WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:29.980 Let me read this passage for us. 00:00:30.320 --> 00:00:33.560 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 00:00:34.560 --> 00:00:37.560 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 00:00:38.840 --> 00:00:43.719 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 00:00:45.299 --> 00:00:50.879 Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 00:00:51.640 --> 00:00:55.340 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven. 00:00:55.859 --> 00:00:59.400 For so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:08.560 Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth. 00:01:09.879 --> 00:01:12.840 Clap along if you know what happiness is to you. 00:01:13.659 --> 00:01:16.519 Clap along if you feel like that's what you want to do. 00:01:16.519 --> 00:01:23.420 So sings Pharrell Williams in his crazy popular, super stuck in your song head, Happy. 00:01:23.819 --> 00:01:29.079 You can even watch a 24-hour music video of this song at 24hoursofhappy.com. 00:01:29.140 --> 00:01:34.060 In fact, while I was writing the intro to this sermon, I got a little taste of 24hoursofhappy.com. 00:01:34.060 --> 00:01:37.640 Over and over and over again, it goes. 00:01:38.760 --> 00:01:46.540 Now, the reason I want to start here is because I think Pharrell Williams' song is the perfect emblem of the fact that for many of us today, 00:01:47.120 --> 00:01:51.359 our great goal is simply to be happy. 00:01:51.359 --> 00:01:55.359 I remember sitting across the table from a young couple once. 00:01:55.459 --> 00:01:57.099 We were sort of eating a meal together. 00:01:57.319 --> 00:01:59.980 And they were sharing with me some of their plans, some of their job plans. 00:02:00.359 --> 00:02:02.920 And frankly, their plans seemed pretty unwise. 00:02:03.480 --> 00:02:08.000 So I was just asking them some questions, just trying to love them and help them think it through. 00:02:08.280 --> 00:02:09.919 And then eventually, the wife just said, 00:02:10.099 --> 00:02:12.360 I just want him to be happy. 00:02:12.360 --> 00:02:16.460 That's our great goal, happiness. 00:02:17.160 --> 00:02:20.920 So much so that happiness, I think, even defines for us oftentimes what's true. 00:02:21.040 --> 00:02:26.040 After all, clap along if you feel that happiness is the truth. 00:02:26.880 --> 00:02:28.900 One person put it this way, and I think quite nicely. 00:02:29.040 --> 00:02:32.580 He said, most people today aren't on a truth quest. 00:02:33.320 --> 00:02:34.620 They're on a happiness quest. 00:02:35.760 --> 00:02:41.860 In other words, people aren't really trying to live their lives necessarily trying to figure out what's true 00:02:41.860 --> 00:02:42.660 or what's real. 00:02:42.820 --> 00:02:46.360 No, they're trying to live their lives to get happiness. 00:02:49.660 --> 00:02:53.820 Now, of course, this cultural mindset that we share is problematic in all sorts of ways. 00:02:53.820 --> 00:02:57.320 And the Bible puts some deep questions to it at a fundamental level. 00:02:57.460 --> 00:03:05.100 But perhaps, to our surprise, Jesus begins this sermon that we're studying this summer talking about happiness. 00:03:06.860 --> 00:03:11.360 Blessed are those, he says, over and over and over again. 00:03:11.860 --> 00:03:14.200 Nine times drilling it into our heads. 00:03:14.660 --> 00:03:18.520 Blessed, that is, happy are those who... 00:03:18.520 --> 00:03:24.800 In fact, this section of the sermon, as I mentioned before we started, is often just called the Beatitudes, 00:03:25.280 --> 00:03:28.300 which comes from the Latin word that just means blessed or happy. 00:03:28.300 --> 00:03:37.340 And in light of all that, I don't have to guess tonight whether you really care about what Jesus is saying here. 00:03:37.980 --> 00:03:39.260 Because I know you care. 00:03:39.540 --> 00:03:42.680 If you're sitting here in this time, in this place, and if you're breathing, 00:03:43.020 --> 00:03:45.000 you care about what Jesus is talking about here. 00:03:45.100 --> 00:03:50.980 Because I know that you and I order our lives 99.9% of the time 00:03:50.979 --> 00:03:53.899 on the basis of what's going to make me happy. 00:03:55.399 --> 00:03:59.219 We are wired to seek happiness. 00:04:01.000 --> 00:04:04.519 And Jesus is saying, here it is. 00:04:05.639 --> 00:04:09.539 I'm going to tell you who's really blessed, who's really happy. 00:04:09.539 --> 00:04:16.879 And yet, what he has to say surprises us the whole way down. 00:04:18.420 --> 00:04:20.000 Look at the structure of the passage. 00:04:20.819 --> 00:04:23.399 There are eight blessings in verses 2 through 10. 00:04:23.959 --> 00:04:27.219 And then verses 11 and 12 sort of amplify the last one. 00:04:27.759 --> 00:04:32.759 So you've got eight statements, eight blessings, and the structure of each one of them is the same, right? 00:04:32.759 --> 00:04:38.199 Blessed are the blank, for theirs is, or they shall, dot, dot, dot. 00:04:39.039 --> 00:04:41.879 And the first half of that structure tells us who. 00:04:42.539 --> 00:04:44.500 And the second half of that tells us why. 00:04:45.159 --> 00:04:46.519 Who is truly happy? 00:04:46.779 --> 00:04:47.959 Who is truly blessed? 00:04:48.099 --> 00:04:49.360 That's the first half of each statement. 00:04:51.019 --> 00:04:51.819 I mean, don't you want to know? 00:04:52.079 --> 00:04:53.699 That's pretty cool, right? 00:04:54.039 --> 00:04:55.240 The second half is why. 00:04:55.680 --> 00:04:56.680 Why are they happy? 00:04:57.459 --> 00:05:01.319 Why are they the true owners of joy? 00:05:02.759 --> 00:05:07.500 And I actually want to begin, as we sort of study this for the next few minutes, with the why first. 00:05:08.279 --> 00:05:12.019 And I want to start with the why first, even though it's the second half of these Beatitudes. 00:05:12.259 --> 00:05:16.379 Because often when we study this passage, we often spend all of our time honing in on the who. 00:05:16.959 --> 00:05:19.599 On the qualities or characteristics that Jesus lays out. 00:05:19.779 --> 00:05:22.719 And we never get around to the second half, to the why. 00:05:23.719 --> 00:05:27.399 But in order to really get what Jesus is saying here, we have to see both. 00:05:28.480 --> 00:05:30.000 So let's start with the why. 00:05:30.000 --> 00:05:35.939 And what you notice is the why is that it's all about God and his kingdom. 00:05:36.740 --> 00:05:40.199 Look at the first Beatitude and the last, verse 2 and verse 10. 00:05:40.439 --> 00:05:42.259 They're like bookends, summing up the whole. 00:05:42.480 --> 00:05:43.660 And what do they point us to? 00:05:44.879 --> 00:05:47.120 Theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 00:05:48.180 --> 00:05:53.180 Now when Jesus says kingdom of heaven, heaven here is a way of referring to God himself. 00:05:53.800 --> 00:05:55.319 We sometimes speak like that, don't we? 00:05:55.319 --> 00:05:59.860 We often sort of say something like, well, what did the White House decide to do at the press conference? 00:06:00.259 --> 00:06:03.680 Which what we really sort of mean when we say that is what did the president decide to do, right? 00:06:03.939 --> 00:06:09.079 So when Jesus says the kingdom of heaven, he's talking about the kingdom of God who dwells in heaven. 00:06:10.680 --> 00:06:16.939 And Jesus is saying that the real why of happiness, the real root of happiness, is the kingdom of God. 00:06:16.939 --> 00:06:23.339 He says you find it in God's rule, in his reign. 00:06:24.100 --> 00:06:25.579 That's where happiness is. 00:06:27.439 --> 00:06:31.079 Now doesn't that seem immediately counterintuitive to us at first? 00:06:31.500 --> 00:06:37.339 Because I don't know about you, but I think our instinct is to think that my happiness lies in having my own way. 00:06:38.000 --> 00:06:39.980 Having my rule, if you will. 00:06:40.879 --> 00:06:42.899 Getting what I want and when I want. 00:06:42.899 --> 00:06:50.159 I'll tell you how I can be happy if my kids go to bed exactly when I tell them to go to bed and they fall asleep immediately. 00:06:50.699 --> 00:06:51.439 Like a stone. 00:06:52.359 --> 00:06:52.679 Silent. 00:06:53.259 --> 00:06:55.919 Until at least 10 or 11 p.m. 00:06:56.099 --> 00:06:56.519 A.m. 00:06:56.699 --> 00:06:57.019 Whenever. 00:06:57.139 --> 00:06:57.799 Whenever they wake up. 00:06:57.859 --> 00:06:59.120 I don't care if they sleep all day, right? 00:07:00.179 --> 00:07:00.779 No, right? 00:07:00.859 --> 00:07:03.739 Why do so many people think that money will make them happy, right? 00:07:04.939 --> 00:07:08.639 Because they think that money will allow them to get what they want and when they want. 00:07:08.759 --> 00:07:11.679 That will help them to actually exercise their will successfully. 00:07:11.680 --> 00:07:13.900 To establish their own rule. 00:07:14.160 --> 00:07:15.959 To establish their own kingdom. 00:07:17.579 --> 00:07:19.900 But Jesus is saying that's not the way. 00:07:21.079 --> 00:07:24.819 Getting what you want actually won't make you happy. 00:07:26.340 --> 00:07:28.699 Because you were made for God. 00:07:29.439 --> 00:07:31.699 And you were made for his rule. 00:07:31.960 --> 00:07:33.740 And you were made for his reign. 00:07:33.740 --> 00:07:40.840 You see, what the Old Testament looked forward to and longed for was just that. 00:07:41.000 --> 00:07:43.439 The day when God would rule the earth. 00:07:45.360 --> 00:07:47.180 For the day when God would be king. 00:07:47.420 --> 00:07:49.620 And he would put an end to evil and injustice. 00:07:50.019 --> 00:07:53.100 And he would come and he would heal the brokenness of creation. 00:07:53.460 --> 00:07:55.680 And he would judge what's wrong with the world. 00:07:55.860 --> 00:07:58.000 And he would save his people from sin and death. 00:07:58.000 --> 00:08:06.420 God's sovereign, gracious, creation healing, soul satisfying reign. 00:08:07.620 --> 00:08:08.920 That's the kingdom of God. 00:08:10.379 --> 00:08:15.980 And that's what most Jews in the lifetime of Jesus were looking for and longing for. 00:08:15.980 --> 00:08:19.800 For God to break in and make things right. 00:08:19.800 --> 00:08:23.720 So consider how exciting it must have been. 00:08:24.040 --> 00:08:25.340 If you would have been around. 00:08:25.720 --> 00:08:27.379 And heard Jesus come to your village. 00:08:27.720 --> 00:08:29.319 And start preaching this message. 00:08:29.780 --> 00:08:30.300 Repent. 00:08:30.759 --> 00:08:31.900 For the kingdom of heaven. 00:08:32.000 --> 00:08:33.960 The kingdom of God is at hand. 00:08:35.820 --> 00:08:39.740 The world restoring reign of God is breaking in. 00:08:39.940 --> 00:08:41.500 Right now, Jesus says. 00:08:42.180 --> 00:08:44.019 That the long awaited moment is here. 00:08:44.279 --> 00:08:45.700 So give up your agenda. 00:08:46.060 --> 00:08:47.180 And take on mine. 00:08:47.179 --> 00:08:50.159 Which is what repent really means. 00:08:51.959 --> 00:08:54.079 The world cup is happening this summer in Brazil. 00:08:54.259 --> 00:08:54.439 Right? 00:08:54.559 --> 00:08:55.699 Anybody a soccer fan here? 00:08:56.099 --> 00:09:02.579 And literally for years, Brazil has been preparing for and expecting the great time when they would host the world cup. 00:09:02.919 --> 00:09:06.120 When countries would gather to their country from around the world. 00:09:06.120 --> 00:09:14.899 And when people all around the world would gather together in hundreds, thousands, and watch this great athletic contest. 00:09:14.899 --> 00:09:18.799 Of course, many of us are Americans here tonight. 00:09:19.139 --> 00:09:21.699 So we probably have no idea what the world cup even is. 00:09:21.720 --> 00:09:22.819 Or why that's really exciting. 00:09:23.360 --> 00:09:24.919 But if you're here and you're from another country. 00:09:25.019 --> 00:09:27.720 My guess is that you get that sense of anticipation and excitement. 00:09:27.879 --> 00:09:28.000 Right? 00:09:28.039 --> 00:09:29.819 That something big is going to happen. 00:09:30.019 --> 00:09:31.740 And it's going to involve the whole world. 00:09:31.939 --> 00:09:32.919 And there's going to be glory. 00:09:33.039 --> 00:09:34.039 And there's going to be spectacle. 00:09:34.279 --> 00:09:36.620 And there's going to be anticipation and celebration. 00:09:36.620 --> 00:09:41.639 And if that's true of the world cup of a soccer match. 00:09:42.480 --> 00:09:45.840 Just imagine the kingdom of God. 00:09:48.120 --> 00:09:51.600 Look at how Jesus describes it in the second half of all these beatitudes. 00:09:52.679 --> 00:09:54.799 Those who are going to be part of the kingdom of God. 00:09:55.120 --> 00:09:56.560 They shall be comforted. 00:09:57.220 --> 00:09:58.940 They shall inherit the earth. 00:09:59.639 --> 00:10:00.779 They shall be satisfied. 00:10:01.600 --> 00:10:02.899 They shall receive mercy. 00:10:03.779 --> 00:10:05.159 They shall see God. 00:10:05.159 --> 00:10:09.139 They shall be called sons and daughters of God. 00:10:10.519 --> 00:10:11.360 Now look. 00:10:12.659 --> 00:10:15.639 Take your best picture of happiness. 00:10:16.319 --> 00:10:17.939 Your most extravagant one. 00:10:18.879 --> 00:10:19.500 What is it? 00:10:20.500 --> 00:10:21.199 Lots of money. 00:10:21.799 --> 00:10:22.939 A great job. 00:10:24.039 --> 00:10:25.219 Kids that always obey you. 00:10:26.000 --> 00:10:27.100 A perfect physique. 00:10:28.179 --> 00:10:29.179 Long life. 00:10:29.939 --> 00:10:30.860 Great friends. 00:10:30.980 --> 00:10:32.139 Respect from your peers. 00:10:32.139 --> 00:10:34.860 And I challenge you. 00:10:35.159 --> 00:10:37.480 To put all that together into one. 00:10:38.139 --> 00:10:40.639 And then hold it up to what Jesus is talking about here. 00:10:42.019 --> 00:10:46.939 Being included in the sovereign reign of God. 00:10:47.539 --> 00:10:49.079 Where there's comfort. 00:10:49.919 --> 00:10:51.139 At last. 00:10:51.879 --> 00:10:53.240 Where there's satisfaction. 00:10:53.959 --> 00:10:55.019 That doesn't go away. 00:10:56.000 --> 00:10:57.279 Where there's mercy. 00:10:57.279 --> 00:11:01.039 Does your picture of happiness involve mercy? 00:11:01.759 --> 00:11:03.480 Can your money forgive you? 00:11:05.139 --> 00:11:07.759 Where you become a son or daughter of God. 00:11:07.879 --> 00:11:09.059 And inherit the earth. 00:11:10.899 --> 00:11:12.159 And where you see God. 00:11:14.100 --> 00:11:15.980 My wife and I just had our 10 year anniversary. 00:11:16.819 --> 00:11:18.199 And to celebrate that. 00:11:18.259 --> 00:11:19.720 We did an overnight in Philadelphia. 00:11:20.139 --> 00:11:21.559 And we went to an art gallery there. 00:11:21.659 --> 00:11:23.539 That we had been meaning to see for a long time. 00:11:23.600 --> 00:11:24.720 Called the Barnes Foundation. 00:11:24.720 --> 00:11:26.120 And it was a lot of fun. 00:11:26.580 --> 00:11:28.340 We saw some really beautiful things. 00:11:28.460 --> 00:11:28.879 It was great. 00:11:29.180 --> 00:11:29.639 We loved it. 00:11:30.500 --> 00:11:30.800 And you know. 00:11:30.860 --> 00:11:32.960 You can go to the art galleries downtown. 00:11:33.160 --> 00:11:33.800 In New Haven. 00:11:34.160 --> 00:11:36.139 And see some fabulous beautiful things. 00:11:36.399 --> 00:11:37.860 That will just stun you. 00:11:37.940 --> 00:11:38.639 For a few minutes. 00:11:38.720 --> 00:11:39.600 Or for a few hours. 00:11:41.200 --> 00:11:41.840 And if you know. 00:11:41.920 --> 00:11:42.899 If you're really wealthy enough. 00:11:42.960 --> 00:11:43.960 If you get really wealthy enough. 00:11:44.000 --> 00:11:45.820 You can even buy a piece of art like that. 00:11:45.920 --> 00:11:46.720 And put it in your home. 00:11:46.759 --> 00:11:47.740 And you can contemplate it. 00:11:47.740 --> 00:11:48.919 For days and weeks on end. 00:11:50.799 --> 00:11:52.240 Or you could own a mountain villa. 00:11:53.180 --> 00:11:54.919 And get some of the most stunning views. 00:11:54.960 --> 00:11:55.600 Of the Rockies. 00:11:55.659 --> 00:11:56.320 Or the Alps. 00:11:57.279 --> 00:11:58.279 And you can behold. 00:11:58.399 --> 00:11:59.240 The most stunning. 00:11:59.340 --> 00:11:59.919 Awe inspiring. 00:12:00.240 --> 00:12:01.379 Soul shattering views. 00:12:01.460 --> 00:12:02.460 In the whole world. 00:12:03.200 --> 00:12:04.159 Days on end. 00:12:05.740 --> 00:12:06.240 And friends. 00:12:06.299 --> 00:12:07.620 That will be child's play. 00:12:08.360 --> 00:12:09.620 Compared to seeing God. 00:12:11.019 --> 00:12:12.879 Those things are going to be like crayon. 00:12:12.879 --> 00:12:14.559 On construction paper. 00:12:15.200 --> 00:12:16.759 Compared to viewing the one. 00:12:16.899 --> 00:12:18.360 Who created all things. 00:12:18.820 --> 00:12:21.439 And who owns and rules all things. 00:12:22.000 --> 00:12:23.939 And whose glory never fades. 00:12:26.939 --> 00:12:28.480 C.S. Lewis gave this great image. 00:12:28.620 --> 00:12:30.240 At the end of the Chronicles of Narnia. 00:12:30.799 --> 00:12:33.120 What will life in God's future kingdom be like? 00:12:33.139 --> 00:12:33.840 In the new heavens. 00:12:34.179 --> 00:12:35.080 In the new earth. 00:12:35.519 --> 00:12:37.039 And he said that it will be one. 00:12:37.440 --> 00:12:37.899 In which. 00:12:38.480 --> 00:12:39.580 We go further up. 00:12:39.899 --> 00:12:41.279 And we go further in. 00:12:41.279 --> 00:12:43.379 And it never gets old. 00:12:44.559 --> 00:12:45.419 Further up. 00:12:45.959 --> 00:12:46.980 And further in. 00:12:48.019 --> 00:12:49.939 And every day is as new as the one before. 00:12:51.860 --> 00:12:52.539 You see friend. 00:12:52.579 --> 00:12:53.600 No matter what you stake. 00:12:53.639 --> 00:12:54.919 Your happiness on in this life. 00:12:55.039 --> 00:12:56.299 It's not going to last. 00:12:56.980 --> 00:12:58.100 It will get old. 00:12:58.759 --> 00:13:00.699 Even the most incredible view. 00:13:01.000 --> 00:13:03.179 From the most illustrious villa. 00:13:03.419 --> 00:13:06.559 On top of the most fabulously high mountain. 00:13:07.480 --> 00:13:09.959 Will grow old to your heart. 00:13:09.960 --> 00:13:11.940 Why? 00:13:13.940 --> 00:13:16.280 Because you were made for something greater. 00:13:17.920 --> 00:13:19.220 You were made. 00:13:19.440 --> 00:13:20.620 To slake. 00:13:20.620 --> 00:13:22.759 The thirst of your heart. 00:13:23.120 --> 00:13:25.460 On a well of infinite happiness. 00:13:26.460 --> 00:13:27.920 You were made for God. 00:13:28.800 --> 00:13:29.680 And his kingdom. 00:13:31.379 --> 00:13:32.400 You were made. 00:13:32.720 --> 00:13:33.800 To lose yourself. 00:13:34.600 --> 00:13:35.340 In him. 00:13:36.300 --> 00:13:37.540 Don't you get a taste of that? 00:13:37.539 --> 00:13:39.059 Have you ever sort of just seen. 00:13:41.219 --> 00:13:43.139 A skyline. 00:13:43.279 --> 00:13:44.360 Or seen a piece of art. 00:13:44.459 --> 00:13:47.079 Where suddenly you just stop thinking about yourself for a second. 00:13:47.599 --> 00:13:49.059 And you just get caught up. 00:13:49.659 --> 00:13:51.059 In how majestic it is. 00:13:51.079 --> 00:13:52.500 And how wonderful it is. 00:13:53.099 --> 00:13:55.860 And I challenge you to find moments in your life. 00:13:56.000 --> 00:13:57.860 When you're actually losing yourself. 00:13:58.079 --> 00:13:59.159 In something that's beautiful. 00:13:59.579 --> 00:14:01.360 I challenge you to find a moment in your life. 00:14:01.500 --> 00:14:03.019 When you are more free. 00:14:03.219 --> 00:14:04.179 Than in that moment. 00:14:04.179 --> 00:14:05.219 Friends. 00:14:06.159 --> 00:14:07.659 What God is offering you. 00:14:07.919 --> 00:14:09.079 In the kingdom to come. 00:14:09.399 --> 00:14:10.099 Is freedom. 00:14:10.239 --> 00:14:11.899 Like nothing you've ever experienced. 00:14:12.139 --> 00:14:13.479 When you lose yourself. 00:14:13.699 --> 00:14:14.459 In the thing. 00:14:14.819 --> 00:14:15.579 In the one. 00:14:15.839 --> 00:14:16.719 In the God. 00:14:17.019 --> 00:14:18.679 Who is glorious beyond comparison. 00:14:18.679 --> 00:14:23.079 So friends. 00:14:23.139 --> 00:14:24.179 What's your agenda tonight? 00:14:24.899 --> 00:14:26.759 Where are you trying to find happiness? 00:14:29.699 --> 00:14:30.559 If you're like me. 00:14:30.659 --> 00:14:32.559 My guess is that Jesus is blowing up. 00:14:32.739 --> 00:14:33.579 Your understanding. 00:14:33.919 --> 00:14:35.399 Of where happiness is to be found. 00:14:35.979 --> 00:14:37.500 And he's not doing it by just saying. 00:14:37.659 --> 00:14:38.659 Don't be happy. 00:14:38.919 --> 00:14:39.579 But by saying. 00:14:39.679 --> 00:14:40.899 Stop playing in the mud. 00:14:41.579 --> 00:14:43.899 When he's calling you to a vacation at sea. 00:14:44.559 --> 00:14:46.579 Stop drinking broken cisterns. 00:14:46.580 --> 00:14:49.200 When there's a well of soul satisfying water. 00:14:49.720 --> 00:14:51.160 Stop living for a now. 00:14:51.240 --> 00:14:52.400 That's going to grow old. 00:14:52.560 --> 00:14:53.639 When there's a future. 00:14:53.879 --> 00:14:55.160 That will always be new. 00:14:56.840 --> 00:14:59.620 Stop living for your own little kingdom. 00:15:01.620 --> 00:15:04.160 And start living for God's kingdom. 00:15:05.800 --> 00:15:08.400 Because God's kingdom is breaking in. 00:15:09.060 --> 00:15:09.960 Jesus says. 00:15:10.200 --> 00:15:11.540 In his own person. 00:15:11.539 --> 00:15:13.319 And it's continuing. 00:15:13.679 --> 00:15:14.839 Through the work of those. 00:15:15.279 --> 00:15:17.939 Who've united themselves to Christ with faith. 00:15:19.240 --> 00:15:20.459 And it's going to come. 00:15:20.500 --> 00:15:21.379 In all of its fullness. 00:15:21.599 --> 00:15:22.399 When Jesus returns. 00:15:25.539 --> 00:15:27.559 So if that's the why of happiness. 00:15:27.759 --> 00:15:29.219 The kingdom of God. 00:15:29.839 --> 00:15:30.659 Now let's look at the who. 00:15:31.480 --> 00:15:32.179 Who is it. 00:15:32.620 --> 00:15:33.919 That's actually participating. 00:15:34.599 --> 00:15:35.939 In this reality. 00:15:36.279 --> 00:15:37.459 That Jesus is talking about. 00:15:37.679 --> 00:15:39.139 Who is it that's actually got their hearts. 00:15:39.259 --> 00:15:40.519 Connected to that thing. 00:15:40.519 --> 00:15:41.240 That's coming. 00:15:42.579 --> 00:15:43.899 Now it's helpful to understand. 00:15:44.019 --> 00:15:44.759 What Jesus says here. 00:15:44.860 --> 00:15:46.179 When we put it in the historical context. 00:15:46.360 --> 00:15:46.639 As we said. 00:15:46.720 --> 00:15:47.379 In the first century. 00:15:47.779 --> 00:15:49.379 Nearly every Jew in Palestine. 00:15:49.519 --> 00:15:50.480 Was looking forward. 00:15:50.639 --> 00:15:51.399 To the kingdom of God. 00:15:51.460 --> 00:15:52.899 To God's in-breaking power. 00:15:52.980 --> 00:15:53.460 That would sort of. 00:15:53.539 --> 00:15:54.299 Crush their enemies. 00:15:54.419 --> 00:15:55.319 And vindicate Israel. 00:15:55.439 --> 00:15:56.419 And sort of set them up. 00:15:57.419 --> 00:15:58.240 But different groups. 00:15:58.319 --> 00:15:58.879 Had different ideas. 00:15:58.919 --> 00:15:59.919 Of what it looked like. 00:16:00.100 --> 00:16:01.279 To actually live. 00:16:01.360 --> 00:16:02.699 In light of God's coming kingdom. 00:16:03.480 --> 00:16:04.199 There were some. 00:16:04.299 --> 00:16:05.340 Groups called zealots. 00:16:05.360 --> 00:16:06.120 Who basically said. 00:16:06.179 --> 00:16:06.340 Look. 00:16:06.360 --> 00:16:07.500 If God's kingdom is coming. 00:16:07.559 --> 00:16:08.379 If the rain is coming. 00:16:08.579 --> 00:16:09.659 Let's help him out. 00:16:09.659 --> 00:16:11.279 By taking military action. 00:16:11.500 --> 00:16:12.579 Against our oppressors. 00:16:13.019 --> 00:16:13.919 That's the way. 00:16:14.039 --> 00:16:14.959 To show your identity. 00:16:15.159 --> 00:16:16.000 In the kingdom of God. 00:16:17.299 --> 00:16:18.819 Or there were people called Pharisees. 00:16:18.879 --> 00:16:19.679 Who basically said. 00:16:19.759 --> 00:16:19.939 Look. 00:16:20.100 --> 00:16:21.299 If God's reign is coming. 00:16:21.600 --> 00:16:22.679 Let's follow God's law. 00:16:22.759 --> 00:16:24.139 As closely as possible. 00:16:24.399 --> 00:16:25.819 And be as ceremonially pure. 00:16:25.819 --> 00:16:26.379 As we can be. 00:16:26.480 --> 00:16:27.120 To prove. 00:16:27.279 --> 00:16:28.439 That we're on the inside. 00:16:28.639 --> 00:16:29.179 And to sort of. 00:16:29.259 --> 00:16:30.319 Further God's case. 00:16:32.539 --> 00:16:33.500 And then there were people. 00:16:33.659 --> 00:16:34.500 Called Essenes. 00:16:34.819 --> 00:16:35.659 And they were sort of like. 00:16:35.799 --> 00:16:36.240 Modern day. 00:16:36.339 --> 00:16:37.399 Hyper fundamentalists. 00:16:37.399 --> 00:16:38.220 And their shtick. 00:16:38.299 --> 00:16:38.759 Was basically. 00:16:38.759 --> 00:16:39.039 Look. 00:16:39.120 --> 00:16:40.159 If God's reign is coming. 00:16:40.379 --> 00:16:41.240 Let's get out. 00:16:41.319 --> 00:16:42.439 Of this corrupt society. 00:16:42.579 --> 00:16:43.559 And go live in the hills. 00:16:43.659 --> 00:16:44.399 In communes. 00:16:44.439 --> 00:16:45.360 And be really. 00:16:45.500 --> 00:16:46.079 Really meticulous. 00:16:46.120 --> 00:16:46.740 For our own laws. 00:16:46.779 --> 00:16:47.659 Because when God comes back. 00:16:47.980 --> 00:16:48.819 Everyone's going to get it. 00:16:48.919 --> 00:16:49.659 Except for us. 00:16:52.340 --> 00:16:53.559 And then there were the sort of. 00:16:55.600 --> 00:16:56.639 People who were basically. 00:16:57.100 --> 00:16:58.439 Just trying to stay on top. 00:16:58.639 --> 00:16:59.399 The Sadducees. 00:16:59.500 --> 00:17:00.360 And the temple authorities. 00:17:00.539 --> 00:17:01.120 Who basically said. 00:17:01.179 --> 00:17:01.299 Look. 00:17:01.340 --> 00:17:02.340 If God's reign is coming. 00:17:02.659 --> 00:17:03.500 He's surely going to do it. 00:17:03.539 --> 00:17:03.980 Through the temple. 00:17:03.980 --> 00:17:05.860 So let's just do everything we can. 00:17:06.120 --> 00:17:06.900 To make sure. 00:17:07.039 --> 00:17:07.819 That we stay in power. 00:17:08.460 --> 00:17:09.400 And keep this sort of. 00:17:09.539 --> 00:17:09.759 Big. 00:17:10.140 --> 00:17:10.420 Fraught. 00:17:10.680 --> 00:17:11.000 Machine. 00:17:11.220 --> 00:17:11.480 Going. 00:17:14.140 --> 00:17:14.640 And you know. 00:17:14.720 --> 00:17:15.539 What most of those ways. 00:17:15.700 --> 00:17:16.180 Had in common. 00:17:16.380 --> 00:17:17.220 And there are all sorts of ways. 00:17:17.299 --> 00:17:17.900 We can sort of point. 00:17:17.960 --> 00:17:18.799 To parallels today. 00:17:19.660 --> 00:17:20.740 To put it in a nutshell. 00:17:21.079 --> 00:17:21.920 Everyone said. 00:17:23.880 --> 00:17:25.240 And what they all had in common. 00:17:26.079 --> 00:17:26.980 Was basically. 00:17:27.160 --> 00:17:28.039 When you look at it. 00:17:28.620 --> 00:17:29.980 They were all self-righteous. 00:17:30.720 --> 00:17:32.339 And they were all self-protecting. 00:17:32.339 --> 00:17:35.539 With respect to God. 00:17:36.259 --> 00:17:37.079 There was just. 00:17:37.259 --> 00:17:38.339 An underlying current. 00:17:38.419 --> 00:17:39.399 Of self-righteousness. 00:17:40.500 --> 00:17:41.259 Now of course. 00:17:41.639 --> 00:17:42.039 Pharisees. 00:17:42.519 --> 00:17:42.779 Look. 00:17:42.859 --> 00:17:44.059 They knew all about forgiveness. 00:17:44.500 --> 00:17:45.259 And they participated. 00:17:45.419 --> 00:17:46.359 In the temple sacrifices. 00:17:46.659 --> 00:17:47.359 They might not have been. 00:17:47.500 --> 00:17:48.399 Hardcore legalists. 00:17:48.539 --> 00:17:49.899 But they were still hoping. 00:17:50.199 --> 00:17:51.619 To mark themselves off. 00:17:51.679 --> 00:17:52.500 As the people of God. 00:17:52.559 --> 00:17:53.459 By what they did. 00:17:53.599 --> 00:17:54.359 And how closely. 00:17:54.459 --> 00:17:55.259 They kept the commandments. 00:17:56.019 --> 00:17:57.000 And with respect. 00:17:57.000 --> 00:17:57.679 To other people. 00:17:57.679 --> 00:17:58.319 All of these groups. 00:17:58.419 --> 00:18:00.199 Were immensely self-protecting. 00:18:00.579 --> 00:18:00.759 Yes. 00:18:00.799 --> 00:18:01.759 They believed in generosity. 00:18:01.759 --> 00:18:02.359 And love. 00:18:02.619 --> 00:18:03.240 To an extent. 00:18:03.519 --> 00:18:04.019 But ultimately. 00:18:04.220 --> 00:18:04.879 There was a line. 00:18:06.000 --> 00:18:06.579 And some people. 00:18:06.700 --> 00:18:07.480 Were on the far side. 00:18:07.480 --> 00:18:08.000 Of that line. 00:18:10.240 --> 00:18:11.299 And isn't it the same. 00:18:11.400 --> 00:18:11.819 With us today. 00:18:13.440 --> 00:18:14.539 Don't we think. 00:18:14.859 --> 00:18:16.400 That with respect to God. 00:18:17.160 --> 00:18:18.660 I need to bring my resume. 00:18:19.640 --> 00:18:21.160 And with respect to others. 00:18:21.519 --> 00:18:23.359 I can only go so far. 00:18:23.740 --> 00:18:24.660 And certainly not. 00:18:24.740 --> 00:18:25.500 With those kind of people. 00:18:28.359 --> 00:18:29.960 Do you see how radically different. 00:18:29.960 --> 00:18:31.700 Jesus' definition. 00:18:31.700 --> 00:18:33.100 Of kingdom people is. 00:18:33.240 --> 00:18:33.940 In these verses. 00:18:35.559 --> 00:18:37.140 Look at the first four Beatitudes. 00:18:37.680 --> 00:18:39.319 They talk about our relationship to God. 00:18:40.039 --> 00:18:40.799 And what do we see? 00:18:41.680 --> 00:18:43.200 Not self-righteousness. 00:18:43.279 --> 00:18:43.480 Right? 00:18:44.559 --> 00:18:45.880 But self-emptiness. 00:18:46.880 --> 00:18:48.100 They're poor in spirit. 00:18:48.860 --> 00:18:50.079 They know that they've got nothing. 00:18:50.079 --> 00:18:51.299 In the spiritual bank account. 00:18:51.400 --> 00:18:52.500 But to buy God's favor. 00:18:53.019 --> 00:18:54.019 They're morally broke. 00:18:54.059 --> 00:18:54.680 And they know it. 00:18:55.380 --> 00:18:56.140 Those are the people. 00:18:56.240 --> 00:18:56.779 Who are in the kingdom. 00:18:56.779 --> 00:18:57.460 Jesus says. 00:18:58.200 --> 00:18:58.599 They're the people. 00:18:58.700 --> 00:18:59.779 Who mourn over their sin. 00:18:59.920 --> 00:19:00.960 They're not trying to cover it up. 00:19:01.000 --> 00:19:02.099 They're not trying to excuse it. 00:19:02.279 --> 00:19:03.660 Their sin actually grieves them. 00:19:04.980 --> 00:19:05.899 And they're meek. 00:19:06.740 --> 00:19:07.099 That is. 00:19:07.119 --> 00:19:07.920 They aren't afraid to have others. 00:19:08.019 --> 00:19:09.079 Point out their failings. 00:19:09.180 --> 00:19:10.420 They're not proudly offended. 00:19:10.660 --> 00:19:12.500 When other people show them their faults. 00:19:14.399 --> 00:19:15.039 And he says. 00:19:15.099 --> 00:19:16.660 They hunger and thirst for righteousness. 00:19:17.660 --> 00:19:18.819 They want to please God. 00:19:18.899 --> 00:19:20.019 More and more. 00:19:20.099 --> 00:19:20.500 In thought. 00:19:20.579 --> 00:19:20.920 And word. 00:19:21.000 --> 00:19:21.240 And deed. 00:19:21.319 --> 00:19:21.720 In public. 00:19:21.960 --> 00:19:22.579 In private. 00:19:22.579 --> 00:19:24.039 And they hunger for this. 00:19:24.220 --> 00:19:26.220 Because they know that they have a long way to go. 00:19:26.439 --> 00:19:27.319 But they want it. 00:19:29.359 --> 00:19:30.019 Jesus says. 00:19:30.119 --> 00:19:31.179 The truly blessed. 00:19:31.379 --> 00:19:32.659 Those who are in the kingdom. 00:19:33.659 --> 00:19:35.919 Are those who come empty before God. 00:19:37.119 --> 00:19:37.559 Saying. 00:19:38.079 --> 00:19:39.339 Nothing in my hands I bring. 00:19:40.279 --> 00:19:41.699 Simply to the cross I cling. 00:19:42.279 --> 00:19:43.419 As the old hymn goes. 00:19:45.480 --> 00:19:46.179 Before God. 00:19:46.220 --> 00:19:46.799 In other words. 00:19:47.480 --> 00:19:48.199 They're receivers. 00:19:48.200 --> 00:19:51.180 That they receive all. 00:19:51.319 --> 00:19:52.180 With open hands. 00:19:52.660 --> 00:19:54.000 Dependent on God's grace. 00:19:56.080 --> 00:19:57.039 And if that's true. 00:19:57.100 --> 00:19:57.720 Don't you see. 00:19:57.840 --> 00:19:58.860 How these beatitudes. 00:19:59.519 --> 00:20:01.019 Are not telling us. 00:20:01.299 --> 00:20:02.380 Here's how you earn a place. 00:20:02.420 --> 00:20:03.019 In God's kingdom. 00:20:03.200 --> 00:20:04.000 Be like this. 00:20:05.240 --> 00:20:06.080 How could they? 00:20:06.440 --> 00:20:06.900 Jesus says. 00:20:06.920 --> 00:20:08.019 That the very first sign. 00:20:08.100 --> 00:20:09.180 That you've been brought into the kingdom. 00:20:09.340 --> 00:20:09.840 Is knowing. 00:20:09.940 --> 00:20:10.640 That you don't deserve. 00:20:10.720 --> 00:20:11.360 To be in the kingdom. 00:20:13.840 --> 00:20:15.019 But that God accepts you. 00:20:15.120 --> 00:20:16.120 Holy by grace. 00:20:16.119 --> 00:20:18.799 That's what kingdom people. 00:20:18.799 --> 00:20:19.619 Are going to look like. 00:20:20.019 --> 00:20:21.219 Their approach to God. 00:20:21.339 --> 00:20:22.819 Is going to be one of humble. 00:20:23.339 --> 00:20:23.779 Reception. 00:20:24.219 --> 00:20:24.779 And dependence. 00:20:27.000 --> 00:20:28.419 But if we come before God. 00:20:28.459 --> 00:20:29.179 With emptiness. 00:20:29.179 --> 00:20:30.639 Then we go out to others. 00:20:30.839 --> 00:20:31.500 In fullness. 00:20:31.679 --> 00:20:33.019 Look at the second set of beatitudes. 00:20:33.139 --> 00:20:34.139 In verses 7 through 10. 00:20:34.619 --> 00:20:35.759 Our relationship to others. 00:20:35.859 --> 00:20:36.519 As kingdom people. 00:20:36.679 --> 00:20:37.839 Isn't one of self-protection. 00:20:38.039 --> 00:20:38.819 But self-giving. 00:20:39.379 --> 00:20:40.000 We're merciful. 00:20:40.479 --> 00:20:41.279 We're pure in heart. 00:20:41.359 --> 00:20:41.559 That is. 00:20:41.599 --> 00:20:42.039 We're truthful. 00:20:42.159 --> 00:20:42.579 We're sincere. 00:20:42.899 --> 00:20:43.759 We're peacemakers. 00:20:44.019 --> 00:20:45.119 We're even persecuted. 00:20:45.119 --> 00:20:46.239 For righteousness sake. 00:20:46.379 --> 00:20:47.179 Which is Jesus then. 00:20:47.339 --> 00:20:47.979 Points it down. 00:20:48.199 --> 00:20:49.279 For my sake. 00:20:51.299 --> 00:20:53.159 And all these are costly acts. 00:20:53.239 --> 00:20:53.659 Aren't they? 00:20:54.500 --> 00:20:55.719 All of them are bold. 00:20:55.819 --> 00:20:56.359 And courageous. 00:20:56.519 --> 00:20:57.279 And they're costly. 00:20:58.379 --> 00:20:59.539 To be merciful. 00:20:59.979 --> 00:21:01.799 Even when the other is being mean. 00:21:01.799 --> 00:21:02.619 And vindictive. 00:21:04.399 --> 00:21:05.959 To be pure in heart. 00:21:06.039 --> 00:21:07.039 To be sincere. 00:21:07.779 --> 00:21:09.000 Even when it would be easier. 00:21:09.039 --> 00:21:09.539 To hide. 00:21:09.599 --> 00:21:10.399 Or to go with the flow. 00:21:10.459 --> 00:21:11.159 Or even lie. 00:21:12.219 --> 00:21:13.500 To be a peacemaker. 00:21:13.500 --> 00:21:15.640 To strive for reconciliation. 00:21:16.220 --> 00:21:17.000 And forgiveness. 00:21:18.200 --> 00:21:19.720 Even when it would be a lot easier. 00:21:19.759 --> 00:21:21.259 To just be a peacekeeper. 00:21:21.539 --> 00:21:21.740 Right? 00:21:22.220 --> 00:21:22.980 Just avoid. 00:21:23.319 --> 00:21:24.079 Just keep the peace. 00:21:24.160 --> 00:21:24.299 No. 00:21:24.359 --> 00:21:25.900 Jesus says you're peacemakers. 00:21:26.579 --> 00:21:27.500 You go forward. 00:21:28.019 --> 00:21:29.480 With a mission of reconciliation. 00:21:31.839 --> 00:21:33.279 And to even be persecuted. 00:21:33.460 --> 00:21:34.079 Jesus says. 00:21:34.480 --> 00:21:36.400 To cut against the grain. 00:21:37.339 --> 00:21:38.160 Of culture. 00:21:38.160 --> 00:21:39.220 To even offend. 00:21:39.220 --> 00:21:42.079 When it would be easier. 00:21:42.079 --> 00:21:42.759 To compromise. 00:21:42.860 --> 00:21:43.299 Or to bend. 00:21:44.680 --> 00:21:45.720 They're all hard. 00:21:45.960 --> 00:21:46.180 Right? 00:21:47.660 --> 00:21:49.240 But don't they all make sense? 00:21:50.440 --> 00:21:50.960 You see. 00:21:51.019 --> 00:21:51.720 These beatitudes. 00:21:51.920 --> 00:21:52.860 They're all interconnected. 00:21:54.039 --> 00:21:55.920 They all flow into one another. 00:21:57.620 --> 00:21:58.140 You see. 00:21:58.180 --> 00:21:59.559 If I'm empty before God. 00:21:59.640 --> 00:22:00.039 If I. 00:22:01.180 --> 00:22:02.120 Come to him. 00:22:02.259 --> 00:22:03.759 Without any presumptions. 00:22:03.940 --> 00:22:04.880 Without any of my own. 00:22:05.100 --> 00:22:06.140 Supposed righteousness. 00:22:06.140 --> 00:22:08.540 And if I come to him like that. 00:22:08.720 --> 00:22:10.440 And I receive his mercy. 00:22:10.440 --> 00:22:11.280 And grace. 00:22:12.759 --> 00:22:13.680 How could I not. 00:22:13.759 --> 00:22:14.380 Then be merciful. 00:22:14.520 --> 00:22:15.080 Towards others. 00:22:15.960 --> 00:22:16.480 How could not. 00:22:16.560 --> 00:22:17.320 The more and more. 00:22:17.480 --> 00:22:18.080 I see. 00:22:18.360 --> 00:22:19.500 God's undeserved mercy. 00:22:19.500 --> 00:22:19.860 To me. 00:22:19.940 --> 00:22:20.400 Will that not. 00:22:20.480 --> 00:22:21.120 Change my heart. 00:22:21.180 --> 00:22:21.600 To go out. 00:22:21.660 --> 00:22:22.280 And be merciful. 00:22:22.420 --> 00:22:23.000 Towards anybody. 00:22:26.000 --> 00:22:26.660 How is it. 00:22:26.680 --> 00:22:27.220 That if I come. 00:22:27.320 --> 00:22:28.020 Empty handed. 00:22:28.920 --> 00:22:29.920 And have been made. 00:22:29.920 --> 00:22:30.940 His son or daughter. 00:22:31.720 --> 00:22:32.640 How could I not. 00:22:32.759 --> 00:22:33.180 Then go out. 00:22:33.259 --> 00:22:34.080 Into the world. 00:22:34.860 --> 00:22:36.020 And be a peacemaker. 00:22:36.140 --> 00:22:38.100 Not only. 00:22:38.200 --> 00:22:38.900 Because I've been. 00:22:39.060 --> 00:22:39.780 Reconciled to God. 00:22:39.820 --> 00:22:40.960 When I don't deserve it. 00:22:41.560 --> 00:22:41.940 But because. 00:22:42.140 --> 00:22:42.820 I have an identity. 00:22:42.820 --> 00:22:44.000 Now that can't be shaken. 00:22:44.100 --> 00:22:44.980 By other people's approval. 00:22:45.200 --> 00:22:45.680 So I don't need. 00:22:45.680 --> 00:22:46.480 To keep the peace. 00:22:47.000 --> 00:22:47.900 I can actually go. 00:22:48.000 --> 00:22:48.900 And be proactively. 00:22:49.980 --> 00:22:50.420 Working. 00:22:50.820 --> 00:22:51.500 Towards forgiveness. 00:22:51.940 --> 00:22:52.640 And reconciliation. 00:22:53.040 --> 00:22:54.400 Even when it costs something. 00:22:54.900 --> 00:22:55.580 Because I know. 00:22:55.640 --> 00:22:56.580 I can't lose. 00:22:56.620 --> 00:22:57.220 What's really. 00:22:57.580 --> 00:22:57.900 Important. 00:22:58.800 --> 00:22:59.620 My relationship. 00:22:59.759 --> 00:23:00.100 With God. 00:23:03.060 --> 00:23:03.900 How can I not. 00:23:03.980 --> 00:23:04.759 Go out into the world. 00:23:04.820 --> 00:23:05.460 If that's true. 00:23:05.460 --> 00:23:06.360 Full of mercy. 00:23:06.660 --> 00:23:07.360 And purity. 00:23:07.779 --> 00:23:08.640 And peacemaking. 00:23:08.840 --> 00:23:09.480 And even to be able. 00:23:09.539 --> 00:23:10.620 To face persecution. 00:23:12.920 --> 00:23:13.600 You see how they're. 00:23:13.799 --> 00:23:14.319 Interconnected. 00:23:16.500 --> 00:23:17.200 How could I not. 00:23:17.259 --> 00:23:17.700 Go out that way. 00:23:17.759 --> 00:23:18.480 Because my heart's. 00:23:18.539 --> 00:23:19.079 Been changed. 00:23:20.160 --> 00:23:20.759 Because I've been. 00:23:20.900 --> 00:23:21.660 Filled by grace. 00:23:24.600 --> 00:23:25.059 So friend. 00:23:25.100 --> 00:23:25.940 As we bring it to a close. 00:23:26.000 --> 00:23:26.700 Let me just ask you this. 00:23:26.740 --> 00:23:27.259 Has your heart. 00:23:27.319 --> 00:23:27.960 Been changed. 00:23:29.600 --> 00:23:30.500 Have you tasted. 00:23:30.500 --> 00:23:31.299 His grace. 00:23:31.420 --> 00:23:32.000 In Christ. 00:23:32.000 --> 00:23:32.119 Christ. 00:23:33.759 --> 00:23:34.400 Maybe you're asking. 00:23:34.539 --> 00:23:34.759 How. 00:23:34.839 --> 00:23:35.700 How does that come about. 00:23:36.500 --> 00:23:37.019 Here's how. 00:23:38.339 --> 00:23:39.059 It comes about. 00:23:39.119 --> 00:23:39.859 By realizing. 00:23:40.019 --> 00:23:40.920 That these beatitudes. 00:23:41.160 --> 00:23:42.200 Ultimately describe. 00:23:42.420 --> 00:23:42.799 Not just. 00:23:43.400 --> 00:23:44.019 A picture. 00:23:44.180 --> 00:23:44.740 Of a Christian. 00:23:45.740 --> 00:23:46.579 But they ultimately. 00:23:46.740 --> 00:23:47.019 Describe. 00:23:47.099 --> 00:23:48.059 The person of Christ. 00:23:49.619 --> 00:23:50.039 Friends. 00:23:50.079 --> 00:23:50.579 Isn't it true. 00:23:50.680 --> 00:23:51.859 That he was merciful. 00:23:52.259 --> 00:23:53.220 And abundantly so. 00:23:53.279 --> 00:23:53.940 And pure in heart. 00:23:54.940 --> 00:23:55.779 When did he ever. 00:23:55.920 --> 00:23:56.599 Speak a word. 00:23:57.200 --> 00:23:57.740 That was. 00:23:58.480 --> 00:23:59.339 Full of guile. 00:23:59.339 --> 00:24:00.019 Or deceit. 00:24:00.319 --> 00:24:01.319 Utterly pure in heart. 00:24:01.519 --> 00:24:02.079 When did he not. 00:24:02.319 --> 00:24:02.720 Welcome. 00:24:03.359 --> 00:24:04.299 Sinners to the table. 00:24:04.379 --> 00:24:04.659 With him. 00:24:04.720 --> 00:24:05.359 He was merciful. 00:24:06.559 --> 00:24:07.419 He was meek. 00:24:08.459 --> 00:24:09.000 When did he ever. 00:24:09.079 --> 00:24:09.699 Try to assert. 00:24:09.819 --> 00:24:10.399 His own authority. 00:24:10.779 --> 00:24:11.139 Forcefully. 00:24:11.139 --> 00:24:11.859 Over others. 00:24:13.579 --> 00:24:14.199 Was he not. 00:24:14.359 --> 00:24:14.679 Gentle. 00:24:15.159 --> 00:24:15.879 And strong. 00:24:15.980 --> 00:24:16.899 In all of his dealings. 00:24:17.639 --> 00:24:18.879 He lived his whole life. 00:24:18.939 --> 00:24:19.959 In perfect righteousness. 00:24:21.059 --> 00:24:22.039 Lived in complete. 00:24:22.319 --> 00:24:23.319 Humble dependence. 00:24:23.439 --> 00:24:24.399 Upon God the Father. 00:24:25.059 --> 00:24:25.539 Our small group. 00:24:25.579 --> 00:24:25.919 Has been studying. 00:24:26.000 --> 00:24:26.579 The Gospel of Luke. 00:24:26.599 --> 00:24:27.259 And it's amazing. 00:24:27.339 --> 00:24:27.720 When you go through. 00:24:27.759 --> 00:24:28.379 The Gospel of Luke. 00:24:28.380 --> 00:24:29.520 How often Jesus. 00:24:29.520 --> 00:24:30.520 Is praying. 00:24:30.900 --> 00:24:31.420 To the Father. 00:24:31.680 --> 00:24:32.320 And the Holy Spirit. 00:24:32.480 --> 00:24:33.360 In utter dependence. 00:24:33.800 --> 00:24:34.640 Seeking his will. 00:24:35.040 --> 00:24:35.880 Seeking his way. 00:24:38.360 --> 00:24:39.220 And yet. 00:24:39.540 --> 00:24:40.500 Jesus too. 00:24:41.240 --> 00:24:42.100 Was persecuted. 00:24:43.900 --> 00:24:45.740 And at infinite cost. 00:24:46.800 --> 00:24:47.980 He became the ultimate. 00:24:48.300 --> 00:24:48.900 Peacemaker. 00:24:49.600 --> 00:24:50.440 Between you. 00:24:50.860 --> 00:24:51.480 And God. 00:24:53.040 --> 00:24:53.720 You see. 00:24:53.820 --> 00:24:54.560 With the Father. 00:24:54.680 --> 00:24:55.640 Before time began. 00:24:55.640 --> 00:24:56.360 Jesus knew. 00:24:56.520 --> 00:24:57.180 Infinite joy. 00:24:57.180 --> 00:24:58.420 He was. 00:24:59.060 --> 00:24:59.920 Supremely blessed. 00:25:00.120 --> 00:25:00.420 He was. 00:25:00.720 --> 00:25:01.600 Infinitely happy. 00:25:02.060 --> 00:25:02.700 And nothing. 00:25:02.700 --> 00:25:03.580 Could harm that. 00:25:03.940 --> 00:25:04.240 Nothing. 00:25:04.380 --> 00:25:05.100 Could touch that. 00:25:05.600 --> 00:25:06.700 God didn't create the world. 00:25:06.700 --> 00:25:07.539 Because he needed something. 00:25:07.660 --> 00:25:08.759 To entertain him. 00:25:09.200 --> 00:25:09.640 God was. 00:25:10.000 --> 00:25:10.840 Infinitely happy. 00:25:10.900 --> 00:25:11.400 In himself. 00:25:12.420 --> 00:25:12.759 And yet. 00:25:12.779 --> 00:25:13.360 Jesus was willing. 00:25:13.400 --> 00:25:14.400 To give that up. 00:25:14.580 --> 00:25:15.940 And to come to earth. 00:25:16.200 --> 00:25:17.700 And die on the cross. 00:25:18.539 --> 00:25:19.340 And to there. 00:25:19.400 --> 00:25:19.700 Be made. 00:25:20.080 --> 00:25:20.960 Ultimately poor. 00:25:21.960 --> 00:25:23.000 To be stripped. 00:25:23.080 --> 00:25:23.920 Of all he had. 00:25:23.920 --> 00:25:25.420 And to mourn. 00:25:25.940 --> 00:25:26.759 And to hunger. 00:25:27.400 --> 00:25:28.140 And to thirst. 00:25:29.400 --> 00:25:30.600 And to do all that. 00:25:30.660 --> 00:25:31.720 For the sake of. 00:25:32.380 --> 00:25:33.539 An even greater joy. 00:25:35.100 --> 00:25:36.600 That he would give up. 00:25:36.940 --> 00:25:37.800 His joy. 00:25:37.980 --> 00:25:38.700 His blessing. 00:25:39.700 --> 00:25:41.259 For the even greater joy. 00:25:41.800 --> 00:25:42.880 Of bringing you. 00:25:42.980 --> 00:25:43.460 Into the kingdom. 00:25:45.660 --> 00:25:46.220 And friends. 00:25:46.259 --> 00:25:47.279 If you come to him. 00:25:47.480 --> 00:25:48.620 With empty hands. 00:25:49.340 --> 00:25:50.700 He'll fill you with his spirit. 00:25:50.960 --> 00:25:51.779 With his joy. 00:25:51.899 --> 00:25:52.579 With his blessing. 00:25:53.259 --> 00:25:54.200 And he'll make you. 00:25:54.259 --> 00:25:55.039 A part of his kingdom. 00:25:55.319 --> 00:25:56.660 And seal you for it. 00:25:58.019 --> 00:25:59.319 And then you'll know happiness. 00:26:00.480 --> 00:26:01.720 Happiness that won't spoil. 00:26:01.940 --> 00:26:02.579 Or fade. 00:26:02.819 --> 00:26:03.639 Or go away. 00:26:03.700 --> 00:26:04.740 But one that will grow. 00:26:05.339 --> 00:26:06.940 As you walk this life with him. 00:26:09.059 --> 00:26:09.539 And friends. 00:26:09.559 --> 00:26:10.399 If that's already you. 00:26:10.480 --> 00:26:12.000 If you've already given your life to Christ. 00:26:12.000 --> 00:26:13.259 If you've already gotten a taste. 00:26:13.460 --> 00:26:14.440 Of that blessedness. 00:26:14.480 --> 00:26:15.079 Of that kingdom. 00:26:15.200 --> 00:26:16.299 That Jesus is speaking about here. 00:26:16.980 --> 00:26:18.019 Then let me suggest this week. 00:26:18.039 --> 00:26:18.980 That you take one. 00:26:19.139 --> 00:26:20.379 Of these eight beatitudes. 00:26:20.480 --> 00:26:21.359 Just one of them. 00:26:21.779 --> 00:26:24.079 And meditate on it this week. 00:26:24.619 --> 00:26:25.899 Maybe even memorize it. 00:26:26.700 --> 00:26:27.899 Just get it down. 00:26:27.980 --> 00:26:28.839 Into your heart. 00:26:29.539 --> 00:26:30.920 And let the Holy Spirit. 00:26:31.000 --> 00:26:31.940 Begin to use it. 00:26:32.240 --> 00:26:32.819 In your heart. 00:26:33.799 --> 00:26:35.000 And what will happen is. 00:26:35.039 --> 00:26:35.460 Is that the spirit. 00:26:35.500 --> 00:26:36.440 Will start to use. 00:26:36.559 --> 00:26:37.440 That word. 00:26:37.579 --> 00:26:38.639 That you're meditating on. 00:26:38.680 --> 00:26:39.960 To show you more of Jesus. 00:26:40.619 --> 00:26:42.279 To show you more of how Christ. 00:26:42.500 --> 00:26:43.279 Is the one. 00:26:43.500 --> 00:26:44.420 Who is really. 00:26:45.019 --> 00:26:46.180 Who this beatitude is about. 00:26:46.759 --> 00:26:47.180 And the spirit. 00:26:47.259 --> 00:26:48.119 Will take that beatitude. 00:26:48.220 --> 00:26:48.799 And it'll start to. 00:26:49.259 --> 00:26:50.259 Stir up your affections. 00:26:50.259 --> 00:26:51.420 For the kingdom of God. 00:26:51.960 --> 00:26:53.579 For what it means to see God. 00:26:53.720 --> 00:26:54.559 For what it means to be. 00:26:55.059 --> 00:26:56.059 Truly satisfied. 00:26:56.140 --> 00:26:56.920 Or comforted. 00:26:57.819 --> 00:26:58.700 And then the spirit. 00:26:58.700 --> 00:27:00.259 Will also start to stir you. 00:27:00.940 --> 00:27:01.879 And to shape you. 00:27:01.920 --> 00:27:02.759 And to lead you. 00:27:02.980 --> 00:27:04.000 More and more. 00:27:04.099 --> 00:27:05.379 Into Christ likeness. 00:27:06.740 --> 00:27:08.619 And that's where happiness is found. 00:27:09.180 --> 00:27:10.680 In being made like him. 00:27:10.680 --> 00:27:13.140 Let's pray together. 00:27:17.360 --> 00:27:18.840 Jesus we pray that we would know. 00:27:19.060 --> 00:27:19.640 What it means. 00:27:20.440 --> 00:27:22.080 To be recipients of your grace. 00:27:22.200 --> 00:27:23.259 To be brought into your kingdom. 00:27:24.180 --> 00:27:25.039 And God we pray. 00:27:27.600 --> 00:27:28.600 That by your spirit. 00:27:28.759 --> 00:27:30.400 We become more and more those. 00:27:30.900 --> 00:27:32.299 Who are empty before you. 00:27:32.980 --> 00:27:34.240 And yet full towards others. 00:27:34.240 --> 00:27:37.380 God give us deep longing. 00:27:37.380 --> 00:27:38.120 For your kingdom. 00:27:39.819 --> 00:27:41.259 And Lord make us into people. 00:27:41.500 --> 00:27:41.799 Who are. 00:27:42.859 --> 00:27:43.759 Poor in spirit. 00:27:44.559 --> 00:27:45.420 Who mourn. 00:27:45.559 --> 00:27:46.079 Who are meek. 00:27:46.160 --> 00:27:47.539 Who hunger and thirst for righteousness. 00:27:48.099 --> 00:27:49.599 And out of that God are merciful. 00:27:50.640 --> 00:27:51.900 And who are pure in heart. 00:27:53.059 --> 00:27:54.259 And who are peacemakers. 00:27:55.579 --> 00:27:57.900 God and who even are able to withstand persecution. 00:27:58.079 --> 00:27:58.960 For righteousness sake. 00:27:59.559 --> 00:28:00.339 Lord make it so. 00:28:00.420 --> 00:28:01.099 Not for our sake. 00:28:01.160 --> 00:28:02.099 But for your glory sake. 00:28:02.160 --> 00:28:02.500 We pray. 00:28:02.819 --> 00:28:03.079 Amen. 00:28:03.079 --> 00:28:03.200 Amen. 00:28:04.240 --> 00:28:05.240 Amen.