TEXT: Matthew 5:1-12
READING: James 1:1-27
SUBJ: The Beatitudes and their benefit to believers as they contemplate the various meanings and the benefits attached in such a way as to produce happiness.
AIM: That these things may be the often topics of our meditations on the blessedness we know in Christ Jesus our Lord.
INTR: The study of the Beatitudes often suffers because of familiarity with them. They are easily recognized when individually quoted and yet there is value to the study of them as a body of truth concerning the nature of the Lord’s people.
1. Martyn Lloyd-Jones suggested that verses 3-10 describe the Character of a Christian while verses 11 and 12 prove the character of a Christian by the reaction of the world to it.
2. It is certain that a full treatment of this passage is not feasible in the time of a normal service, but we would hold open the possibility of a more concentrated study in the future.
3. In any event, the Gospel product is here declared as our Lord presents that which would appear foolish to the world, but a reason of true happiness to the believer.
THESIS: None of these things appeal to merit on the part of the persons herein named; it is rather the grace of God through the work of the Spirit that produces the condition described, the benefit derived from it, and the happiness (blessedness) to all and in all.
I. Gracious revelations to believers (vv. 3-6)
A brief word about the setting here and to whom these things were spoken – Up into a mountain, seated, and addressing His disciples.
1. “Blessed are the poor in spirit…”
1) Has nothing to do with material wealth or the lack thereof.
2) It is rather that these have come to see themselves as destitute of anything that would recommend them to the divine favor.
3) It is the opposite of pride and haughtiness often found among professors of religion.
4) And it is acknowledged by them without hesitation – thus they are driven to Christ
5) Theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven – it is of grace here and of glory in the ages to come.
2. “Blessed are they that mourn…”
1) In all these there is a sense of continuation and sin is a continual issue with true believers.
2) It is certainly the case in their initial conviction of sin leading them to repentance.
3) We are reminded of several examples such as the prodigal and the publican.
4) The comfort is realized in the promise to “him that is of a broken and contrite spirit” – it is blessed to know and to be drawn near.
3. “Blessed are the meek…”
1) Our Lord revealed of Himself – “learn of me for I am meek and lowly in heart.”
2) Meekness is not to be confused with weakness – It reveals the vision of one in the presence of God.
3) Arthur Pink wrote: “Meekness is the opposite of self-will toward God, and of ill-will toward men.” See Ephesians 4:1-2 “…walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness.”
4) They inherit the earth: They delight in all it provides; it is theirs by right of being in Christ who is Lord of all; it is theirs in the future sense o all the Word promises.
4. “Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness…”
1) This literally to embrace righteousness as a way of life, as salvation itself.
2) Pink wrote: “it means to yearn after God’s favor, image, and felicity.”
3) We are taught later in this message to “seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.” We would further have the realization of these in us!
4) They shall have what they are thirsting for (It is an intensity of experience).
II. Gracious revelations to others (vv. 7-9)
1. “Blessed are the merciful…”
1) This has nothing to do with works as a means of obtaining divine favor; it is rather a manifestation of the grace of God witnessed by others.
2) The Old Testament prophet taught the loving mercy was part of pleasing God.
3) It begins with a consciousness of mercy received and then projects to others.
4) It is a principle that works within in imitation of Christ, and it manifests in a gracious disposition toward our fellow man and Christians
5) His reward is inward, and such provokes a bent to mercy is others as well.
2. “Blessed are the pure in heart…”
1) This does not mean that sinlessness of life is possible – too many incidents in scripture.
2) Believers have had imparted to them a new nature that cannot sin. They have been gifted with repentance toward God and faith toward Christ. As an outcome of that we have a sensitivity to and a hatred for sin and a true desire for holiness.
3) In Hebrews 12:14 we read “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” – We are led in paths of righteousness…
4) A pure heart is attracted to the “beauty of holiness” and has the love of God shed abroad within it.
5) He sees God – can there be anything else?
3. “Blessed are the peacemakers…”
1) By this we are reminded of the horrible conflicts that are in the world because of sin and depravity.
2) The directive is given: “As much as lieth withing you, live peaceably with all men.”
3) Thus, we pray for peace, we act in peace, we preach the peace which passes understanding, and that is all cases of conflict.
4) That desire for peace, for the salvation of others, for their peace with God, identifies us as the “children of God.”
III. Gracious realizations concerning the world (vv. 1—12)
1. The reminder of our Lord’s parting words – they will hate you.
2. That such should act in this way displays Christ in the persecutors – they hate Him more than you.
3. Peter’s words were: “But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled…”
