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The Beatitudes
by Janie Buck
Date: 07.02.2010
1. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." We are blessed by the Lord Jesus who gave us a divinely-bestowed sense of well being if don't think highly of ourselves. This is the opposite of the normal way followed in the pursuit of happiness. Most people think "if only I had more money, fame and no problems I would be happy". But "poor in spirit" is the opposite of self-sufficiency and enable us to receive strength from the Lord. Apart from His grace and goodness we are spiritually bankrupt. There are no "self-made" people in God's kingdom. Without Him we can do nothing, but with Christ we can do all things because the kingdom of heaven is in us even while here on earth.

2. "Blessed are those who don't think highly of themselves and mourn over their sins". It is blessed because godly sorrow produces repentance and brings us to God. The Kingdom of Heaven is a gift to those who sense their poverty of spirit and trust in the Lord to deliver them from sin and eternal shame,

3. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." Mourning over our sins leads to godly sorrow that helps us repent. It leads to salvation without regret (2 Cor. 7:10). The comfort of God our Father gives is the assurance that our sins are forgiven and we will see Him face-to-face when we go to heaven.

4. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." This is the opposite of self-sufficiency, and causes us to seek forgiveness for our sins. (Romans 10:3 & Philippians 3:9)

5. "Blessed are the gentle (humble, meek) for they shall inherit the earth." Gentleness is not weakness but supreme self-control empowered by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:23).

6. Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy." The opposite is also true. If we are not merciful to those in need how can we expect God to be merciful to us? Unless we act upon what we learn in the Bible we will forget the changes and improvements that were impressed on our conscience to make. "But one who looks intently at the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having been a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer this man will be blessed in what he does" (James 1:25). We are enabled by the Holy Spirit to keep obeying the Lord. "The mind set on the Spirit is life and peace" (Romans 8:4).

7. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." Our heart is purified through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. While on earth we see God by faith, but when we get to heaven we will see Him face-to-face. So we should "Pursue peace with all men" (Hebrews 12:14).

8. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." His love extends even to His enemies by His common grace bestowed indiscriminately. And it is sincere good will (Psalm 145:3). Our heart is purified by faith in Jesus Christ.

9. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." Jesus said, "But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:44-45).

10. "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you."


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