Things to remember

• These are spiritual (not physical) character traits.

  • Matthew 4:17, 23

  • Matthew 6:19-20

• “Blessed” = having God’s favor / happy

• These are timeless instructions.

Matthew 5:3 – Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

• Psalms 51:2-3, 8, 17 – David showed he was poor in spirit. The poor in spirit are those who realize they are in spiritual debt and are hopeless without God.
• John 9:39-41 – These people needed to become poor in spirit.
• Revelation 3:17

Matthew 5:4 – Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

• I Corinthians 5:1-2 – The Corinthians should have mourned over their sin.
• II Corinthians 12:21
• James 4:8-10
• Jeremiah 6:15
• Romans 12:9
• I need to get to the point where I am truly sad and sorry about my sin.

Matthew 5:5 – Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.

• Matthew 11:29, 20-24 – Jesus was strong, but meek.

• Matthew 21:12

• Matthew 23:37

• Meekness is strength under control.

• “Inherit the earth?”

  • Joshua 23:14 – It’s not referring to the land promise given to Abraham. That had already been fulfilled.

  • It’s not talking about a future thousand-year reign of Jesus on earth.

  • II Peter 3:7-14

  • This must be referring to a spiritual place – a heavenly inheritance.

  • I Peter 1:4

  • I need to get to the point where I have my strength under control.

Last week: forgiveness

Government

Authority comes from God

• All authority comes from God – Ephesians 1:18-23

  • Authority is under Him – Colossians 2:8-10

  • Defying authority is to defy God – II Peter 2:9-10

• He has ordained governments – Romans 13:1-7

  • They have a purpose – Romans 13:4

  • They may sustain themselves – Romans 13:6

  • He expects that we submit to their rule – Romans 13:1

God reigns supreme

• God and government don’t always agree

  • Government sometimes usurps or conflicts

  • Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3)

  • Daniel (Daniel 6)

  • Peter and other apostles (Acts 4)

For God’s purpose

• The Exodus – Exodus 10:1-2
• Cyrus – Isaiah 44:28-45:3; 46:8-11

Government service

• Joseph

  • Pharaoh’s bodyguard – Genesis 39:1-4

  • For head jailer – Genesis 39:20-23

  • Pharaoh’s number two – Genesis 41:41-44

• Daniel

  • Nebuchadnezzar – Daniel 2:48-49

  • Belshazzar – Daniel 5:29

  • Darius – Daniel 6:1-2

  • Cyrus – Daniel 6:28

• Saul and David

Claims vs truth

• Acts 8:6-13 – Simon was practicing magic and claiming to be someone great.
• Simon immediately saw there was a difference between what he was doing and what Philip was doing. It was real power and was not done to promote Philip himself.
• It’s easy to claim anything, but people need truth.

It’s hard to kick old habits

• Acts 8:14-24
• Mark 16:16
• Simon was saved through baptism, then sinned and needed to repent. This disproves the “once saved, always saved” doctrine. See Galatians 5:4; James 5:19-20.
• Simon had built a reputation as a magician and was likely used to the attention.
• Acts 8:21 – Simon’s problem was his heart.
• I John 2:16

The gospel is for all

• Acts 8:5, 12-13, 22 – Philip went to teach the Samaritans, a group hated by the Jews.
• Galatians 3:28
• You can find hope in the gospel.
• Anyone can find hope in the gospel.
  • Everybody has a soul!

• Ecclesiastes 4:1-5:10
• Ecclesiastes 4:1-3 – Solomon sees life on earth as vanity. But if you bring eternity into the picture, it’s better to live even with suffering and enjoy eternity. Compare Luke 16:19-31; Romans 8:18. See also Psalms 73:1-3, 17, 26.
• Ecclesiastes 4:5 – See Proverbs 6:10. The fool is lazy!
• Ecclesiastes 4:6 – Over-work is also vanity. Moderation is key.
• Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 – Companionship is valuable!
• Ecclesiastes 4:13-16 – Power and influence don’t last. Beware of getting stuck in your ways as you age and refusing good advice.
• Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 – Be careful what you promise, especially to God. Compare Ecclesiastes 6:12; 7:14; 9:1, 12; 10:14.
• Ecclesiastes 5:7 – Be careful not to over-commit yourself, especially because we can’t control most circumstances. See James 4:13-15. Finish what you say you will!
• Ecclesiastes 5:8 – Everybody has a boss!
• Ecclesiastes 5:10 – Contentment is a state of mind – not an amount of money. See Philippians 4:11.

Is this authorized?

• Mark 16:9; John 20:19; Acts 2:1, 41; I Corinthians 16:1; Acts 20:7 – The importance of the first day of the week. Only one day is specified as a special day under the New Covenant – the first day of the week.
• I Corinthians 14:15
• Colossians 3:16
• Acts 20:7-12 – Are assemblies limited to certain hours? No.

Is this helpful?

• I Corinthians 10:31, 23-24
• Our purpose should be to glorify God and edify each other.
• I Corinthians 11:20-22 – The same two principles applied to worship.
• I Corinthians 14:1-4, 12, 26 – Let all things be done for edification.
• The change in schedule is not an allowance for laziness!
• Acts 2:42; 19:9; I Peter 2:2; Psalms 1:2 – God’s people desired to be zealous in study and worship.
• More convenience does not make worship sinful.
• Colossians 2:20-23 – Paul preached against the idea of depriving yourself to attain holiness.

Is this going to work?

Maintain brotherly love.

• I Corinthians 13:1-3
• Philippians 2:2-4

Give yourself a chance to get used to it.

Use the breaks.

Voice any concern with love.

• I Peter 5:1-3

If this doesn’t work, blame David.

Conclusion

• Hebrews 10:23-25