The Beatitudes (5:3-12)

Transcription

1 The Beatitudes (5:3-12) What is Blessedness 1. It carries meaning like joy, fortunate, peace with God, to be in right relationship/ perspective with God, to be congratulated because God is responding to them and divine favor. The blessing is like water coming from inward to outward of a spring. It emphasizes the blessings not in physical sense, but spiritual things; not what this world can offer, but what the kingdom of heaven can offer. Focus on the internal characters that God delights in, but not external processions that the world is impressed about. (See Ps 1:1; Prov 3:13; Dan 12:12; Mat 11:6; Ac 20:35; Rev. 1:3). These are characters that please God. a right and harmonious relationship in which one party, usually the superior, does good to the other. Happy has as its primary meaning an emotional state. Fortunate too often is understood to mean to have good luck. And yet each of these words can have the intended meaning in some contexts. The same is true of expressions such as to be well off. One translation that has often worked is to be in a good position, that is, to be favorably placed to receive something good The first and the last are for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. They are in present tense, and the rest are in future tense. The ones who have these qualities have blessing from now to eternity. They are rock solid truths for living. While each Beatitude stands on its own, each is linked progressively to the one following it. Like pearls in a necklace they are strung together; each builds on the previous one The sermon, this constitution of the new Kingdom of Jesus, begins not with commands but blessings! It is not a bunch of do s and don ts, but a code of new life that bears the fruit of spiritual blessings. This can be the incentives of why disciples should follow the teaching. I] Blessed are the poor in spirit: (Sense of emptiness, nothingness and in great need) 1. Poor --- Can also be translated as brokenness and humble. Man all stand empty-handed before God. Those are the ones who recognize they are absolutely in need of God, and cannot bring anything good to God to earn His favor. There is nothing that man can give to God to earn His favor in salvation. Man is poor and broke. Sometimes, we will think that we are a pretty good man. But this thinking comes from the worldly standard. To be poor in spirit is to realize that I have nothing, am nothing, and can do nothing, and have need of all things. Poverty of spirit is evident in a person when he is brought into the dust before God to acknowledge his utter helplessness In spirit --- Something much deeper than material level. Someone considers himself is poor in spirit (man s spirit/ the deepest part of man) means in real need of God. It is the opposite of pride. It is a 1 Newman, B. M., & Stine, P. C. (1992). A handbook on the Gospel of Matthew. UBS helps for translators; UBS handbook series (107). New York: United Bible Societies. 2 Weber, S. K. (2000). Vol. 1: Matthew. Holman New Testament Commentary; Holman Reference (58). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers. 3 Pink, A. W. (2005). The Beatitudes and the Lord's prayer (16). Bellingham, WA.: Logos Research System, Inc. 1

2 confession of our brokenness, inadequacy, imperfection, incapability, etc. (Jas 2:5; 2 Cor 6:10; Rev 2:9). They totally depend on the merit of God. Apart from Christ, there is nothing we can boost. They are spiritually broke (cf. Pharisees Lk 18:10-14). They are the ones who completely depend on God. NEB translates who know their need of God (Phps who know their need for God ). Brc translates who realize the destitution of their own lives, and GeCL 1st edition is strikingly picturesque, who stand with empty hands before God, symbolizing absolute dependence on him. In addition to the examples we have cited here, other possible ways of expressing the meaning are who place all their hope in God and who stand before God knowing how (or, how much) they need him. 4 Man does not like to confess we are broke and in need. Some people think that they are rich, secure, have what they want, enjoying their life, and they think they are good people. But poor in spirit is against those deceptions. The fact is that they are poor. They are in great need but they thought that they have all that they need. (See Rev. 3:17-19). The poor in spirit man realizes who he truly is. 3. For theirs is the kingdom of heaven --- It changes man s concept that being poor is unfortunate and less desirable. On the one hand, poor can refer to lack of material supply or a less desirable condition spiritually; on the other hand, it emphasizes that the poor one needs someone to provide for him or rescue him (19:21; 26:9). God rescues them and gifts them the citizenship of the kingdom of heaven. Kingdom of heaven is where God reigns, no matter it is on earth or in the heaven, or no matter it is now or in the future. In position, kingdom of the heaven also is where God s people have their citizenship. Those people can enjoy/ have the grace of being ruled by God as His subjects. The spiritual brokenness urges a person to pursue God, who is the only One that can make him rich, not in want in spirit (Ps 23:1). God is the One to save us and keep us alive in famine (Ps 34:18,19). Only God can meet our deepest needs (Rev. 3:17-18). They seem to have nothing (poor) and were outcasts, but they actually have everything and are welcomed (Kingdom of heaven). They are and will be citizens who serve the kingdom of heaven. (See Appendix). It is a reversal of the value of the world. 4. For example., the thief on the cross (Lk 23:41-42) II] Blessed are those who mourn: (Sense of sinfulness, with a contrite heart and godly sorrow) 1. Mourn a. Of their unfavorable circumstances: suffering, sadness b. Of their sins: Realizing the holiness of God c. Two kinds of sorrow (2 Cor 7:10) Worldly Regret (Mat 27:5). Godly Repent (Mat 26:75) d. Example: Lk 18:9-14; Rom 7:24,25; Lk 23:39-43; Rev 6:10 e. Poor in spirit is a condition. Mourning is an action. Man does not want to admit our mistake and inadequacy, not to mention mourning for our sin. 4 Newman, B. M., & Stine, P. C. (1992). A handbook on the Gospel of Matthew. UBS helps for translators; UBS handbook series (108). New York: United Bible Societies. 2

3 2. They will be comforted See Isa 61:1-2 a. Our sins will be forgiven (1 Jn 1:9) b. In God, there will be a time that unfavorable circumstances will be over (Lam 3:22-23) c. Justice will be served (Rev 7:15-17; 21:3-5; Rom 8:17) d. There is grace in God (Isa 35:10) e. God will strengthen them (2 Cor 6:10) 3. Example: Peter and Judas (Mat 26:75; 27:5) III] Blessed are the meek: (Renouncing self-dependence and humble before God to seek His salvation) 1. Meek (mourning is an action that looks inwardly. Being meek is an action that looks outwardly) a. Can mean gentle, patience, non-retaliating, humble, quietly bearing affliction, flexible. b. Example: Moses, the opposite of pride and jealousy (Num 12:1-3). Meekness is not weakness (Exd 32:19; cf. what he did after he let his anger burn his people v.31-33). c. Example: Jesus, gentle, putting down His glory and be a servant of all, being at the same level of everyone (Mat 11:29; 21:5). Meekness is considering other better than us (Phi 2:3). Meekness is giving up our right for the will of God and need of people (6-8). d. We know we are no better than others, for we are saved by grace. Push the self-righteousness and pride away from ourselves. See God and even people are higher than themselves. It is one of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23). Man is proud to be self-sufficient and independent. 2. They will inherit the earth a. Earth can mean spiritually or physically. The meek will become heirs of God (Rom 8:17), who will reign with Christ in Millennium and be with God in New Heaven and New Earth (Rev. 20:4; 21:3; 2 Pet 3:13) b. Example of blessed are the meek: Naaman humbled and was saved (2 Ki 5:14; Ps 149:4). 3. Naaman humbled and was saved ( 2 Kg 5:14) IV] Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for the righteousness: (A strong desire to seek God and His characters in knowing, being and doing, and have Him fulfills our deepest needs.) 1. hunger and thirst for the righteousness a. Justice, rightness, god-likeness b. Righteousness is one of the predominate characters of God c. From salvation of the soul to renewal of the spirit. Believer Disciple 3

4 Man is hungry and thirsty after a lot of things and many things we want to pursue. What do we desire? What appetite do we have? Do we longing to have the characters of God? Do we desire to be like Christ, to spend time with Him? Do we constantly feed on the Word of God? After we become Christians, do we have the desire for God? 2. They will be filled -- a. Jesus is the Bread of Life (Jn 6:25); He will fill us with the streams of living water in Jesus (Jn 7:38). He will fill us with the spring of the water of life (Rev. 21:6). God will provide all our needs (Mat 6:33). We are given the Spirit (Gal 4:6) and can be filled by the Spirit (Eph 5:18). We, as children of God, are filled by the love of God (1 Jn 3:1).As sheep of God, we are filled with the goodness, love, blessings of God (Ps 23:5-6). He will fill us with His very presence (Rev. 22:5). 3. Example: Paul (Phi 3:7-8). From salvation of the soul to renewal of the spirit. Believer Disciple V] Blessed are the merciful: (Compassion and pity to the needy, and a forgiving spirit) 1. The merciful a. Compassion and pity to the needy: having tasted mercy from God, we should be merciful to others It is a gracious disposition toward my fellow creatures and fellow Christians. It is that kindness and benevolence that feels the miseries of others. It is a spirit that regards with compassion the sufferings of the afflicted. It is that grace that causes one to deal leniently with an offender and to scorn the taking of revenge. 5 b. Forgiving spirit: It is the forgiving spirit; it is the non-retaliating spirit; it is the spirit that gives up all attempt at self-vindication and would not return an injury for an injury, but rather good in the place of evil and love in the place of hatred. That is mercifulness. Mercy being received by the forgiven soul, that soul comes to appreciate the beauty of mercy, and yearns to exercise toward other offenders similar grace to that which is exercised towards one s self. (Dr. A. T. Pierson) 6 c. Give freely what we have been given freely. Man can be very self-centered, selfish and unforgiving. 2. For they will be shown mercy a. From men: Prov 21:21; 11:17; b. From God: Ps 18:25; c. Application: Mercy is something that we first received from God and He commands us to give it to others in the same manner. i. Forgive the debtor: Dealing with someone in debt (Ps 37:21); ii. Forgive the offender: Joseph forgiving his brothers (Gen 50:15-21); iii. Pray for the offender: Moses pleaded for Miriam (Num 12:13) 5 Pink, A. W. (2005). The Beatitudes and the Lord's prayer (39). Bellingham, WA.: Logos Research System, Inc. 6 Pink, A. W. (2005). The Beatitudes and the Lord's prayer (39). Bellingham, WA.: Logos Research System, Inc. 4

5 iv. Support the needy cheerfully (Rom 12:8; 2 Cor 9:7) 3. Example: Onesiphorus (2 Tim 1:16-18) VI] Blessed are the pure in heart: (Having a strong conviction/single-minded to imitate the Father who is pure) 1. Pure in heart a. Heart is a sinful world (Mk 7:15-23). But we have received new hearts that are pure/clean (Ezke 36:25-27; Jer 31:33-34). He purifies our hearts through faith (Ac 15:9; Heb 10:22) b. Having integrity (the same from inside out), being sincere, devoted, genuine, single-mindedness that focus in following, worshipping, serving the Lord. It is godly simplicity (1 Tim 2:8). c. A clean life: Live a life that is set apart from the uncleanness of the world. d. Pure in motivation, in thought life, in speech, in attitude. This purity is in our heart that is where a man s inmost thought is coming from. That is where a man s decision is made (1 Sam 16:7). Man faces daily temptations from all fronts. To have a single focus of a pure life both in thoughts, words and deeds is not easy. 2. They will see God a. Compare no one have seen God and live a life unimaginable. b. Application: He is pure, so should we (1 Jn 3:2-4); have the desire to be pure as the psalmist did (Ps 51:10); Guard our hearts (Prov 4:23). Remain pure before God and man. 3. Example: David (1 Sam 13:14) VII] Blessed are the peacemakers: (Having enjoy the peace with God, we live peacefully with others) 1. Peacemakers a. We enjoy the peace with God by justification through faith (Rom 5:1-10) b. Different from Jewish perspective: The Jews, in general, regarded the Gentile nations with bitter contempt and hatred, and they expected that, under the Messiah, there should be an uninterrupted series of warlike attacks made on these nations, till they were completely destroyed or subjugated to the chosen people of God [an idea based, no doubt, on what they read in the Book of Joshua concerning the experiences of their forefathers]. In their estimation, those emphatically deserved the appellation of happy who should be employed under Messiah the Prince to avenge on the heathen nations all the wrongs these had done to Israel. How different is the spirit of the new economy! How beautifully does it accord with the angelic anthem which celebrated the nativity of its Founder: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men! (Dr. John Brown). 7 c. Is peace by all cost? No! It only base on the message of the cross (Gal 1:6-10) and the truth (Jude 3) 7 Pink, A. W. (2005). The Beatitudes and the Lord's prayer (50). Bellingham, WA.: Logos Research System, Inc. 5

6 Man easily compare with other man and sees other man as competition. It is challenging to: a) taking the initiative to seek reconciliation with people, b) becoming an ambassador of Christ to deliver this message of reconciliation in gentleness and respect (1 Pet 3:15; 2 Cor 5:20), and c) anger control. The worse combination is quick to anger and unforgiving. 2. They will be called sons of God a. God Himself is peace (Heb 13:20) and He grants peace (1 Thes 5:23). The sons of God are the ones who have peace with God and have this character of God. 3. Example: Jesus (Lk 2:14) VIII] Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness: (Standing on the side of the righteousness no matter what it costs) 1. Those who are persecuted because of righteousness a. Become an ambassador of peace even to the extent of being persecuted (Mat 21:33-41). b. Examples: Persecution has ever been the lot of God s people. Cain slew Abel. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother s righteous (1 John 3:12). Joseph was persecuted by his brethren, and down in Egypt he was cast into prison for righteousness sake (Gen. 37, 39). Moses was reviled again and again (see Ex. 5:21; 14:11; 16:2; 17:2; etc.). Samuel was rejected (1 Sam. 8:5). Elijah was despised (1 Kings 18:17) and persecuted (1 Kings 19:2). Micaiah was hated (1 Kings 22:8). Nehemiah was oppressed and defamed (Neh. 4). The Savior Himself, the faithful Witness of God, was put to death by the people to whom He ministered. 8 c. The choice of whether being persecuted is not ours: when we live a godly life in Jesus Christ (2 Tim 3:12; Rom 8:7), go share the Gospel, live a righteous life to please God (1 Jn 3:12), follow Jesus footsteps (1 Pet 2: 21-25), separate from the world (Jn 15:19-20), received the grace of God (Phi 1:29), as a result, we will be persecuted (Mat 10). Man tends to be self-preserving. We will pay the price only if we see it is worthy. 2. For theirs is the kingdom of heaven a. Rejoice: In the midst of persecute, we are encouraged that the Kingdom of God is ours. We do not belong to this world. Although the world rejects us, we are accepted into God s Kingdom. b. Application: willing to pay the price to be a peacemaker of the Gospel; be bold and be strong in front of persecution (see Mat 10:19). The Lord calls us to stand firm to the end and we will be saved (Mat 10:22). Do not be afraid (Mat 10:28). 3. Example: Abel (Gen 4:4) 8 Pink, A. W. (2005). The Beatitudes and the Lord's prayer (58). Bellingham, WA.: Logos Research System, Inc. 6

7 Conclusion The sermon is not about dos and don ts. The instructions directly are based on those characters. Disciples, let s build those characters in us and we ll experience God s blessings! Discussion 1. What does a blessed man look like? Is it a big house, a good looking wife, a high position in work, a financial secured living, or something else? 2. Do you desire to be blessed? Where are we getting our blessing from, the world or Jesus? 3. Since you become a child or God, have you seen any of the Beatitudes (characters and blessings) happen in your life or someone s life? Please share your experience or observation. 4. Which of the Beatitudes reminds us to re-direct/ re-focus your life? As men, how can we live out this code of new life that bears the fruit of spiritual blessings? Appendix It is also fairly well accepted among biblical scholars that the term Kingdom of God, both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament, has as its primary meaning God s kingly rule. That is, the basic emphasis is on the actual rule of God as an activity, rather than on the realm or territory over which he rules. Although the central meaning of these two phrases is the kingly rule of God, the focus may be different in various contexts. For example, in the New Testament it is used in at least the following ways: (1) Focus on the activity of God in bringing about his rule in the world. An example of this is the present verse. Here the emphasis is on the fact that God will soon begin (or has already begun) his rule in this world. (2) Focus on the acceptance of God s rule in one s life. An illustration of this use is found in (parallels Mark 10:23 and Luke 18:24), which RSV translates it will be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. The meaning of this verse is it will be hard for a rich man to submit himself to God s rule. (3) Focus on the enjoyment of the blessings or quality of life experienced under God s rule. Matthew 5:3 falls under this category. (4) Focus on the consummation of God s activity in bringing about his rule in this world. (5) Focus on the idea of the community of God s people, as in enter the kingdom. 9 9 Newman, B. M., & Stine, P. C. (1992). A handbook on the Gospel of Matthew. UBS helps for translators; UBS handbook series (58). New York: United Bible Societies. 7