Introduction
- Matthew 7:13-14
- Being on the narrow way requires constant effort.
The Beatitudes
Matthew 5:3 - “Blessed are the poor in spirit”
- “Poor” here means totally destitute and unable to provide for yourself.
- The first stop to serving God is truly realizing your situation.
Matthew 5:4 - “Blessed are those who mourn”
- The biggest thing for us to mourn is loss of connection to God. We must grieve over sin.
Matthew 5:5 - “Blessed are the meek”
- Meekness is strength under control. In this case, your strength is under God’s control.
- In John 2, Jesus drove people out of the temple to make a point. He had unlimited power but was under control.
Matthew 5:6 - “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness”
- If you are truly pursuing and under God’s control, why would our highest priority not be seeking God?
Matthew 5:7 - “Blessed are the merciful”
- It’s hard to let go of perceived wrongs against us.
- James 4:20
- Mercy is unwarranted, which is what makes it powerful.
- See Matthew 18.
- How can I expect mercy from God and not give mercy myself?
Matthew 5:8 - “Blessed are the pure in heart”
- See Matthew 5:21-24, 27. You can’t have a pure heart if you are full of anger or lust.
Matthew 5:9 - “Blessed are the peacemakers”
- There is peace vertically (with God) and horizontally (with our brethren).
- I Peter 3:8-9