WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:01.960 I'd like to start off with a question. 00:00:02.800 --> 00:00:08.859 So if someone asked you to define what it means to be a Christian, what would you say? 00:00:10.540 --> 00:00:18.699 Maybe you'd think of some Bible verses about having faith in Jesus Christ and believing that he died on the cross to forgive sins. 00:00:19.679 --> 00:00:22.879 Maybe you'd think about repenting and believing in Jesus. 00:00:22.879 --> 00:00:35.939 Or maybe you'd speak about someone going to church because they want to know God more and show them, show him their devotion to him and their love for other people. 00:00:37.359 --> 00:00:44.799 But I wonder how many of us would talk firstly about some of our actions and some of our attitudes. 00:00:44.799 --> 00:00:53.739 Tonight we're going to be looking at the Beatitudes and what we see in them is God's blueprint for the Christian life. 00:00:54.519 --> 00:00:57.399 God's blueprint for the Christian life. 00:00:58.219 --> 00:01:06.679 So if you're here this evening and you are a Christian, then these things should be the attitudes and actions that characterize who you are. 00:01:07.939 --> 00:01:11.959 Now this passage is very well known and we'll read it in a moment as we go through. 00:01:11.959 --> 00:01:17.839 But familiarity should not stop us from reading it and being amazed. 00:01:18.459 --> 00:01:25.639 Absolutely blown away by the greatness of God who freely grants these wonderful blessings to his people. 00:01:27.559 --> 00:01:31.879 But we must understand that this is not a list of good works that will get us into heaven. 00:01:33.179 --> 00:01:41.359 This is not a list of things that we can do to earn salvation, but this is a list of characteristics for the Christian. 00:01:41.959 --> 00:01:46.019 If we are followers of Jesus, this is how we should be living. 00:01:47.719 --> 00:01:50.679 Martin Luther said this about the Sermon on the Mount. 00:01:51.579 --> 00:01:55.839 Christ is saying nothing in this sermon about how we become Christians, 00:01:56.019 --> 00:02:04.199 but only about the works and fruits that no one can do unless he is already a Christian and in a state of grace. 00:02:04.200 --> 00:02:10.140 I, for one, this week found this passage very challenging. 00:02:10.860 --> 00:02:16.360 And the question I've been asking myself is, am I really living this lifestyle for the glory of Christ? 00:02:18.439 --> 00:02:24.680 You'll see in your Bibles that verses 3 to 11 all start with that same word, blessed. 00:02:24.680 --> 00:02:29.980 Blessed. Now, blessed is an interesting word that has been changed by our world, hasn't it? 00:02:31.480 --> 00:02:36.480 Blessed. People use the word blessed today when they feel exceptionally prosperous. 00:02:38.300 --> 00:02:41.700 When they're experiencing happiness or joy. 00:02:42.439 --> 00:02:47.960 People say they're blessed when they get married, when they have a child, when they get a promotion, when they get a new job. 00:02:47.960 --> 00:02:51.560 But all of these things are finite. 00:02:52.800 --> 00:02:56.219 All of them are temporary like everything else in this world. 00:02:57.300 --> 00:03:01.680 That understanding of blessed is man-made and it is man-focused. 00:03:04.860 --> 00:03:08.480 Blessed means to be in God's favor. 00:03:09.340 --> 00:03:13.219 And the word here in the Beatitudes is actually maybe better translated as happy. 00:03:13.219 --> 00:03:19.879 But this happiness is not a temporary feeling that is there one second and gone the next. 00:03:20.580 --> 00:03:25.520 This happiness is the unchangeable state that a Christian has before God. 00:03:25.620 --> 00:03:26.860 He has favor. 00:03:27.419 --> 00:03:29.080 They have favor in his sight. 00:03:30.159 --> 00:03:32.879 And this is important to know as we look at the Beatitudes. 00:03:33.360 --> 00:03:36.240 Because this happiness or status as Christian. 00:03:36.759 --> 00:03:40.719 And the Beatitudes are God's pattern for happiness. 00:03:40.719 --> 00:03:43.919 As the slide says behind me. 00:03:44.719 --> 00:03:48.240 This is God's blueprint for the Christian life. 00:03:48.240 --> 00:03:54.540 The only way that we can do these eight things listed in this passage. 00:03:54.980 --> 00:03:58.120 Is if we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. 00:03:58.460 --> 00:04:00.360 Helping us to live obediently. 00:04:00.420 --> 00:04:05.040 Otherwise, we are simply living moral lives. 00:04:05.560 --> 00:04:11.939 And we're sellotaping fake fruit to the dead trees that are living contrary to God. 00:04:11.939 --> 00:04:17.759 The only way we can live the Beatitudes is by the power of God in us. 00:04:17.879 --> 00:04:22.459 Who has taken us from being dead in our sins to being alive in Christ. 00:04:24.139 --> 00:04:27.839 So I think generally the Beatitudes can split into three sections. 00:04:28.800 --> 00:04:32.759 Verses 3 to 6 are a Christian's attitude or response to God. 00:04:32.879 --> 00:04:35.939 That flow out of our relationship with Jesus. 00:04:35.939 --> 00:04:41.519 Verses 7 to 9 are a Christian's attitude or response to other people. 00:04:42.959 --> 00:04:45.860 That flow out of our relationship with Jesus. 00:04:46.040 --> 00:04:50.019 And verses 10 to 12 are people's response to Christians. 00:04:50.360 --> 00:04:53.519 That flow out of our relationship with Jesus. 00:04:54.220 --> 00:04:57.279 So let's walk through these verses and we'll read them as we go. 00:04:57.399 --> 00:05:00.680 And be blown away by the privilege that it is to be a Christian. 00:05:00.680 --> 00:05:07.620 The privilege of being given that status of blessed or eternally happy in Christ. 00:05:08.780 --> 00:05:13.560 And if you're not a Christian this evening, think about these things. 00:05:14.180 --> 00:05:19.139 Think about these promises that are being worked out in the life of every Christian. 00:05:20.139 --> 00:05:22.360 And the promises of future reward. 00:05:22.439 --> 00:05:25.240 And consider where you stand before a holy God this evening. 00:05:26.840 --> 00:05:28.480 So verse 3 says, 00:05:28.480 --> 00:05:32.800 Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 00:05:33.620 --> 00:05:36.580 Now there is no coincidence that this is the first Beatitude. 00:05:36.759 --> 00:05:41.600 Because this is the starting point from which every other Beatitude flows. 00:05:43.020 --> 00:05:46.819 This is the starting point for every person when they become a Christian. 00:05:47.520 --> 00:05:48.060 Why? 00:05:49.020 --> 00:05:54.040 Well because only when we are poor in spirit do we cry out to God for help. 00:05:54.040 --> 00:05:58.720 Now this isn't talking about financial poverty. 00:05:59.340 --> 00:06:02.939 Jesus isn't saying that all of his disciples and followers must be poor. 00:06:04.060 --> 00:06:06.879 But think about the consequences of being poor. 00:06:07.900 --> 00:06:11.420 In the time that this was written it would have meant a life of begging. 00:06:11.860 --> 00:06:14.660 And being dependent on others to provide for you. 00:06:17.280 --> 00:06:19.800 Is that what Jesus is calling Christians to? 00:06:20.820 --> 00:06:22.220 Well in a sense yes. 00:06:22.220 --> 00:06:29.420 When you hear the call of Jesus on your life from Matthew chapter 4 verse 17 where it says, 00:06:29.580 --> 00:06:32.020 Repent for the kingdom of God has come near. 00:06:32.240 --> 00:06:38.160 It leads you to the point where you realize that you as a person are sinful. 00:06:39.360 --> 00:06:39.880 Broken. 00:06:40.820 --> 00:06:41.260 Corrupt. 00:06:42.860 --> 00:06:47.060 And that you can do absolutely nothing to earn your salvation. 00:06:47.060 --> 00:06:55.259 It is at that point when people are poor in spirit and then they are spiritually bankrupt before God. 00:06:56.579 --> 00:07:00.079 And it is at that point that we realize that we can do nothing. 00:07:00.740 --> 00:07:03.579 And we come before God and confess our insufficiency. 00:07:03.579 --> 00:07:08.779 But we don't leave the place spiritually bankrupt. 00:07:09.740 --> 00:07:14.000 Those who have come to the end of themselves recognize their own sinfulness. 00:07:14.839 --> 00:07:16.939 They turn to God and repent. 00:07:17.060 --> 00:07:17.939 And what do they find? 00:07:18.819 --> 00:07:19.919 Everlasting happiness. 00:07:20.099 --> 00:07:22.120 Because as the end of verse 3 says, 00:07:22.620 --> 00:07:24.939 Theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 00:07:24.939 --> 00:07:29.540 What state is your soul in this evening? 00:07:31.939 --> 00:07:35.180 Have you become proud that you're a Christian? 00:07:36.199 --> 00:07:39.500 Have we started to become numb to our own sinfulness? 00:07:40.860 --> 00:07:47.240 Or are we still in that place of spiritual bankruptcy and we rely wholeheartedly on God to save us? 00:07:47.240 --> 00:07:53.199 Being poor in spirit is not just the starting place of every Christian. 00:07:53.519 --> 00:07:57.879 But it should be the identity that characterizes our entire life. 00:07:59.019 --> 00:08:03.139 Because we should never think that we contribute anything to being saved. 00:08:04.400 --> 00:08:08.699 But our lives should be marked by absolute dependence on God. 00:08:08.699 --> 00:08:10.100 As the old hymn says, 00:08:10.600 --> 00:08:14.840 Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to thy cross I cling. 00:08:14.839 --> 00:08:17.599 Naked come to thee for dress. 00:08:18.000 --> 00:08:20.839 Helpless look to thee for grace. 00:08:21.039 --> 00:08:24.379 Foul I to the fountain fly. 00:08:24.799 --> 00:08:26.919 Wash me, Savior, or I die. 00:08:28.699 --> 00:08:31.359 That is the cry of someone who is poor in spirit. 00:08:32.120 --> 00:08:34.519 And theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 00:08:36.199 --> 00:08:37.559 The next beatitude. 00:08:37.699 --> 00:08:41.419 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 00:08:42.419 --> 00:08:44.159 Do you see how logical this is? 00:08:44.840 --> 00:08:48.460 What do you expect people to do when they realize their weakness, 00:08:48.720 --> 00:08:50.440 their inability to save themselves? 00:08:50.600 --> 00:08:52.120 Clap and sing for joy? 00:08:52.840 --> 00:08:54.440 Jump up and down for excitement? 00:08:55.100 --> 00:08:55.460 No. 00:08:55.899 --> 00:08:57.660 We expect them to mourn. 00:08:59.560 --> 00:09:02.220 Now when people mourn, they want to be comforted, don't they? 00:09:03.259 --> 00:09:06.139 When a loved one dies, all you want is a hug 00:09:06.139 --> 00:09:08.940 and someone to tell you that everything is going to be okay. 00:09:08.940 --> 00:09:12.840 When the doctor's given you that bad news, 00:09:12.920 --> 00:09:14.600 you want to be comforted. 00:09:15.600 --> 00:09:18.840 When you've had your whole world taken away from you, 00:09:19.120 --> 00:09:20.440 you want comfort. 00:09:20.440 --> 00:09:28.360 And the wonderful news about verse 4 is that not only is this a good kind of mourning, 00:09:29.160 --> 00:09:32.340 but that the comfort that we receive is not temporary, 00:09:32.900 --> 00:09:34.260 but it is everlasting. 00:09:34.259 --> 00:09:39.840 The reason for the mourning is because of what we've just seen in verse 3. 00:09:40.779 --> 00:09:43.840 The Christian mourns over their sinfulness. 00:09:45.100 --> 00:09:48.120 We lament over our broken and rebellious hearts. 00:09:48.240 --> 00:09:53.819 We should be sorrowful and we should weep at the sin in our life before a holy God, 00:09:54.039 --> 00:09:55.720 but we are not left hopeless. 00:09:55.720 --> 00:10:05.180 Because God comforts his people and that word doesn't quite grasp the immensity of the comfort that we receive. 00:10:06.600 --> 00:10:11.420 Jesus doesn't just come alongside and pat us on the back and give us a pep talk. 00:10:12.879 --> 00:10:17.360 He doesn't look at our pain from a distance and act like a comforting cheerleader. 00:10:18.680 --> 00:10:23.000 But Jesus gets on his hands and knees in the misery that we feel. 00:10:23.000 --> 00:10:27.639 And he weeps with us because of our sin, 00:10:27.799 --> 00:10:32.899 but he takes the burden on himself and he gifts us his righteousness. 00:10:35.120 --> 00:10:38.539 As Christians, we are comforted because our sin, 00:10:39.080 --> 00:10:41.279 the thing that made us rebel against God, 00:10:41.360 --> 00:10:44.679 has been deemed powerless by Christ on the cross. 00:10:45.980 --> 00:10:50.120 That is the comfort that will never, ever grow faint. 00:10:50.120 --> 00:10:56.060 A truth that will never grow old and an inheritance that will never perish. 00:10:58.120 --> 00:11:03.940 Our comfort is everlasting because our comforter, our savior is everlasting. 00:11:06.139 --> 00:11:07.500 Verse 5. 00:11:08.299 --> 00:11:11.299 Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth. 00:11:12.240 --> 00:11:16.580 Now meekness is not weakness, but it is power under control. 00:11:16.580 --> 00:11:20.540 The word for meek could be translated as gentle. 00:11:21.560 --> 00:11:25.060 That doesn't mean that Christians are to be, as we say in Scotland, a softy. 00:11:26.460 --> 00:11:28.920 Or that we are to be a doormat for the world. 00:11:30.080 --> 00:11:33.000 But it means that as Christians, we should be humble 00:11:33.000 --> 00:11:40.240 and fully submit to serve God, to his will for our lives. 00:11:40.240 --> 00:11:46.240 It means that we humbly serve and have courage and conviction 00:11:46.240 --> 00:11:48.980 as we live our lives obediently for Christ. 00:11:50.700 --> 00:11:55.100 The world tells us that we can do anything, whatever we want. 00:11:55.799 --> 00:11:57.480 That you need to look after number one. 00:11:58.259 --> 00:12:00.399 That you're the only one that really matters. 00:12:02.000 --> 00:12:04.860 And sure, living that way might make you feel good. 00:12:05.399 --> 00:12:08.120 It might grant you some success in this life. 00:12:08.120 --> 00:12:13.179 But what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and yet forfeit his soul? 00:12:15.820 --> 00:12:19.679 Those who humbly, submissively and meekly serve God 00:12:19.679 --> 00:12:23.679 with every single area of their lives will inherit the earth. 00:12:25.159 --> 00:12:28.320 Now sadly, I don't have time to go into everything that that means, 00:12:28.440 --> 00:12:30.379 but I'd encourage you later on to go home 00:12:30.379 --> 00:12:33.899 and read Genesis chapter 12 verses 1 to 3 00:12:33.899 --> 00:12:37.959 and Genesis 13 verses 14 to 17. 00:12:38.659 --> 00:12:44.860 Because verse 5 of Matthew 5 is a fulfillment of the Old Testament covenant promises 00:12:44.860 --> 00:12:51.120 where God's people will live in God's place under God's rule. 00:12:52.079 --> 00:12:56.240 And we know that glorious future to be the new creation that we see 00:12:56.240 --> 00:12:58.819 in Revelation chapter 21 and 22. 00:12:58.820 --> 00:13:06.440 Blessed are those who hunger and who thirst for righteousness, 00:13:06.800 --> 00:13:08.560 for they will be filled. 00:13:10.180 --> 00:13:16.300 So if you're a Christian, then your deep desire should be to become more and more like Jesus Christ 00:13:16.300 --> 00:13:18.800 every single day and by God's grace, 00:13:19.320 --> 00:13:22.340 through the power of the Holy Spirit living within us, that happens. 00:13:22.340 --> 00:13:27.759 It is a process that is lifelong. 00:13:28.780 --> 00:13:31.399 But we are not to be passive in this process. 00:13:31.960 --> 00:13:35.040 We are to hunger and thirst for righteousness. 00:13:35.759 --> 00:13:38.360 So this is not a casual sense of wanting, 00:13:38.800 --> 00:13:40.759 maybe like you feel now as you're thinking, 00:13:41.000 --> 00:13:43.320 when I get home, I want a curry or I want a pizza. 00:13:44.759 --> 00:13:49.240 But this is a deep set sense of hunger and thirst. 00:13:49.240 --> 00:13:52.779 Imagine you've just hiked up a mountain on a hot day 00:13:52.779 --> 00:13:57.480 and you cannot wait to pick up that water bottle or that plate of food. 00:13:59.120 --> 00:14:00.620 But when that happens, 00:14:00.860 --> 00:14:05.200 you're not going to look at those things and go towards them calmly, are you? 00:14:05.940 --> 00:14:08.580 That water bottle will be empty in seconds 00:14:08.580 --> 00:14:11.980 and woe to anyone who tries to touch that plate of food. 00:14:12.820 --> 00:14:16.519 Your body has a deep longing and need for nourishment 00:14:16.519 --> 00:14:19.220 and you'll do anything to get it. 00:14:20.419 --> 00:14:23.059 And that is the attitude that Christians should have 00:14:23.059 --> 00:14:25.919 when it comes to our desire to be holy, 00:14:26.279 --> 00:14:29.720 to have more and more of God's righteousness. 00:14:31.120 --> 00:14:33.659 And the wonderful news is that we've been given it. 00:14:34.720 --> 00:14:39.220 As Christians, we have been declared righteous when we came to Christ. 00:14:39.220 --> 00:14:43.560 Jesus took our sinfulness and gave us his righteousness. 00:14:45.060 --> 00:14:48.340 And so as we continue in that deep hunger and thirst 00:14:48.340 --> 00:14:52.040 for more and more of that holiness and righteousness in our lives, 00:14:52.920 --> 00:14:54.620 Jesus says at the end of verse six, 00:14:55.040 --> 00:14:57.360 you will be satisfied. 00:14:57.360 --> 00:15:03.120 So that's the first little section. 00:15:03.259 --> 00:15:05.320 And in verses seven to nine, 00:15:06.080 --> 00:15:09.879 Jesus speaks about three attitudes or responses to other people 00:15:09.879 --> 00:15:12.820 that should result from our relationship with him. 00:15:13.500 --> 00:15:14.539 Look at verse seven. 00:15:15.539 --> 00:15:19.500 Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy. 00:15:20.860 --> 00:15:23.980 Now as Christians, we have been shown the ultimate mercy 00:15:23.980 --> 00:15:27.980 because God will not give the Christians the punishment 00:15:27.980 --> 00:15:31.560 that we deserve for a life of rebellion and rejection of God. 00:15:32.539 --> 00:15:35.759 All of those who put their trust in Jesus have been forgiven 00:15:35.759 --> 00:15:39.120 and that mercy is evident because he bore, 00:15:39.519 --> 00:15:41.539 Jesus bore God's wrath and judgment, 00:15:41.720 --> 00:15:43.580 meaning that we can be free to serve him. 00:15:45.279 --> 00:15:46.360 And therefore, 00:15:47.639 --> 00:15:50.879 because we have been shown the greatest mercy 00:15:50.879 --> 00:15:53.899 that ever has been known and ever will be known in this, 00:15:53.980 --> 00:15:54.259 world, 00:15:54.600 --> 00:15:56.399 we too are called to be merciful. 00:15:58.340 --> 00:16:01.940 Jesus is calling us to have compassion on other people, 00:16:02.279 --> 00:16:05.519 but he doesn't give us particular situations 00:16:05.519 --> 00:16:06.879 that we're to be merciful in 00:16:06.879 --> 00:16:10.220 or particular people groups that we're to be merciful to 00:16:10.220 --> 00:16:13.580 because we are to be merciful to all people 00:16:13.580 --> 00:16:15.240 in all circumstances. 00:16:18.259 --> 00:16:20.980 Think to the well-known parable of the good Samaritan, 00:16:20.980 --> 00:16:25.820 the Samaritan who cared for the beaten and injured Israelite, 00:16:25.879 --> 00:16:28.279 even though in the world's standards, 00:16:28.399 --> 00:16:29.879 they were complete enemies. 00:16:31.680 --> 00:16:34.759 He is the one who is shown to be merciful. 00:16:35.300 --> 00:16:39.379 He is the one that we should be like. 00:16:39.519 --> 00:16:40.519 We should be merciful. 00:16:41.600 --> 00:16:44.680 And we recognize that we are recipients of God's mercy. 00:16:44.679 --> 00:16:45.159 Therefore, 00:16:45.159 --> 00:16:45.199 therefore, 00:16:45.399 --> 00:16:49.000 we should be merciful and we will be shown mercy. 00:16:50.099 --> 00:16:53.099 This doesn't mean that we can earn our salvation, 00:16:54.099 --> 00:16:57.879 but it means that as we live out our Christian life 00:16:57.879 --> 00:17:00.500 before the eyes of a watching world, 00:17:00.959 --> 00:17:03.199 as we are merciful to people, 00:17:03.319 --> 00:17:04.619 God will be merciful to us 00:17:04.619 --> 00:17:06.700 and show us the ultimate mercy 00:17:06.700 --> 00:17:09.500 and take us to be in his presence for an eternity. 00:17:09.500 --> 00:17:13.700 Blessed are those, 00:17:14.859 --> 00:17:16.640 blessed are the pure in heart, 00:17:16.759 --> 00:17:19.259 for they will see God. 00:17:20.319 --> 00:17:22.759 Or a fun little paraphrase, 00:17:23.099 --> 00:17:24.180 happy are the holy. 00:17:26.400 --> 00:17:28.259 This means that as Christians, 00:17:28.440 --> 00:17:29.099 our heart, 00:17:29.519 --> 00:17:30.380 our whole being, 00:17:30.500 --> 00:17:31.099 our mind, 00:17:31.259 --> 00:17:31.779 our will, 00:17:31.900 --> 00:17:32.599 our emotions 00:17:32.599 --> 00:17:35.000 should be pursuing holiness 00:17:35.000 --> 00:17:37.140 and purity 00:17:37.140 --> 00:17:39.480 in every single area of our lives. 00:17:41.259 --> 00:17:43.220 The desire of our heart, 00:17:43.299 --> 00:17:44.160 of our life, 00:17:44.500 --> 00:17:46.799 should be to obediently serve God 00:17:46.799 --> 00:17:48.819 in the way he has called us to 00:17:48.819 --> 00:17:50.500 and in full view of the world. 00:17:51.000 --> 00:17:52.059 We are not to hide. 00:17:53.099 --> 00:17:54.599 The inward holiness 00:17:54.599 --> 00:17:56.380 that we have been given by Jesus 00:17:56.380 --> 00:17:58.460 should be exemplified 00:17:58.460 --> 00:17:59.859 by an outward holiness 00:17:59.859 --> 00:18:02.079 that is on display for the world to see. 00:18:02.079 --> 00:18:05.839 And if we live according to the Bible, 00:18:06.119 --> 00:18:07.779 that will happen naturally. 00:18:09.119 --> 00:18:11.339 People will realize that we are different. 00:18:12.359 --> 00:18:13.279 Our friends, 00:18:13.439 --> 00:18:14.220 our families, 00:18:14.759 --> 00:18:15.639 our colleagues, 00:18:15.819 --> 00:18:16.519 our employers 00:18:16.519 --> 00:18:17.819 and our employees 00:18:17.819 --> 00:18:20.139 should all be able to tell 00:18:20.139 --> 00:18:21.759 that we are followers of Jesus 00:18:21.759 --> 00:18:24.519 because we are pure in heart 00:18:24.519 --> 00:18:27.639 and because we tell people 00:18:27.639 --> 00:18:28.720 why we're different. 00:18:30.399 --> 00:18:31.799 If that is the case, 00:18:32.079 --> 00:18:35.139 then the wonderful promise is 00:18:35.139 --> 00:18:37.519 that we will see God. 00:18:39.079 --> 00:18:40.919 Meaning that as Jesus returns 00:18:40.919 --> 00:18:42.259 and every eye sees him, 00:18:42.519 --> 00:18:43.879 we will go to be with him 00:18:43.879 --> 00:18:44.819 for an eternity. 00:18:46.659 --> 00:18:49.000 Revelation 22 verse 4 says, 00:18:49.119 --> 00:18:51.699 we will see God. 00:18:54.439 --> 00:18:55.480 Verse 9, 00:18:56.119 --> 00:18:58.240 blessed are the peacemakers 00:18:58.240 --> 00:19:00.240 for they will be called 00:19:00.240 --> 00:19:02.200 children of God. 00:19:03.799 --> 00:19:05.059 We live in a world 00:19:05.059 --> 00:19:07.259 that is constantly fighting. 00:19:08.680 --> 00:19:10.099 The message is climb 00:19:10.099 --> 00:19:11.140 and promote yourself 00:19:11.140 --> 00:19:12.640 above everybody else. 00:19:12.799 --> 00:19:14.059 Don't care about other people. 00:19:15.519 --> 00:19:17.160 Politicians make fun of each other 00:19:17.160 --> 00:19:19.079 and they argue on live television 00:19:19.079 --> 00:19:21.079 for the whole nation and world 00:19:21.079 --> 00:19:22.220 to laugh at them. 00:19:24.019 --> 00:19:25.880 Work colleagues stab each other 00:19:25.880 --> 00:19:26.440 in the back 00:19:26.440 --> 00:19:27.060 to look good 00:19:27.060 --> 00:19:28.040 in front of the boss. 00:19:29.040 --> 00:19:30.020 Family members 00:19:30.020 --> 00:19:32.320 quarrel over meaningless things. 00:19:34.320 --> 00:19:36.000 And it is into that setting 00:19:36.000 --> 00:19:37.980 that Jesus calls his followers 00:19:37.980 --> 00:19:39.060 to be peacemakers. 00:19:40.520 --> 00:19:41.800 Peacemakers in the community 00:19:41.800 --> 00:19:43.300 and in the church. 00:19:43.299 --> 00:19:46.839 We should be peacemakers 00:19:46.839 --> 00:19:47.859 because Jesus 00:19:47.859 --> 00:19:49.799 is the ultimate peacemaker. 00:19:50.899 --> 00:19:53.500 Colossians 1 verses 19 to 20 00:19:53.500 --> 00:19:54.339 says this, 00:19:55.099 --> 00:19:55.879 through him 00:19:55.879 --> 00:19:57.779 to reconcile, 00:19:58.000 --> 00:19:59.299 so this is God speaking 00:19:59.299 --> 00:20:00.139 about saving 00:20:00.139 --> 00:20:01.539 his people, 00:20:01.740 --> 00:20:02.339 through him 00:20:02.339 --> 00:20:03.339 to reconcile 00:20:03.339 --> 00:20:04.019 to himself 00:20:04.019 --> 00:20:04.919 all things 00:20:04.919 --> 00:20:06.460 whether things on earth 00:20:06.460 --> 00:20:07.399 or things in heaven. 00:20:07.779 --> 00:20:08.059 How? 00:20:08.440 --> 00:20:09.960 By making peace 00:20:09.960 --> 00:20:11.700 through his blood 00:20:11.700 --> 00:20:13.200 shed on the cross. 00:20:13.299 --> 00:20:16.180 We make peace 00:20:16.180 --> 00:20:17.299 because Jesus 00:20:17.299 --> 00:20:18.559 made the ultimate peace 00:20:18.559 --> 00:20:19.859 between us and God. 00:20:22.259 --> 00:20:23.759 When was the last time 00:20:23.759 --> 00:20:24.759 you were a peacemaker? 00:20:27.299 --> 00:20:28.659 When was the last time 00:20:28.659 --> 00:20:29.839 you promoted peace? 00:20:32.559 --> 00:20:34.079 This should characterize 00:20:34.079 --> 00:20:35.639 our everyday lives, 00:20:36.039 --> 00:20:37.940 how we respond at work, 00:20:38.419 --> 00:20:40.319 how we respond to criticism, 00:20:40.500 --> 00:20:41.200 to slander, 00:20:41.200 --> 00:20:43.140 and how we interact 00:20:43.140 --> 00:20:44.460 with people online 00:20:44.460 --> 00:20:45.860 and on social media. 00:20:46.580 --> 00:20:48.299 Are we peacemakers? 00:20:50.460 --> 00:20:51.340 Now again, 00:20:51.440 --> 00:20:52.279 being a peacemaker 00:20:52.279 --> 00:20:53.039 doesn't mean 00:20:53.039 --> 00:20:53.660 that we become 00:20:53.660 --> 00:20:54.819 people's doormats 00:20:54.819 --> 00:20:57.319 or that we sit back 00:20:57.319 --> 00:20:58.880 and let anything happen 00:20:58.880 --> 00:20:59.860 simply because 00:20:59.860 --> 00:21:01.039 we want to keep the peace. 00:21:01.039 --> 00:21:04.000 we are still to be 00:21:04.000 --> 00:21:04.799 pure in heart 00:21:04.799 --> 00:21:06.279 and live holy lives. 00:21:06.740 --> 00:21:07.759 So when we see 00:21:07.759 --> 00:21:08.819 that things are wrong, 00:21:09.720 --> 00:21:11.279 when we see people 00:21:11.279 --> 00:21:12.680 are teaching wrong things 00:21:12.680 --> 00:21:13.279 about God 00:21:13.279 --> 00:21:13.859 or promoting 00:21:13.859 --> 00:21:14.839 a false gospel, 00:21:15.059 --> 00:21:16.980 we need to speak up. 00:21:18.259 --> 00:21:19.500 But the attitude 00:21:19.500 --> 00:21:21.460 that should characterize 00:21:21.460 --> 00:21:22.039 everything 00:21:22.700 --> 00:21:23.319 and govern 00:21:23.319 --> 00:21:24.779 everything that we do, 00:21:25.119 --> 00:21:26.740 even when we confront people, 00:21:27.259 --> 00:21:28.159 should be peace. 00:21:28.160 --> 00:21:30.840 we should be confronting 00:21:30.840 --> 00:21:33.080 to reconcile people. 00:21:34.779 --> 00:21:35.620 So those are three 00:21:35.620 --> 00:21:37.080 attitudes or responses 00:21:37.080 --> 00:21:38.700 that all Christians 00:21:38.700 --> 00:21:39.400 should have 00:21:39.400 --> 00:21:41.160 to other people 00:21:41.160 --> 00:21:42.220 that result 00:21:42.220 --> 00:21:43.440 from our relationship 00:21:43.440 --> 00:21:45.000 with Jesus. 00:21:46.700 --> 00:21:47.560 And Jesus now 00:21:47.560 --> 00:21:48.800 moves on to speak 00:21:48.800 --> 00:21:51.980 about people's response 00:21:51.980 --> 00:21:52.860 to Christians 00:21:52.860 --> 00:21:54.800 because of their relationship 00:21:54.799 --> 00:21:55.960 with Jesus 00:21:55.960 --> 00:21:58.319 in verses 10 to 12. 00:21:59.619 --> 00:22:00.919 Blessed are those 00:22:00.919 --> 00:22:01.980 who are persecuted 00:22:01.980 --> 00:22:03.319 because of righteousness 00:22:03.319 --> 00:22:04.159 for theirs 00:22:04.159 --> 00:22:05.720 is the kingdom of heaven. 00:22:06.919 --> 00:22:07.899 Blessed are you 00:22:07.899 --> 00:22:09.419 when people insult you, 00:22:10.180 --> 00:22:10.899 persecute you 00:22:10.899 --> 00:22:11.899 and falsely say 00:22:11.899 --> 00:22:13.079 all kinds of evil 00:22:13.079 --> 00:22:13.720 against you 00:22:13.720 --> 00:22:14.919 because of me. 00:22:16.220 --> 00:22:17.740 Rejoice and be glad 00:22:17.740 --> 00:22:18.639 because great 00:22:18.639 --> 00:22:19.779 is your reward 00:22:19.779 --> 00:22:20.339 in heaven 00:22:20.339 --> 00:22:22.099 for in the same way 00:22:22.099 --> 00:22:22.940 they persecuted 00:22:22.940 --> 00:22:23.619 the prophets 00:22:23.619 --> 00:22:24.740 who were before you. 00:22:24.799 --> 00:22:27.779 Now this is all 00:22:27.779 --> 00:22:29.059 one beatitude 00:22:29.059 --> 00:22:30.500 not two separate ones 00:22:30.500 --> 00:22:32.659 and we might think 00:22:32.659 --> 00:22:33.200 that there's two 00:22:33.200 --> 00:22:34.740 because the word blessed 00:22:34.740 --> 00:22:35.639 is in there twice 00:22:35.639 --> 00:22:37.539 but it is just one thing 00:22:37.539 --> 00:22:38.419 and they are speaking 00:22:38.419 --> 00:22:39.960 about suffering 00:22:39.960 --> 00:22:41.399 for Jesus. 00:22:43.599 --> 00:22:44.879 Jesus is saying 00:22:44.879 --> 00:22:46.079 that all of his followers 00:22:46.079 --> 00:22:47.740 if they live 00:22:47.740 --> 00:22:49.180 according to his teaching 00:22:49.180 --> 00:22:51.000 and if they act 00:22:51.000 --> 00:22:51.700 in a holy 00:22:51.700 --> 00:22:52.859 and righteous way 00:22:52.859 --> 00:22:53.500 if they live 00:22:53.500 --> 00:22:54.500 according to everything 00:22:54.500 --> 00:22:55.339 we've been thinking 00:22:55.339 --> 00:22:56.240 about this evening 00:22:56.240 --> 00:22:58.539 then they will be persecuted. 00:22:59.079 --> 00:23:00.380 They will be opposed. 00:23:02.700 --> 00:23:04.119 We will be persecuted 00:23:04.119 --> 00:23:05.519 because we're different 00:23:05.519 --> 00:23:06.279 from the world. 00:23:07.619 --> 00:23:09.279 We believe in truth. 00:23:09.420 --> 00:23:10.619 We live in the light. 00:23:10.619 --> 00:23:13.619 but the world 00:23:13.619 --> 00:23:14.399 is in darkness 00:23:14.399 --> 00:23:16.239 and is deceived 00:23:16.239 --> 00:23:17.459 and lives the lie 00:23:17.459 --> 00:23:18.559 that there is no God. 00:23:20.759 --> 00:23:21.279 Therefore 00:23:21.279 --> 00:23:23.019 anyone who stands firm 00:23:23.019 --> 00:23:23.839 and stands up 00:23:23.839 --> 00:23:24.500 for their faith 00:23:24.500 --> 00:23:25.779 will be persecuted. 00:23:27.679 --> 00:23:28.639 And so when 00:23:28.639 --> 00:23:29.679 we are persecuted 00:23:29.679 --> 00:23:30.939 insulted 00:23:30.939 --> 00:23:31.879 ridiculed 00:23:31.879 --> 00:23:32.579 mocked 00:23:32.579 --> 00:23:34.139 we can rejoice 00:23:34.140 --> 00:23:35.800 and be glad 00:23:35.800 --> 00:23:36.880 because we know 00:23:36.880 --> 00:23:38.620 that God is watching 00:23:38.620 --> 00:23:40.900 and that one day 00:23:40.900 --> 00:23:44.280 every single wrong 00:23:44.280 --> 00:23:45.380 will be made right 00:23:45.380 --> 00:23:46.480 and we will have 00:23:46.480 --> 00:23:47.740 our reward in heaven. 00:23:49.420 --> 00:23:50.880 So this whole world 00:23:50.880 --> 00:23:52.080 might seem to be 00:23:52.080 --> 00:23:53.840 crushing around us 00:23:53.840 --> 00:23:55.140 and Christianity 00:23:55.140 --> 00:23:56.220 might seem to be 00:23:56.220 --> 00:23:57.840 pushed to the fringes 00:23:57.839 --> 00:23:59.419 but we know 00:23:59.419 --> 00:24:00.619 that there will be 00:24:00.619 --> 00:24:01.019 a day 00:24:01.019 --> 00:24:02.379 when Jesus 00:24:02.379 --> 00:24:03.059 will return 00:24:03.059 --> 00:24:04.079 and every eye 00:24:04.079 --> 00:24:04.819 will see him 00:24:04.819 --> 00:24:05.599 and praise him 00:24:05.599 --> 00:24:06.500 for who he is. 00:24:07.199 --> 00:24:08.659 Holy, holy, holy 00:24:08.659 --> 00:24:10.000 is the Lord God 00:24:10.000 --> 00:24:10.859 almighty. 00:24:14.139 --> 00:24:15.379 So let me ask us 00:24:15.379 --> 00:24:16.399 a very challenging 00:24:16.399 --> 00:24:17.519 question this evening 00:24:17.519 --> 00:24:19.559 as a whole church 00:24:19.559 --> 00:24:21.720 but also as individuals. 00:24:23.359 --> 00:24:25.240 Are we being persecuted? 00:24:25.240 --> 00:24:28.240 Are we being opposed? 00:24:30.480 --> 00:24:31.440 Our tendency 00:24:31.440 --> 00:24:32.460 is to think 00:24:32.460 --> 00:24:33.299 that if we aren't 00:24:33.299 --> 00:24:34.120 being persecuted 00:24:34.120 --> 00:24:35.299 or facing opposition 00:24:35.299 --> 00:24:36.519 then we're doing 00:24:36.519 --> 00:24:37.339 something right. 00:24:38.400 --> 00:24:39.740 But that's not true. 00:24:40.420 --> 00:24:41.359 That's not what we see 00:24:41.359 --> 00:24:41.859 in scripture. 00:24:43.059 --> 00:24:44.039 The message 00:24:44.039 --> 00:24:44.579 that we see 00:24:44.579 --> 00:24:45.220 in the Bible 00:24:45.220 --> 00:24:46.799 is that Jesus' followers 00:24:46.799 --> 00:24:49.079 will face opposition. 00:24:49.299 --> 00:24:50.099 We will suffer. 00:24:50.240 --> 00:24:51.380 We will be persecuted 00:24:51.380 --> 00:24:52.620 for our faith. 00:24:53.339 --> 00:24:54.720 And if we aren't 00:24:54.720 --> 00:24:56.519 we need to ask 00:24:56.519 --> 00:24:57.559 ourselves the question 00:24:57.559 --> 00:24:59.039 are we really 00:24:59.039 --> 00:25:00.039 being faithful? 00:25:03.660 --> 00:25:05.319 So these 12 verses 00:25:05.319 --> 00:25:06.380 tell us about 00:25:06.380 --> 00:25:07.319 God's blueprint 00:25:07.319 --> 00:25:09.180 for the Christian life. 00:25:10.319 --> 00:25:11.620 And they are full 00:25:11.620 --> 00:25:13.360 of wonderful promises 00:25:13.360 --> 00:25:14.460 that we have just 00:25:14.460 --> 00:25:15.900 skimmed over this evening. 00:25:16.039 --> 00:25:16.620 Go away, 00:25:16.819 --> 00:25:17.440 study them 00:25:17.440 --> 00:25:18.360 for the next 00:25:18.360 --> 00:25:19.480 eight weeks 00:25:19.480 --> 00:25:20.259 and see 00:25:20.259 --> 00:25:21.180 how much 00:25:21.180 --> 00:25:21.860 your hunger 00:25:21.860 --> 00:25:22.680 and thirst 00:25:22.680 --> 00:25:23.660 for God grows. 00:25:23.660 --> 00:25:27.300 but will we 00:25:27.300 --> 00:25:27.720 listen 00:25:27.720 --> 00:25:28.340 and will we 00:25:28.340 --> 00:25:28.700 obey? 00:25:29.800 --> 00:25:30.759 Will we live 00:25:30.759 --> 00:25:31.540 according to 00:25:31.540 --> 00:25:32.279 God's blueprint 00:25:32.279 --> 00:25:33.120 and share the 00:25:33.120 --> 00:25:33.779 good news of 00:25:33.779 --> 00:25:34.740 Jesus with people? 00:25:36.300 --> 00:25:37.360 We need to 00:25:37.360 --> 00:25:38.180 always remember 00:25:38.180 --> 00:25:38.700 that we do 00:25:38.700 --> 00:25:39.440 none of this 00:25:39.440 --> 00:25:40.500 in our own strength 00:25:40.500 --> 00:25:42.360 but we do it 00:25:42.360 --> 00:25:43.340 for God's glory 00:25:43.340 --> 00:25:45.200 by God's strength 00:25:45.200 --> 00:25:46.560 because he enables 00:25:46.560 --> 00:25:47.519 to do these things 00:25:47.519 --> 00:25:48.540 by the Holy Spirit 00:25:48.540 --> 00:25:49.660 dwelling within us. 00:25:49.660 --> 00:25:51.920 let's pray together. 00:25:55.920 --> 00:25:56.620 Heavenly Father 00:25:56.620 --> 00:25:57.279 we thank you 00:25:57.279 --> 00:25:58.340 that in your word 00:25:58.340 --> 00:25:59.720 you have given us 00:25:59.720 --> 00:26:00.200 a blueprint 00:26:00.200 --> 00:26:01.600 you've given us 00:26:01.600 --> 00:26:02.180 a plan 00:26:02.180 --> 00:26:03.460 of what it looks 00:26:03.460 --> 00:26:04.700 like to be a Christian. 00:26:07.300 --> 00:26:07.720 Father 00:26:07.720 --> 00:26:08.259 forgive us 00:26:08.259 --> 00:26:08.840 for the times 00:26:08.840 --> 00:26:09.279 that we have 00:26:09.279 --> 00:26:09.980 fallen short. 00:26:13.080 --> 00:26:13.779 Forgive us 00:26:13.779 --> 00:26:14.460 for the times 00:26:14.460 --> 00:26:15.480 where we glibly 00:26:15.480 --> 00:26:18.279 walk through 00:26:18.279 --> 00:26:18.880 or float 00:26:18.880 --> 00:26:19.660 through the Christian 00:26:19.660 --> 00:26:20.299 life without 00:26:20.299 --> 00:26:20.860 thinking 00:26:20.860 --> 00:26:23.700 without being 00:26:23.700 --> 00:26:24.200 devoted 00:26:24.200 --> 00:26:26.920 and Father 00:26:26.920 --> 00:26:27.599 we pray 00:26:27.599 --> 00:26:28.380 that you would 00:26:28.380 --> 00:26:29.279 help us live 00:26:29.279 --> 00:26:30.299 obedient lives 00:26:30.299 --> 00:26:31.500 for your glory 00:26:31.500 --> 00:26:33.059 for your kingdom 00:26:33.059 --> 00:26:35.019 until the end 00:26:35.019 --> 00:26:35.440 of time 00:26:35.440 --> 00:26:36.299 when you return 00:26:36.299 --> 00:26:37.339 and draw your people 00:26:37.339 --> 00:26:38.160 to yourself. 00:26:38.960 --> 00:26:39.920 We ask this 00:26:39.920 --> 00:26:40.980 in Jesus name 00:26:40.980 --> 00:26:42.539 and for your glory. 00:26:43.400 --> 00:26:43.839 Amen.