing God" there are at least these three things implied: we will be admitted to his presence, not just kept in the waiting room. We will be awestruck with a direct experience of his glory. And we will be helped and comforted by his grace.
And this we will have—in part now, and fully in the age to come—if we are pure in heart.
Paraphrase: "Blessed are those who have been purified from the inside out, being made clean and holy, for they will see God."
Meditation Pg.5
Righteousness, mercy, and a pure heart seem to go together, they are, figuratively speaking, rungs in the ladder of the beatitudes. Just as “poor in spirit”, “those who mourn”, and “those who are meek”, start the ladder of our achieving a Godly manner, these three conditions of our spiritual health are a necessary part of our attaining a spirit of Godly conduct which would identify us as followers of Our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. These qualities give a picture of the character that the beatitudes impart to the true people of God, those who are a part of his kingdom and have the full blessings of the kingdom to look forward to.
Psa 51:7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Eph 2:4 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins But God . . . made us alive together in Christ” Rom 5:18 Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people.
Throughout the Scriptures humanity is shown to be in its natural condition, spiritually lacking, devoid of the virtues that Jesus Christ was sent to earth to teach us. In our effort to change this condition, mankind has formed a set of laws and rules, referred to as “the rule of law”. These rules and laws are set out in order to help us in our effort to live peaceably with each other. If we take notice of our world today we cannot help but notice that this rule of law is lacking in certain human character traits. Our study of the Beatitudes is done in the hope that we can better understand and apply the spirit of love, righteousness, caring, kindness, compassion, gentleness, mercy, humility, and a pure heart that Jesus taught in his brief stay on this earth.
Closing Prayer
Father God, We pray your blessing on our fellowship tonight as we leave this place, that you would guide our thoughts, words, and deeds such that each of us will become a blessing to those around us. Help us as we make our way in this world that we may become more like Jesus in all that we do. We know that in this life we need your constant attention so that we may grow in our Christian faith. We ask your blessings now on each of us, and our loved ones and those among us who are sick or disabled, that your Holy Spirit will be with us in all that we do and give comfort to us in our times of distress. In the Name of Jesus we pray. AMEN
Pg.6
There are (9) Blessings offered in the beatitudes. Some scholars (most) classify the eighth and ninth as one, therefore counting only eight. However there are actually two more blessings to which Jesus alluded. (1)The offer of a great reward in Heaven. (2) And one additional blessing. It is found in John 20:29 “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
The blessings listed:
(1) The Poor in Spirit, theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (2)Those who mourn, they will be comforted. (3) The Meek, they will inherit the earth. (4) Who hunger and thirst for righteousness, they will be filled. (5) Merciful, they will be shown mercy. (6) The Pure in Heart. they will see God. (7) The Peacemakers, they will be called children of God. (8)The Persecuted, theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (9) Insulted, persecuted, falsely accused, because of Jesus, great is your reward in heaven, (10)blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
We can summarize the Beatitudes as prescriptive rules, each with its corresponding promised reward, as follows:
What to Be What You Get
Poor in spirit Possession (?) of the Kingdom of Heaven (shared with the persecuted)
In mourning Comfort
Meek Inherit the Earth
Hungry for Righteousness Righteousness
Merciful Mercy
Pure in heart Sight of God
Peacemaker Called Child of God (by God?)
Persecuted for Righteousness's sake Possession (?) of the Kingdom of Heaven (shared with the poor in spirit)
Reviled for Jesus's sake Reward in heaven
Jesus has given us the benefit of the wisdom of God in this one phrase;
“It is written, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God." I would consider it good Christian Discipleship then, if we take into account that every one of these beatitudes is dependent upon the other for them to be in effect, and not even one of them is of such powerful character as to proffer any of the blessings promised unless all the others are in consideration at the same time.
Holy God, our Father, teach us again on this night. We ask that you bring to us the great truths in these the beatitudes as taught by Jesus. Just as Jesus taught his disciples, we pray that you through your Holy Spirit will teach us how to live as Disciples of Christ. We also come in the joy of being in your service, of spending time in Your word, learning in fellowship among like followers of Your Son Jesus. Be with those of our group who cannot be here today, we pray you will share our blessing with them. Be with those of us who are suffering illness and those who care for them. Restore their health and bring them back into our midst. And Please God make your presence known throughout the world, and protect those Christians world wide who are being persecuted, and killed for their beliefs We pray that You will rescue them.
In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen
The Study
This is the continuation of our study of the beatitudes as given to us by Jesus in his sermon on the mount. The three beatitudes we are studying here are certainly qualities that we desire to have as Christians, and a higher goal cannot be desired than to be equal to the descriptions given in these qualities.
Righteousness, mercy, and a pure heart are of necessity three of the spiritual qualities that are required to obtain the stated blessings promised in the beatitudes. One cannot have even one of these promised blessings unless that person strives to make all of them a part of the life one lives.
The desire for righteousness is a God given desire to “do the right thing”. To live our lives in response to the will of God. To humbly worship God in every phase of this life, in anticipation of the blessing of having that desire filled as promised by our Lord Jesus Christ.
The quality of mercy is another God given trait of human interaction that comes into focus where there is a need for human care and compassion. It is the desire to treat others as we would like to be treated, fairly and rightly, and to help in any way possible to alleviate any injustice we encounter, and thus to inherit the blessing of mercy as promised by our Lord Jesus Christ.
A pure heart is a quality with which one overcomes all of the ills and temptations that beset any and all. It is a desire to become a follower of Jesus. Just as Jesus refused to be tempted by Satan in the wilderness, so to do we refute Satan in the name of Jesus, with a pure heart. This is a quality that is God given, and must be constantly in the forefront of our every thought word and deed. A pure heart will see God, as promised by our Lord Jesus Christ.
Pg.2
4. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
The concept of Righteousness is not seeking self-righteousness, but it is the righteousness that comes from God. A desire to “do the right thing” as God would have it. It is to depend, not on our own will-power to achieve it but upon God.
In Jesus’ time, He makes a startling statement. “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law, You will certainly not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” That pretty much eliminates most of the worlds population. How can one attain a righteousness, which even Pharisees failed to achieve? What kind of righteousness is Jesus talking about? As we Study the life and times of Jesus we realize that The Righteousness of God is available through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe in Him, and repent of their sins. Jesus said in John 7:37: “If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink.” Our spirit needs daily replenishment. Only God can quench our thirst and satisfy our hunger for righteousness. What do you desire most? That desire will drive your “Hunger and thirst". It speaks of a deep need and a driving passion. This "righteousness" refers to the Lord, Jesus Christ, who is our righteousness.
Q.1 Does the world today exhibit a hunger and thirst for righteousness? Q.2 Does the Church today exhibit a hunger and thirst for righteousness?
Q.3 Are Christians justified in wanting to spread the righteousness of Christ as a virtue? Q.4 By the grace of God, Jesus Christ removes the condemnation pronounced on the sinner,
by His life death and resurrection, Thus making us Righteous in the eyes of God.
There is one condition that the sinner must meet. What is it?
Q.5 Only a relationship with the living Lord can satisfy—but even that satisfaction leaves us hungry for more.” Why are we not satisfied in this life?
Q.6 In a world of overwhelming choice, how does being in a relationship with God limit our choices?
Q.7 What is the difference between spiritual hunger and thirst, and the hunger and thirst of consumerism?
Q.8 Is it our dissatisfaction of our world that draws us toward righteousness?
Q.9 What is meant by the phrase “they will be filled”?
Q.10 What or who leads us to a desire to be filled?
To "be filled" is the satisfaction of the soul's desire. A continuous desire for justice and moral perfection will lead one to a fulfillment of that desire - a transition and conversion to holiness. This is true for all the virtues - if you hunger and thirst for temperance, you will head towards the goal you have in mind. St. Augustine called the Beatitudes the ideal for every Christian life! In his discourse on the Lord's Sermon on the Mount, he noted the correspondence of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and their necessity in fulfilling the Beatitudes.
Paraphrase: "Blessed are those who passionately long for the Lord, Jesus Christ, for he will satisfy their souls."
Pg.3
5. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Simply put, we reap what we sow. Those who demonstrate mercy will receive mercy. Likewise, those who receive great mercy will show great mercy. Mercy is the loving disposition towards those who suffer distress. Love, compassion, and forgiveness towards one's neighbor will bring peace in your relationships. As we are merciful to others, so our Heavenly Father will be merciful with us! Jesus reminds us that whatever "you did to the least of these, my brethren, you did it to me (Matthew 25:31-46)
The Corporal Works of Mercy
1 Feed the Hungry 2 Give drink to the thirsty 3 Clothe the naked 4 Shelter the homeless
5 Comfort the imprisoned 6 Visit the sick 7 Bury the dead
The Spiritual Works of Mercy
1 Admonish sinners 2 Instruct the uninformed 3 Counsel the doubtful 4 Comfort the sorrowful
5 Be patient with those in error 6 Forgive offenses 7 Pray for the living and the dead
Q.1 Would you say the corporate world is merciful? Q.2 Does the Church today exhibit mercy in the programs, missions and events it provides?
Q.3 Is mercy a spiritual quality or a corporal quality, and which is more desirable? Q.4 How often do events present themselves, where one might exhibit mercy?
Q. 5 What has one achieved by showing mercy if ones dignity becomes compromised?
Q.6 Does one have to give up dignity and honor to be merciful?
Q.8 What, if anything, is the difference between mercy and tolerance?
Q.9 What good can come of being freed from self-centeredness?
Q.10 What does the promise of receiving Gods mercy if one is merciful mean to us?
The quality of mercy is not strained. It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blessed, It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.
Tis mightiest in the mightiest. It becomes The thronèd monarch better than his crown.
His scepter shows the force of temporal power, The attribute to awe and majesty
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings, But mercy is above this sceptered sway.
It is enthronèd in the hearts of kings. It is an attribute to God himself.
And earthly power doth then show likest God’s When mercy seasons justice. Justice won’t save our souls though and thus we pray for mercy, and this same prayer teaches us to show mercy to others as well.
Paraphrase: Blessed are those who show mercy through forgiveness, kindness and compassion, for they will receive mercy
Pg.4
6. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
The only way anyone can see God in this sense and be with Him for eternity is to have established a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).The "pure in heart" are those who have been cleansed from within. This is not talking about outward righteousness seen by men, but inward holiness that only God can see. To be pure of heart means to be free of all selfish intentions and self-seeking desires. Being pure in heart involves having a singleness of heart toward God. A pure heart has no hypocrisy, no guile, no hidden motives. The pure heart is marked by transparency and an uncompromising desire to please God in all things. It is more than an external purity of behavior; it is an internal purity of soul. The only way we can be truly pure in heart is to give our lives to Jesus and ask Him to do the cleansing work. Psalm 51:10 says, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” God is the one who makes our hearts pure – by the sacrifice of His Son and through His sanctifying work in our lives
Q.1 What explanation would you give to describe a pure heart?
Q.2 How would you describe the purity of our world today are there the pure in heart?
Q.3 How is it possible for one to have a pure heart ?
Q.4 Does the church have a role to play in leading it’s people to be pure in heart?
Q.5 Do we have a reference by which we know the pure in heart ?
Q.6 What is the purpose in having a pure heart?
Q.7 Is a pure heart a gift from God or must one work at becoming pure in heart?
Q.8 Have you a personal memory of one whom you feel has a pure heart?
Q.9 what is the blessing promised to those with a pure heart?
Psa 24:3 Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? 4 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god. 5 They will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God their Savior.
The Bible says in Hebrews 12:14 that without holiness, no man will see God. Moses (Exodus 33:20), John (1:18), and Paul (1Timothy 6:16) all say that no one can see God here on earth! But Jesus says the pure of heart shall see God!
"Hide not thy face from me," is the same as saying, "Be gracious to me!" This means that seeing the face of God is considered to be a sweet and comforting experience. If God shows his face, we are helped. If he turns his face away, we are dismayed.
So when Jesus promises the reward of "seeing God" there are at least these three things implied: we will be admitted to his presence, not just kept in the waiting room. We will be awestruck with a direct experience of his glory. And we will be helped and comforted by his grace.
And this we will have—in part now, and fully in the age to come—if we are pure in heart.
Paraphrase: "Blessed are those who have been purified from the inside out, being made clean and holy, for they will see God."
Meditation Pg.5
Righteousness, mercy, and a pure heart seem to go together, they are, figuratively speaking, rungs in the ladder of the beatitudes. Just as “poor in spirit”, “those who mourn”, and “those who are meek”, start the ladder of our achieving a Godly manner, these three conditions of our spiritual health are a necessary part of our attaining a spirit of Godly conduct which would identify us as followers of Our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. These qualities give a picture of the character that the beatitudes impart to the true people of God, those who are a part of his kingdom and have the full blessings of the kingdom to look forward to.
Psa 51:7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Eph 2:4 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins But God . . . made us alive together in Christ” Rom 5:18 Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people.
Throughout the Scriptures humanity is shown to be in its natural condition, spiritually lacking, devoid of the virtues that Jesus Christ was sent to earth to teach us. In our effort to change this condition, mankind has formed a set of laws and rules, referred to as “the rule of law”. These rules and laws are set out in order to help us in our effort to live peaceably with each other. If we take notice of our world today we cannot help but notice that this rule of law is lacking in certain human character traits. Our study of the Beatitudes is done in the hope that we can better understand and apply the spirit of love, righteousness, caring, kindness, compassion, gentleness, mercy, humility, and a pure heart that Jesus taught in his brief stay on this earth.
Closing Prayer
Father God, We pray your blessing on our fellowship tonight as we leave this place, that you would guide our thoughts, words, and deeds such that each of us will become a blessing to those around us. Help us as we make our way in this world that we may become more like Jesus in all that we do. We know that in this life we need your constant attention so that we may grow in our Christian faith. We ask your blessings now on each of us, and our loved ones and those among us who are sick or disabled, that your Holy Spirit will be with us in all that we do and give comfort to us in our times of distress. In the Name of Jesus we pray. AMEN
Pg.6
There are (9) Blessings offered in the beatitudes. Some scholars (most) classify the eighth and ninth as one, therefore counting only eight. However there are actually two more blessings to which Jesus alluded. (1)The offer of a great reward in Heaven. (2) And one additional blessing. It is found in John 20:29 “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
The blessings listed:
(1) The Poor in Spirit, theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (2)Those who mourn, they will be comforted. (3) The Meek, they will inherit the earth. (4) Who hunger and thirst for righteousness, they will be filled. (5) Merciful, they will be shown mercy. (6) The Pure in Heart. they will see God. (7) The Peacemakers, they will be called children of God. (8)The Persecuted, theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (9) Insulted, persecuted, falsely accused, because of Jesus, great is your reward in heaven, (10)blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
We can summarize the Beatitudes as prescriptive rules, each with its corresponding promised reward, as follows:
What to Be What You Get
Poor in spirit Possession (?) of the Kingdom of Heaven (shared with the persecuted)
In mourning Comfort
Meek Inherit the Earth
Hungry for Righteousness Righteousness
Merciful Mercy
Pure in heart Sight of God
Peacemaker Called Child of God (by God?)
Persecuted for Righteousness's sake Possession (?) of the Kingdom of Heaven (shared with the poor in spirit)
Reviled for Jesus's sake Reward in heaven
Jesus has given us the benefit of the wisdom of God in this one phrase;
“It is written, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God." I would consider it good Christian Discipleship then, if we take into account that every one of these beatitudes is dependent upon the other for them to be in effect, and not even one of them is of such powerful character as to proffer any of the blessings promised unless all the others are in consideration at the same time.
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Introduction to The Beatitudes
Opening Prayer Pg.1
God of our salvation, Just as we come into your presence in great humility, we also come in the joy of being in your service, of spending time in Your word, learning in fellowship among like followers of Your Son Jesus. We are thankful for your word in our study of the beatitudes as given to us by Jesus. We pray that our fellowship today will bless each one here and give each of us joy and purpose that we may be useful vessels in your service. Be with those of our group who cannot be here today, we pray you will share our blessing with them. Be with those of us who are suffering illness and those who care for them. Restore their health and bring them back into our midst. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen
The Study
This is the 1st in our study of the beatitudes as given to us by Jesus in his sermon on the mount. Each Beatitude consists of two phrases: the condition and the result. We will study each beatitude in the order as it is given in Jesus’ teaching. Overall this study gives us some insights as to what the beatitudes meant to the people of Jesus’ day, and how they now apply to us as followers of Jesus. It is our purpose in this Study of Jesus’ teachings to learn from him how to live the beatitudes as disciples and as Christians, to lead others to him through our applying these principles to our daily lives.
The Location
On a great hill near Capernaum where Jesus sat down in a formal teaching attitude, This would become the most important sermon that will ever be heard, and Jesus was well equipped for the task. A strong voice, and the location offered a sweeping scenic view of the sea of Galilee, and a place conducive to acoustic clarity because of the great mountain in the background. This was a teaching moment that has not and will never be equaled. It was for all those there, not just his disciples. The beatitudes open the great sermon given on the mountain in Matthew 5. The word “beatitude” comes from the Latin word beatus which means “blessed.” Some have made a play on the word to call them the “be-attitudes.” The beatitudes show to us the blessings and responsibilities of being a disciple of Jesus. The Greek term means happy or fortunate
Why did Jesus begin his sermon with the Beatitudes? The twelve Apostles being chosen, the Lord wanted to initiate them in the teaching of the New Kingdom. He took them to the mountain of Koroun-Hattin near Capernaum. A great crowd followed Jesus to the top of the mountain.
There he sat in the manner of a teacher among his students, the disciples whom he had just named. Were ready and anxious to be taught. Thus Jesus started with a descriptive exposition of what the qualities are that must be lived in order to obtain the blessings offered to those in God’s world that would aspire to be counted among the blessed.
About Blessed:
The word, means more than ‘happy.’ Happiness may come from earthly things; blessedness comes from God. It is not bestowed arbitrarily; a reason follows each beatitude
Blessed. is translated from the Greek word makarios (mak-AR-ee-os) which literally means fortunate or well off and is many times translated as happy. Society does not envision happy people as poor, mournful, hungry and thirsty, or meek.
Pg.2
There are (9) Blessings offered in the beatitudes. Some scholars (most) classify the eighth and ninth as one, therefore counting only eight. However there are actually two more blessings to which Jesus alluded. (1)The offer of a great reward in Heaven. (2) And one additional blessing. It is found in John 20:29 “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
The blessings listed:
(1) The Poor in Spirit, theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (2)Those who mourn, they will be comforted. (3) The Meek, they will inherit the earth. (4) Who hunger and thirst for righteousness, they will be filled. (5) Merciful, they will be shown mercy. (6) The Pure in Heart. they will see God. (7) The Peacemakers, they will be called children of God. (8)The Persecuted, theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (9) Insulted, persecuted, falsely accused, because of Jesus, great is your reward in heaven, (10)blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
Introduction to The Beatitudes
What does the word Beatitude mean?
beatification, blessedness
happiness, felicity - state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy
We can summarize the Beatitudes as prescriptive rules, each with its corresponding promised reward, as follows:
What to Be What You Get
Poor in spirit Possession (?) of the Kingdom of Heaven (shared with the persecuted)
In mourning Comfort
Meek Inherit the Earth
Hungry for Righteousness Righteousness
Merciful Mercy
Pure in heart Sight of God
Peacemaker Called Child of God (by God?)
Persecuted for Righteousness's sake Possession (?) of the Kingdom of Heaven (shared with the poor in spirit)
Reviled for Jesus's sake Reward in heaven
Jesus has given us the benefit of the wisdom of God in this one phrase;
“It is written, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God." I would consider it good Christian Discipleship then, if we take into account that every one of these beatitudes is dependent upon the other for them to be in effect, and not even one of them is of such powerful character as to proffer any of the blessings promised unless all the others are in consideration at the same time.
Pg.3
In our study of the Beatitudes, we will attempt to gain insight into what these words of Jesus mean and how they apply to our own existence, in the context of our present day. We also hope to achieve a better understanding of what Jesus, was saying to his disciples as he taught these principles.
The message of Jesus is one of righteousness, humility, charity, and brotherly love. He teaches transformation of the inner person. Jesus presents the Beatitudes in a positive sense, virtues in life which will ultimately lead to reward. Love becomes the motivation for the Christian. All of the Beatitudes have an eschatological meaning, that is, they promise us salvation - not in this world, but in the next. The Beatitudes initiate one of the main themes of Matthew's Gospel, that the Kingdom so long awaited in the Old Testament is not of this world, but of the next, the Kingdom of Heaven.
While the Beatitudes of Jesus provide a guide to a way of life that promises salvation, they also provide peace in the midst of our trials and tribulations on this earth.
An early contemplation on the Beatitudes came from St. Gregory of Nyssa, a mystic who lived in Cappadocia in Asia Minor around 380 AD. He described the Beatitudes this way:
"Beatitude is a possession of all things held to be good, from which nothing is absent that a good desire may want. Perhaps the meaning of beatitude may become clearer to us
if it is compared with its opposite. Now the opposite of beatitude is misery.
Misery means being afflicted unwillingly with painful sufferings."
So as we study these Nine Beatitudes, we should keep in the back of our mind, the opposite of each when making application to our day to day existence.
Some typical questions for consideration:
1. How does one know if they are “poor in spirit?” Describe such a person.
2. Describe the different emotions involved in mourning.
3. What images come to your mind when you think of “meekness?”
4. What would be the character qualities of a person who hungers and thirsts for righteousness?
5. What does it mean to be merciful?
6. What comes to your mind when you think of purity?
7. What kind of character is found in a peacemaker?
8. What are some of the persecutions in the world today?
9. What additional suffering is given in the ninth beatitude, and why?
Pro 6:16 There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him:
Pro 6:17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood,
Pro 6:18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil,
Pro 6:19 a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.
Thursday, July 31, 2014
The first three beatitudes.
Opening Prayer Pg.1
God of our salvation, Just as we come into your presence in great humility, we also come in the joy of being in your service, of spending time in Your word, learning in fellowship among like followers of Your Son Jesus. We are thankful for your word in our study of the beatitudes as given to us by Jesus. We pray that our fellowship today will bless each one here and give each of us joy and purpose that we may be useful vessels in your service. Be with those of our group who cannot be here today, we pray you will share our blessing with them. Be with those of us who are suffering illness and those who care for them. Restore their health and bring them back into our midst. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen
The Study
This is the continuation of our study of the beatitudes as given to us by Jesus in his sermon on the mount. The three beatitudes we are studying here are certainly qualities that we desire to have as Christians, and a higher goal cannot be desired than to be equal to the descriptions given in these qualities.
Poor in spirit, mourning our spiritual condition, and having a meekness of spirit, are requisite qualities necessary to obtain any of the other qualities listed by Jesus in the beatitudes. It is likely that these three were mentioned first in order to give us some insight as to how one must approach life in order to become blest by God in any case. Consider the opposite view to these qualities. One may have a high and mighty spirit, and mourn nothing of our spiritual condition, and be forceful and demanding, in our relationships. Doing thus in order to become successful and well respected in our business or profession, or among our social peers. But it might surprise one to find that only the opposite of these qualities will bring about the possibility of the promised blessings of Gods eternity.
Pg.2
1. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
‘Poor in Spirit’ is a difficult phrase to understand. The word for ‘poor’ in Greek is ‘Ptochos’ which literally means having nothing, reduced to begging, like a beggar, totally broke.
While monetary poverty can also be inferred from these verses, what Jesus seems to be referring to was spiritual poverty. One can be financially poor and yet be arrogant and prideful in spirit, or one can be financially rich and yet be poor in the spirit. ‘Spiritual poor/poverty’ is exactly what is implied. It is a state where one realizes that they have nothing of their own and need constant help from God. "Poor in spirit" means to be humble. 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, humble, and open to the Word of God. Humility brings an openness and an inner peace, allowing one to do the will of God. It is pride, the opposite of humility, that brings misery. We have to be careful not to compare outward modesty with these characteristics. Being “poor in Spirit” is to have a humble and broken/contrite heart that constantly seeks help and forgiveness from God for their very existence. This image is in stark contrast to the self-contained, self-sufficient spirit which the world longs for and thrives in. But in the Kingdom of Heaven, It is Jesus, our Savior who humbles himself and is able to accept our frail nature, to repent, and to allow the grace of God to lead us. The “Kingdom of Heaven” is God’s gracious gift to “The poor in Spirit”
Q.1 How would one describe “poor in spirit” to a new follower of Jesus ? Q.2 Poor in spirit and spiritual poverty are descriptive of what condition?
Q.3 Poor in spirit, and poverty stricken, can you explain the difference in meaning?
Q.4 How does one become ”poverty stricken”?
Q.5 How does one become “spiritually poverty striken”?
Q.6 Can you describe the means by which you can provide for your own salvation?
Q.7 Can you describe the means by which you can receive salvation?
Q.8 What is meant by, “theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven” referenced in this beatitude
The Kingdom of God (Heaven) is twofold:
It is Already Here: Luke 17:20-21: “Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you.”
It is Yet to Come: The Kingdom of Heaven will be fully realized and established when Christ comes back as the King and Ruler overall the earth. (Daniel 7: 13,14,27)
What a blessed hope and promise, Jesus offers to those who are poor in spirit! “The Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.”
Paraphrase: "Blessed are those who humbly recognize their need for God, for they will enter into his kingdom."
Pg.3
2. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
How can one be happy, when they are mourning or sad?! The loss of a loved one or a job or any other kind of personal loss or failure, personal sin, mistakes or failures can cause mourning.
People react differently during their time of mourning or suffering. They try to distract their mourning with worldly pleasures in order to ease their pain. And there are those, who turn to God to find rest and restoration in their time of suffering and pain. (Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”)The Bible talks about two kinds of sorrow. 2 Cor 7:10: “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” We can understand these different types of sorrow from two famous events during the Crucifixion of Jesus.
Peter: When Peter denied Jesus three times, he “wept bitterly”. (Matthew 26:69-75). He was grieving for his failures, but this led him to repentance and towards Jesus.
Judas: The very next passage talks about Judas. His remorse may have been of a worldly nature therefore resulting in his death. His Mourning was a self centered personal failure and he felt sorry for himself, so he ended his misery with suicide.
There is a Godly Mourning to which this beatitude is speaking. Mourning in this context is called a blessing, because mourning our fallen nature creates in us a desire to improve ourselves and to do what is right! Those who mourn, speaks of those who express deep sorrow over their own sin, or those who are repentant for their sins. The freedom found in the forgiveness of sins and the joy of eternal salvation is the "comfort" of those who repent. When one contemplates that we were made in the image and likeness of God and lived in Paradise, the Garden of Eden, and compare that to our present state after the Fall, one can only mourn our present condition. But the sentence continues that they shall be comforted, by the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, and hopefully one day in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Q.1 Does the fact that we cannot stop our sinful ways cause us grief, and so we mourn?
Q.2 How can one expect comfort when mourning ones sins and disobedience?
Q.3 From what condition did we descend so as now to be subject to being mournful?
Q.4 Do we mourn because we sin against God or because we have failed ourselves?
Q.5 Do we mourn for Jesus in his death on the cross for us, or for our own desertion of Jesus?
Q.6 Consider what Judas did after betraying Jesus, was that the type of mourning we speak of ?
Q.7 In what sense does one who mourns attain blessedness?
Q.8 How does mourning bring one to the state of being comforted?
It is in our suffering that we seek God earnestly. James 4:8 – “Come near to God and He will come near to you.” He comforts us and comes to our rescue. This Beatitude (blessedness) portrays a very different picture. God is calling us near, He is always ready to comfort us and all we need to do is to respond to Him. (Matthew 11:28-30)
Paraphrase: "Blessed are those who mourn and repent of their sins, for they shall receive life eternal." If we are humble and appreciate that all of our gifts and blessings come from God, we grow in love and gratitude for Jesus Christ our Savior. This produces mourning and regret over our own sins and the sins of this world, for we have hurt the one who has been so forgiving of us.
Pg.4
3. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are the meek; A person with humble and gentle heart, is referred to as meek It describes a person who is kind and considerate to others, even to those who oppose him, who is easily approachable, not prideful or resentful, not temperamental or harsh. It is an outward expression of inward humility, strength and spiritual poise. While others may act aggressively, the Meek walk in godly peace, others may claim their rights, the Meek focus on their duties, while others may seek revenge, the Meek give way for the judgment of God. It does not imply a weak, sad, subdued person or false modesty. But it portrays a man of great strength of character and self control who willfully and joyfully considers his own life worth nothing, when compared to the greatness of God. It is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22 – ‘gentleness’) It is the character, Jesus himself associated with. Matthew 11:29 – “For I am gentle and humble in heart…”It is the mark of a disciple of Jesus. Eph 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. And Christian leaders are to be meek. 2Ti 2:24 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
St. Gregory of Nyssa taught that the Beatitudes build one upon another. A ladder of goodness, A humble person becomes meek, or becomes gentle and kind, and exhibits a docility of spirit, even in the face of adversity and hardship. A person that is meek is one that exhibits self-control. St. Augustine advises us to be meek in the face of the Lord, and not resist but be obedient to him.
Q.1 What are the qualities that the world recognizes as meekness? Q.2 Are they the same qualities of meekness that Jesus is describing?
Q.3 What is the difference as to how Jesus sees meekness, compared with how society sees it? Q.4 What is it about Christian meekness that brings one peace in this world?
Q.5 Would you like to be known as a meek and lowly individual?
Q.6 It would seem that meekness toward God is what Jesus is referring to, do you agree?
Q.7 What would you describe as meekness toward God?
Q.8 What is the meaning of “for they will inherit the earth”?
Obedience and submission to the will of God are certainly not in vogue these days, but they will bring one peace in this world and in the next. Similar to "the poor," "the meek" are those who submit to God's authority, making him Lord. Revelation 21:7 says God's children will "inherit all things."
What an amazing promise and reward, God gives to those who are meek! – “They will inherit the earth.”Inheritance comes as a blessing for the meek, a gracious gift of God The meek will be the heirs and partakers of the Kingdom of God
Paraphrase: "Blessed are those who submit to God as Lord, for they will be heirs to everything God possesses."
Meditation: Pg.5
The Beatitudes:
The meaning of The first Beatitude, “Poor in Spirit” is slightly confusing to us because the words do not convey any thought to any of the desired necessities in life that make us blessed as we perceive blessed to be. The words give us a mental picture that we would normally associate with the word “loser”. That would be someone without any hope or reasonable expectation of success in any field of endeavor, and even spiritually we associate the same characterization. Thus it is confusing to learn that “Poor in Spirit” is one of the qualities we must have to achieve blessedness. It simply means that we are neither proud nor haughty about our spiritual life , and contrariwise, we are somewhat disheartened because we cannot live up to the spiritual standards to which one should aspire, Thus we are “Poor in Spirit” And as such we do not see it as a desirable condition.
To be among “Those Who Mourn” is also one of the negative aspects of The beatitudes that we associate with a sad and mournful countenance. It conveys to us the image of failure in some fashion, as the world sees it, or even death. It then is confusing to read that if we are mournful, we will be blest. Those to whom the blessing is offered, are those who realize that their aspirations to have a Holy and Christian spiritual life are failing that which God would find pleasing to him. Thus we are mournful of our shortcomings at failing to please God with our life as we are living it.
The characterization of the “Meek” inheriting the earth is also somewhat confusing since those we know who are meek simply have no chance at success in this harsh and cruel world out there.
It is not conceivable to us to find that the “meek” will inherit anything, because there is always someone there to seize the day so to speak, and that person would certainly be anything but meek.
What we fail to see in this characterization is someone who is at peace with God and with this cruel world as well. Humble, not proud and haughty, and overcome with self interest. Actually someone who if there were a choice, God would prefer to choose the meek person over the aggressive soul. Just a Jesus reprimanded peter for his barbarous act of cutting the ear off a soldier. Violence breeds violence, the meek shall inherit the earth, We know that is true. Do we not?
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, God of our salvation. There is so much about becoming a Christian and being a Christian that we do not know. We pray that through our study of Your word and through our interactions with our Christian Brothers and Sisters that we can become more Like Your Son Jesus in our Christian walk. We know that our wayward condition needs your constant attention so that we may Grow in our Christian faith. We ask you blessings now on each of us, and our loved ones and those among us who are sick or disabled, that your Holy Spirit will be with us in all that we do and give comfort to us in our times of distress. Help us in our daily walk with thee. In the Name of Jesus we pray. AMEN
Saturday, July 19, 2014
Jesus Chooses(Names) his Disciples
Jesus chooses his disciples Pg.1
Luke 6:12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
Luke 6:13 When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles:
Luke 6:14 Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew,
Luke 6:15 Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot,
Luke 6:16 Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
Luke 6:17 He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coastal region around Tyre and Sidon,
Luke 6:18 who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by impure spirits were cured,
Luke 6:19 and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.
Jesus Prays
Luke 6:12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
He went into a mountain for privacy. He continued all night in prayer. We are never less alone than when we are alone in prayer to God. We think one half hour a great deal to spend in the duties of our prayer time; but Christ continued a whole night in meditation and secret prayer. We have a great deal of business at the throne of grace, and we should take a great delight in communion with God, and by both these we may be kept sometimes long at prayer. Prayer in which we must keep up our communion with God daily, and without which it is impossible that the soul should prosper.
Q.1 Can we theorize about that which Jesus prayed for so long?
Q.2 Are we willing to spend that amount of time in prayer?
Q.3 Are there things in our world today to compare to that which Jesus might pray about?
Q.4 How does being alone when praying to God help?
Q.5 Evaluate your own prayer life. Do we offer God our prayers on a regular enough basis that he will know who we are when we call?
Q.6 Is there much that can go on in prayer, that one might misspeak a request?
Q.7 So should we be precise in our conversation with God
Read the meditation for a list of the prayers Jesus made in the new testament
Pg.2
Jesus Calls
Luk 6:13 And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;
He did not stop or take a nap or get anything to eat, they were not at a “get together” this was the business of spreading his message throughout the world.
It is now that Jesus names the twelve, his immediate attendants, that should be the constant auditors of his doctrine and eye-witnesses of his miracles, in order that they might be sent forth as apostles, his messengers to the world, to preach his gospel to it, and plant his church in it. After he had continued all night in prayer, one would have thought that, when it was day, he should have reposed himself, and got some sleep. No, as soon as anybody was stirring, he called unto him his disciples. In serving God, our great care should be, not to lose time, but to make the end of one good duty the beginning of another.
Q.1 Was the naming of the disciples an important event for the future of Christianity?
Q.2 Did Jesus know that his decision would affect the world’s population for all time?
Q.3 From “disciple” to “apostle” are we curious to know the difference?
Q.4 Why did Jesus first choose 12 disciples, why not more?
Q.5 Do we think that Jesus is still seeking disciples? Explain. Q.6 Do we think that Jesus still wants Apostles? Explain.
Rev 21:10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
Rev 21:11 Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;
Rev 21:12 And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:
Rev 21:13 On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.
Rev 21:14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
Apocalypse, signifies literally, a revelation, or discovery of what was concealed or hidden. It is here said that this revelation, or discovery of hidden things, was given by God to Jesus Christ; that Christ gave it to his angel; that this angel showed it to John; and that John sent it to the Churches. Thus we find it came from God to Christ, from Christ to the angel, from the angel to John, and from John to the Church. It is properly, therefore, the Revelation of God, sent by these various agents to his servants at large; and this is the proper title of the book. And the Apostles are already named In Gods Hidden revelation, for posterity, forevermore from the beginning. Jesus knew who they were and even now knows who they are today
Jesus Names The Twelve Pg.3
Luk 6:14 Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,
Luk 6:15 Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes,
Luk 6:16 And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.
These are the disciples Jesus called to be Apostles,
A disciple is a follower and student of a mentor, teacher, or any other wise person. Someone who accepts and helps in spreading the teachings of another.
To be an apostle one is a messenger and ambassador. Someone who champions a critical reform movement, belief or cause. In the Christian context, It simply means one becomes a chief messenger of the gospel.
Luke 9:1 When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases,
Luke 9:2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
Luke 9:3 He told them: "Take nothing for the journey--no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt.
Luke 9:4 Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town.
Luke 9:5 If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them."
He later calls seventy two more disciples and pronounces to them the difficulties they will face and how they are to deal with those difficulties. (This will be a later study)
Q.1 Do you think that you could have been a disciple of Jesus?
Q.2 Do you think that there was any dissention in the group of disciples? Q.3 Who would have impressed you of the 12 as being the most effective disciple? Q.4 Did the disciples exhibit many regular human traits?
Q.5 How is it that a disciple differs from other followers of Jesus?
Q.6 How is it that an apostle differs from other followers of Jesus?
When Jesus chose his disciples, it is no surprise that he chose even the most common of individuals, and one of them, even a traitor. Jesus has prior knowledge of each of us, and knows our intention even before we are aware of it. And yet, even in betraying Jesus, Judas did accomplish his set purpose. That of being the deceitful disciple that set in motion the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ's Death on the cross. The life given so that we might have life and have it more abundantly. Did God direct Judas' act? Did God direct Eve’s act?
Did God create Satan just for the Garden of Eden? Are there other questions similar to these?
Q.7 Why did Jesus call Judas Iscariot if he knew already what he would do?
Q.8 Was this plan of God’s already set, and was Judas already chosen to be the betrayer?
Q.9 God is omniscient he created all things and knows all things, Do we have choices?
Q.10 If God already knows all about each of us, and our life’s decisions, why are we here?
Pg.4
God knows what choices are made or will be made, and has no intention of changing what has been, or what will be. The choices are ours. God just happens to have the ability to know what they will be. Take the case of the great flood that eliminated everything except that which Noah and his family saved. Had God been a controlling God , would he have let civilization deteriorate to the point of absolute worthlessness. I think not. And so, knowing that his free will people are and always were, and always will be, uncontrolled, sinful, and undisciplined, he chose to destroy them and start over. At that point, still allowing that he will not change the gift of free will to us, and having this foreknowledge of his own creation, that free will is a desired existence, and not wanting more disastrous results, he reasoned at the time of creation, that man would continue in his fallen ways, God turned to the plan of salvation that he had formed at that same time. And in Jesus we find our destiny is secured and there is no further question. God also did know and does know that we will make mistakes and bad decisions and sin as before, But God figured a way to save us all. And still he knows all will not accept Jesus as their savior, and who they are. So there is still the prospect of eternity without God, and residing in eternal torment in hell.
Jesus heals all
Luk 6:17 And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;
Luk 6:18 And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed.
Luk 6:19 And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.
They came also from the sea-coast of Tyre and Sidon. Though they who lived there were generally men of business, and though they bordered upon Canaanites, yet there were some attracted to Christ; They came to hear him and he preached to them. It is worth while to go a great way to hear the word of Christ, and to go out of the way of other business for it. 2. They came to be cured by him, and he healed them. Some were troubled in body, and some in mind; some had diseases, some had devils; but all were healed, for he has power over diseases and devils (Luk_6:17, Luk_6:18), over the effects and over the causes. The whole multitude sought to touch him, those that were in health as well as those that were sick, and they were all, one way or another, the better for he healed them all; And who is there that doth not need, upon some account or other, to be healed? There is a fullness of grace in Christ, and healing virtue in him, and ready to go out from him, that is enough for all, enough for each.
Q.1 The 12 Disciples had now become apostles, what is now different about them?
Q.2 If Jesus was such a dynamic personality, why do some in the world still reject him?
Q.3 If Jesus is the Son of God why doesn’t he affect all people as he does Christians?
Q.4 Do we suppose that Jesus depends on his apostles and disciples to spread his message
Q.5 What do you think would have been your opinion of Jesus in that day and time? Q.6 What was it about Jesus that made so many so determined to be with him? Q.7 What effect would Jesus have made on you and your family in that day?
Meditation Pg.5
In addition to The Lord's Prayer the gospel writers - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John - have recorded in the bible other prayers that Jesus said. Looking at these prayers, we can learn much to enhance our own prayer life..
Prayer of praise that everyone can know God.
"At that time Jesus said. 'I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will." Matthew 11:25-26, Luke 10:21.
In this prayer of Jesus the Lord gives thanks that all people, not just the elite, can know God and become part of the Christian family. All people can share Jesus' close relationship with his Father, because God likes it that way - it is God's initiative.
Jesus prays before raising Lazarus.
"So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upwards and said, 'Father, I thank you for having heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.'"John 11:41-42.
Jesus prays that the gathered crowd, on seeing Lazarus return from the grave, will have faith in him and know that he is from God.
Jesus prays that God's name will be glorified.
"Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say, 'Father save me from this hour'? No it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name."John 12:27-28.
Here, as in the prayers of Jesus in Gethsemane recorded in the other gospels, Jesus reveals his anguish about what is to happen - his death. He could pray to be saved or he could pray for God's will to be accomplished. Jesus chooses the second option, and makes his prayer that God will be glorified by the success of his mission.
A chapter of prayer by Jesus.
Chapter 17 of John's gospel is the longest prayer of Jesus recorded in any of the gospels. In truth, this chapter is likely to be an amalgamation of many prayers and saying of Jesus gathered together into one place by the gospel writer. In this chapter Jesus consecrates himself to the task that lies ahead, not for his sake, but for ours. This prayer of Jesus brings us to a closer understanding of the mind of Jesus, his relationship with God, and his selfless love of those, like us, in his care
Jesus' prayers in Gethsemane.
"He said, 'Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want."Matthew 26:36-44, Mark 14:32-39, Luke 22:46.
After Jesus had shared his last supper with his disciples, the teacher and his closest followers retire to the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prays whilst his companions sleep. In this prayer of Jesus' we have a glimpse of the intimacy and trust Jesus shares with God, his Father
. Jesus, in great distress knowing what he is to suffer the following day, pleads with God that there might be some other way. And yet, Jesus' determination to do God's will is not broken as Jesus resigns himself, in complete obedience, to follow his father's plans.
Jesus prays on the cross
"At three o'clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice, 'Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?' which means, 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34, Luke 23:34,46.
Jesus, at the most poignant moment in Christian history, recognises the significance of his imminent death with a cry of utter desolation. Jesus, the Christ, the son of God, is abandoned (if only for a short time) and in this one act the whole of humanity is offered a fesh start - a new relationship with God.
Opening Prayer
Father God we assemble here this evening to learn more about your Son Our Savior Jesus Christ.
We have no capacity to learn of how he lived except we study the Bible, Your Sacred Word.
We ask that you would impart to us that knowledge that you would have us know from this study.
We know that throughout Jesus’ Ministry here on earth, he called on many persons for their help in his quest to spread the word of Salvation to all who would hear it. Make us worthy in your sight Oh God that we too might be called Disciple, and live up to that calling. In Jesus name we pray Amen
The Study.
The choosing of Jesus’ Disciples is one of, the most important legacies that he left on this earth. It is for Disciples to be the ultimate communicators of the Word Of God to all of mankind. Jesus then leaves them with a solemn duty. They are the people Jesus chose to be the linchpins of the Way, to pass the Word Of Salvation throughout the world. This is the opening scene of the epic task. And it concludes with Jesus again healing all who call upon him.
Pg.6
Closing Prayer.
Father God, we thank you for the sacrifice of Your Son Jesus who made our salvation sure. We thank you for the first Disciples, those who dedicated their lives to following “The Way” that Jesus consecrated them to perform. We thank you for the successful way in which that plan has been executed throughout the world today. We pray your blessings upon those, even today who have dedicated their lives to the Cause Of Christ. We pray for those of our number who are working as the “Advent Mission Team” going to Honduras, that their work will be fruitful and that they will return to us safely. We pray for our sick and disabled, and ask that you grant peace and healing to them and to all our lives. We pray these things in the Name of Jesus, Amen
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