Sermon On The Mount Series - The Beatitudes
- Grant Watts
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
The Kingdom Life
I. Introduction: Setting the Scene (Matthew 5:1-12)
Jesus is about to reveal the principles of His Kingdom, which are often inverted compared to the world's values. The Beatitudes are not merely suggestions but a description of what true discipleship looks like. The word "blessed" (Greek: makarios) means more than just "happy"; it signifies a state of deep, enduring spiritual well-being and favour from God.
II. Exploring Each Beatitude
As we look at each Beatitude, discuss each idea attached to the verses:
The Virtue/Attitude: What quality or state of being is Jesus describing?
The Promise/Reward: What blessing is promised to those who embody this quality?
Counter-Cultural Nature: How does this Beatitude challenge worldly wisdom or common understanding of happiness/success?
Personal Application:
How can we cultivate this attitude in our own lives?
What specific actions or changes in mindset might be needed?
1. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Virtue: "Poor in spirit" doesn't mean financially poor, but rather recognizing our spiritual bankruptcy and complete dependence on God. It's an acknowledgement that we have nothing to offer God on our own and are utterly reliant on His grace.
Promise: "Theirs is the kingdom of heaven." This speaks of present access to God's reign and future inheritance.
Counter-Cultural: The world values self-sufficiency, strength, and accumulating wealth/power. Jesus says blessing comes from acknowledging our weakness and need.
Application:
Do I recognise my spiritual need?
Am I humble before God, or do I rely on my own abilities?
How can I cultivate a greater sense of dependence on Him?
2. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."
Virtue: "Mourn" here refers to sorrow over sin (our own and the world's brokenness), and grief over injustice or suffering.
Promise: "They will be comforted." This comfort comes from God's presence, forgiveness, and the hope of restoration.
Counter-Cultural: The world often avoids pain and seeks instant gratification. Jesus says there's blessing in acknowledging and responding to sorrow in a godly way.
Application:
Do I genuinely grieve over sin and the brokenness of the world?
Do I allow myself to feel compassion for those who suffer?
How can I find comfort in God's presence when I mourn?
3. "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."
Virtue: "Meek" (Greek: praus) describes strength under control, not weakness. It's gentleness, humility, and submission to God's will, even when wronged. It's putting others' needs before our own.
Promise: "They will inherit the earth." This points to God's ultimate justice and reversal of worldly power dynamics.
Counter-Cultural: he world often equates power with dominance and aggression. Jesus highlights the power of humility and self-control.
Application:
Am I quick to assert my rights, or do I practice humility and gentleness?
How can I respond with meekness when facing injustice or conflict?
4. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."
Virtue: This speaks of an intense, passionate longing for God's righteousness, both for personal holiness and for justice in the world. It's a deep spiritual hunger that can only be satisfied by God.
Promise: "They will be filled." God satisfies this longing, providing spiritual sustenance and bringing about justice.
Counter-Cultural: Many hunger for wealth, fame, or pleasure. Jesus calls us to a different, spiritual hunger.
Application:
What are my deepest longings?
Do I hunger for righteousness as intensely as I hunger for physical food/drink?
How can I pursue righteousness in my daily life?
5. "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."
Virtue: "Merciful" means showing compassion, forgiveness, and active kindness to others, especially those in need or who have wronged us.
Promise: "They will be shown mercy." We receive the same measure of mercy we extend to others.
Counter-Cultural: The world often promotes retaliation or holding grudges. Jesus calls for radical mercy.
Application:
Am I quick to forgive?
Do I show compassion to others, even those who are difficult?
How can I be an instrument of God's mercy in my relationships?
6. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."
Virtue: "Pure in heart" refers to sincerity, integrity, and undivided devotion to God. It's about having clean motives and a singular focus on pleasing Him, rather than outward appearances or hypocrisy.
Promise: "They will see God." This implies a deeper intimacy with God in this life and ultimately experiencing His presence in eternity.
Counter-Cultural: The world often values outward performance or image. Jesus emphasizes the inward state of the heart.
Application:
Are my motives pure before God?
Do I seek to please Him above all else?
What areas of my heart need cleansing or greater alignment with God's will?
7. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."
Virtue: "Peacemakers" are not just those who avoid conflict, but those who actively work to reconcile relationships, bring harmony, and share the gospel of peace.
Promise: "They will be called children of God." This signifies their family resemblance to God, who is the ultimate peacemaker.
Counter-Cultural: The world often fosters division and conflict. Jesus calls us to actively pursue peace.
Application:
Do I contribute to peace or conflict in my relationships?
How can I be an active peacemaker in my family, community, or even globally?
8. "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Virtue: This speaks of enduring suffering, insults, and false accusations for the sake of Christ and righteousness. It acknowledges that living according to God's values will often bring opposition from the world.
Promise: "Theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (again, signifying present and future possession), and "great is your reward in heaven."
Counter-Cultural: The world avoids suffering at all costs. Jesus says there's blessing and reward in enduring it for His name.
Application:
Am I prepared to face opposition for my faith?
How do I respond when I am criticised or misunderstood for following Christ?
How can I "rejoice and be glad" even in the face of persecution?
III. Concluding Thoughts and Discussion:
Holistic Picture: The Beatitudes are not isolated virtues but form a cohesive picture of a Christ-like character. How do they relate to and build upon each other?
Transformation: Do these Beatitudes describe who you are currently, or who you aspire to be? What steps can you take to grow in these areas?
The "Upside-Down" Kingdom: How do the Beatitudes challenge our common assumptions about happiness, success, and what truly matters in life?
God's Grace:
Can we achieve these qualities on our own?
How does God's grace empower us to live out the Beatitudes?
See Video from Bible Project on The Beatitudes to the Sermon On The Mount:
