WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.560 Amen. You're round someone's house for Sunday lunch and you've had a great feast and there's 00:00:07.560 --> 00:00:29.980 ! a cheesecake and there's eight of you round the table. It's a big cheesecake. You've gone round once and there is one piece of cheesecake and at least three people want it. And what do you do? You've got the choice there. You've got the choice. Do I divide it up or do I give it to one person? And I have a philosophy that I adhere to in that 00:00:29.980 --> 00:00:58.140 situation. It is all or nothing, isn't it? It's all or nothing. Either I get it all or I don't want any of it. To me, it's not going to do anybody any good to get a third of one piece of cheesecake. No one will get any real pleasure out of that. It's either all or nothing. You don't divide it up. And that's the way it is with the Beatitudes. You don't divide them up. It's all or nothing. 00:00:58.140 --> 00:01:19.019 They all go together. They change the gastronomic analogy. It's like eating good pizza. You know when you eat good pizza and you get a warm slice of pizza and you bite into it as you're holding it and the cheese just keeps on coming, doesn't it? You can't break it off. 00:01:19.019 --> 00:01:29.519 And you find that. And you find that your slice of pizza and you're holding it. And you find that your slice of pizza is naked and there's masses of cheese in your mouth as you hold the slice of pizza. It all hangs together. 00:01:30.539 --> 00:01:35.399 And it's the same way with the Beatitudes. They all hang together. They are not like spiritual gifts. 00:01:35.400 --> 00:01:44.900 But we say, don't we, God seems to have given to me this particular gift and hasn't given to me that gift. 00:01:46.460 --> 00:01:50.500 It's not, well, I think that I can be a pretty meek person. 00:01:51.719 --> 00:01:55.200 Or actually, my strength is being merciful. 00:01:56.420 --> 00:02:00.780 And I'll specialise in hangering and thirsting after righteousness. 00:02:00.780 --> 00:02:03.820 But the rest of the Beatitudes, well, that's not my bag. 00:02:03.960 --> 00:02:04.879 No, that's not the way. 00:02:05.760 --> 00:02:07.260 That is not the way to handle the Beatitudes. 00:02:08.140 --> 00:02:10.659 They come together as a whole and they hang together. 00:02:12.219 --> 00:02:18.620 And another thing that you and I need to be really clear of as we start this Sermon on the Mount, as we start studying the Beatitudes, 00:02:19.060 --> 00:02:22.400 is we see who is Jesus speaking to. 00:02:23.939 --> 00:02:26.780 And I think that's important for chapter 5, chapter 6 and chapter 7. 00:02:26.780 --> 00:02:27.740 Look at verse 1. 00:02:28.259 --> 00:02:31.740 Jesus is teaching his disciples. 00:02:33.560 --> 00:02:36.420 He's teaching those who've made a commitment to him. 00:02:37.500 --> 00:02:39.639 He's speaking to his people. 00:02:40.800 --> 00:02:42.199 And he wants you to remember that. 00:02:43.560 --> 00:02:49.180 The Sermon on the Mount is not for every Tom, Dick, and Harry, Molly, and Mary. 00:02:50.180 --> 00:02:51.960 It is for Jesus' people. 00:02:53.340 --> 00:02:55.439 The Sermon on the Mount is for Christian people. 00:02:55.439 --> 00:03:02.039 The Beatitudes are a description of Jesus' people, of people who belong to the Kingdom of God. 00:03:02.439 --> 00:03:10.939 And the rest of the Sermon on the Mount spells out the obligations and the demands and the principles by which Jesus' people are to live. 00:03:12.300 --> 00:03:15.360 And so what Jesus is doing is he is describing Kingdom people. 00:03:15.539 --> 00:03:19.439 And then he will go on to describe Kingdom precepts. 00:03:19.439 --> 00:03:23.079 But first he describes this Kingdom congregation. 00:03:24.359 --> 00:03:26.359 And then he will declare the Kingdom commands. 00:03:27.359 --> 00:03:32.259 Chapter 5, chapter 6, and chapter 7 of Matthew's Gospel is not for pagans. 00:03:32.460 --> 00:03:33.639 It is for Christian people. 00:03:34.120 --> 00:03:35.479 For Jesus' disciples. 00:03:36.539 --> 00:03:37.659 Now what do we have in the Beatitudes? 00:03:38.039 --> 00:03:41.900 Well first of all we have a description of Kingdom people. 00:03:41.900 --> 00:03:45.439 And he describes them in several ways. 00:03:46.760 --> 00:03:49.860 He describes them first of all according to their condition. 00:03:51.180 --> 00:03:54.180 Their condition, you'll see it in verses 3 to 6. 00:03:55.580 --> 00:03:58.219 How do these describe Christ's people? 00:03:59.200 --> 00:04:01.319 And what kind of condition do they have? 00:04:01.319 --> 00:04:07.840 When you look at the Beatitudes and you come to a word like, let's say, a word like meek. 00:04:08.439 --> 00:04:09.379 Or something like that. 00:04:10.359 --> 00:04:12.739 You don't go to the Oxford Dictionary. 00:04:12.819 --> 00:04:15.180 You don't go to Wikipedia for a definition. 00:04:16.439 --> 00:04:20.360 You need to think, how does the Bible use this term? 00:04:22.019 --> 00:04:25.399 Bible words have Bible meanings. 00:04:25.399 --> 00:04:35.560 And when you read the Old Testament, and you understand the Old Testament, it clarifies to you and I what the Beatitudes mean. 00:04:36.819 --> 00:04:39.099 We need to understand, how does the Bible use these terms? 00:04:39.799 --> 00:04:43.339 So Jesus said, how blessed are the poor in spirit. 00:04:43.599 --> 00:04:44.699 What does that mean? 00:04:46.939 --> 00:04:48.500 Who are the poor in spirit? 00:04:49.759 --> 00:04:52.339 And if you are poor in spirit, what will you be like? 00:04:52.339 --> 00:04:55.219 So where do you go? 00:04:55.599 --> 00:04:57.399 Bible words have Bible meanings. 00:04:59.039 --> 00:05:02.079 And so the most obvious place to go with poor in spirit is the Psalms. 00:05:02.179 --> 00:05:04.899 Because it speaks about being poor in spirit a lot. 00:05:05.819 --> 00:05:10.039 And a number of times, you'll see in the Psalms what it means to be poor and needy. 00:05:11.539 --> 00:05:17.699 And I think we have to say, that when he's talking about the poor, he's not talking about the economically poor. 00:05:18.799 --> 00:05:20.979 It's not merely the economically poor. 00:05:20.980 --> 00:05:23.080 So you could go to Psalm 86 verse 1. 00:05:23.819 --> 00:05:25.660 Or Psalm 40 verse 17. 00:05:25.939 --> 00:05:30.439 And you'll find that the wicked try to bring down the poor and needy. 00:05:31.140 --> 00:05:34.759 And they try to slay those who walk uprightly. 00:05:36.020 --> 00:05:37.379 Do you see how the terms are used? 00:05:37.520 --> 00:05:43.140 The poor and needy are the same as those who walk uprightly. 00:05:43.139 --> 00:05:48.240 In other words, the term poor and needy is a term for God's people. 00:05:48.659 --> 00:05:50.719 For God's people who are in distress. 00:05:52.639 --> 00:05:56.500 And part of that distress may well be that they are economically poor. 00:05:57.500 --> 00:06:04.259 And because they are economically poor, it may be that the rich and the powerful and the wicked may feel free to try and crush them. 00:06:04.259 --> 00:06:11.399 But you see, when they do that, the poor are not just economically poor, but they are poor in their resources. 00:06:13.579 --> 00:06:14.800 It's so important you see it. 00:06:14.980 --> 00:06:16.199 They are poor in their resources. 00:06:16.300 --> 00:06:17.319 So what are they going to do? 00:06:17.319 --> 00:06:19.719 They cast themselves on God. 00:06:21.079 --> 00:06:25.680 They cast themselves on the Lord for help and deliverance in distress. 00:06:27.379 --> 00:06:32.420 And that element is involved in this idea of the poor in Psalms. 00:06:33.699 --> 00:06:37.480 God's people who are in a state of poverty of resources. 00:06:38.120 --> 00:06:39.920 Of whatever situation that may be. 00:06:39.920 --> 00:06:43.020 And because of their need. 00:06:43.960 --> 00:06:45.840 Because of their poverty of resources. 00:06:46.060 --> 00:06:48.360 They cast themselves on the Lord. 00:06:50.740 --> 00:06:55.400 In fact, in the way that the Psalms uses, it doesn't necessarily mean economically poor at all. 00:06:56.500 --> 00:06:59.000 So for example, in Psalm 34 verse 6. 00:06:59.280 --> 00:07:00.920 You can look at the title of the Psalm. 00:07:01.259 --> 00:07:04.960 And you get a bit of an idea of the situation that David is in. 00:07:06.379 --> 00:07:09.280 And David says, this poor man cries. 00:07:09.920 --> 00:07:11.840 And the Lord feared him. 00:07:12.259 --> 00:07:13.379 This poor man cried. 00:07:13.500 --> 00:07:14.140 And the Lord feared him. 00:07:14.199 --> 00:07:15.960 And saved him out of all his trouble. 00:07:16.840 --> 00:07:20.980 And David was probably not, when he was calling himself a poor man. 00:07:21.040 --> 00:07:23.120 He was probably not in economic distress. 00:07:25.460 --> 00:07:27.259 In fact, it was probably more military. 00:07:28.480 --> 00:07:31.020 It was a dilemma in the land of Philistia. 00:07:31.720 --> 00:07:36.060 But he was in a situation where he was utterly unable of his own resources. 00:07:37.060 --> 00:07:39.439 That he had no resources of his own. 00:07:39.439 --> 00:07:41.839 And he had to cast himself on God. 00:07:43.300 --> 00:07:45.639 And that is what it means to be poor in spirit. 00:07:47.040 --> 00:07:50.060 The poor in spirit is someone who has no resources. 00:07:51.100 --> 00:07:55.160 With which to deal the circumstance with which they find themselves in. 00:07:55.220 --> 00:07:55.839 And you know it. 00:07:55.839 --> 00:08:00.719 And so he knows he must find in the Lord. 00:08:00.859 --> 00:08:01.779 In Yahweh. 00:08:02.000 --> 00:08:03.079 All his sufficiency. 00:08:04.859 --> 00:08:08.500 The poor are those who are desperate for God's help. 00:08:09.659 --> 00:08:13.479 And who know that God's help is their only hope. 00:08:13.480 --> 00:08:16.900 And people who live that way. 00:08:17.060 --> 00:08:18.660 And people who believe that way. 00:08:18.860 --> 00:08:19.759 Are the poor in spirit. 00:08:19.840 --> 00:08:20.500 That's their attitude. 00:08:22.780 --> 00:08:23.360 Let's go on. 00:08:23.400 --> 00:08:25.140 Blessed are those who mourn. 00:08:25.980 --> 00:08:26.520 Verse 4. 00:08:28.600 --> 00:08:30.259 What about this condition of mourning? 00:08:30.259 --> 00:08:32.720 What does Jesus mean? 00:08:33.240 --> 00:08:34.240 In the way that he says that? 00:08:35.200 --> 00:08:37.860 Is it involving mourning over a tragedy? 00:08:38.120 --> 00:08:40.799 Over a personal loss of some sort? 00:08:40.899 --> 00:08:41.879 Of a personal sorrow? 00:08:42.179 --> 00:08:44.740 Now I don't think that the Bible forbids you to mourn at all. 00:08:44.980 --> 00:08:45.620 In that way. 00:08:46.659 --> 00:08:47.779 I'm just saying it to you. 00:08:47.879 --> 00:08:50.500 I don't think that's the main aim of what Jesus is saying here. 00:08:50.500 --> 00:08:53.879 How blessed are those who mourn. 00:08:54.080 --> 00:08:55.139 Who are the mourners? 00:08:55.259 --> 00:08:56.980 And again the Old Testament helps us. 00:08:58.500 --> 00:08:59.440 Isaiah 61. 00:08:59.580 --> 00:09:00.620 Verses 2 and 3. 00:09:00.759 --> 00:09:03.940 You have that passage that's used by Christ in Luke 4. 00:09:05.100 --> 00:09:07.279 But you have there the servant of the Lord. 00:09:07.379 --> 00:09:09.940 Who is actually fulfilled in Christ. 00:09:10.879 --> 00:09:11.539 And at any rate. 00:09:11.659 --> 00:09:13.279 He is to make this proclamation. 00:09:15.159 --> 00:09:16.539 And one of the tasks he's supposed to do. 00:09:16.580 --> 00:09:18.419 As well as proclaiming good news. 00:09:18.419 --> 00:09:21.479 He is supposed to comfort those who mourn. 00:09:22.799 --> 00:09:23.860 And then it says. 00:09:24.240 --> 00:09:25.319 That he will go on. 00:09:25.479 --> 00:09:27.219 To grant the mourners of Israel. 00:09:27.319 --> 00:09:28.899 The oil of gladness. 00:09:29.059 --> 00:09:30.019 Instead of mourning. 00:09:31.699 --> 00:09:32.979 Who are the mourners in Zion? 00:09:34.899 --> 00:09:36.179 Or the mourners of Zion? 00:09:37.059 --> 00:09:38.500 When you have them all over Isaiah. 00:09:38.620 --> 00:09:39.139 Do you remember them? 00:09:39.539 --> 00:09:40.259 Isaiah 61. 00:09:41.639 --> 00:09:42.899 57 verse 18. 00:09:43.099 --> 00:09:44.120 66 verse 10. 00:09:44.379 --> 00:09:45.879 You have this idea of mourning. 00:09:45.879 --> 00:09:47.439 And you put all of that together. 00:09:47.440 --> 00:09:47.640 Judah. 00:09:48.040 --> 00:09:50.900 And you see it in the context of all of God's people. 00:09:51.100 --> 00:09:51.860 At that time. 00:09:52.020 --> 00:09:52.400 Judah. 00:09:52.820 --> 00:09:54.100 God's professing people. 00:09:55.280 --> 00:09:57.000 And then you know that within that people. 00:09:57.220 --> 00:09:59.660 Who have been very very unfaithful. 00:10:00.260 --> 00:10:01.640 There is still a little group. 00:10:02.680 --> 00:10:03.940 There is still a remnant. 00:10:04.060 --> 00:10:05.600 That are clinging on to God. 00:10:06.740 --> 00:10:08.060 They cling on to the Lord. 00:10:08.059 --> 00:10:12.539 And I think that if you look at those latter chapters of Isaiah. 00:10:12.639 --> 00:10:13.239 Which we did. 00:10:13.339 --> 00:10:13.839 You say. 00:10:14.219 --> 00:10:15.159 That the mourners. 00:10:15.339 --> 00:10:17.559 Are the ones who mourn over the fact. 00:10:18.059 --> 00:10:20.579 That the Lord is going to have to judge his people. 00:10:20.779 --> 00:10:21.359 For their sin. 00:10:23.279 --> 00:10:24.679 And they also mourn. 00:10:24.719 --> 00:10:25.899 Over their own unfaithfulness. 00:10:26.359 --> 00:10:27.000 To the Lord. 00:10:28.500 --> 00:10:29.719 And these mourners. 00:10:29.939 --> 00:10:30.939 They mourn over. 00:10:31.199 --> 00:10:32.659 The state of the people of Israel. 00:10:32.659 --> 00:10:34.139 And they mourn over their own sin. 00:10:34.139 --> 00:10:36.740 And they long for the Lord to restore his people. 00:10:39.679 --> 00:10:41.199 So this mourning. 00:10:41.519 --> 00:10:43.259 If we put it in our terms. 00:10:43.439 --> 00:10:44.600 I suppose in our time. 00:10:45.519 --> 00:10:46.580 For the Christian. 00:10:47.240 --> 00:10:49.179 It is a mourning over the church. 00:10:50.939 --> 00:10:52.240 It is a mourning. 00:10:52.639 --> 00:10:54.039 Over the unfaithfulness. 00:10:54.720 --> 00:10:56.080 Of those who call themselves. 00:10:56.179 --> 00:10:57.059 The people of God. 00:10:58.439 --> 00:11:01.100 How blessed are those who mourn. 00:11:01.100 --> 00:11:04.620 That isn't saying to you is it? 00:11:04.680 --> 00:11:05.820 It isn't saying to the small name. 00:11:05.899 --> 00:11:06.960 That you need to be morose. 00:11:08.360 --> 00:11:09.899 He says to you mourn. 00:11:10.200 --> 00:11:10.940 Not to mope. 00:11:12.240 --> 00:11:13.139 He says to you mourn. 00:11:13.200 --> 00:11:14.060 Don't make it ridiculous. 00:11:15.440 --> 00:11:16.560 Somebody comes along. 00:11:18.360 --> 00:11:20.040 And Jesus is not against you. 00:11:20.259 --> 00:11:21.040 Being joyful. 00:11:21.340 --> 00:11:22.800 Or enjoying a laugh. 00:11:22.840 --> 00:11:23.620 Or something like that. 00:11:24.320 --> 00:11:25.019 Someone comes to you. 00:11:25.019 --> 00:11:25.879 And says something funny. 00:11:25.879 --> 00:11:26.940 That you're not expecting. 00:11:27.080 --> 00:11:27.580 And you say. 00:11:27.940 --> 00:11:28.899 Oh please. 00:11:29.000 --> 00:11:30.200 Don't you know that I'm mourning? 00:11:31.100 --> 00:11:31.879 Over my sins. 00:11:31.960 --> 00:11:32.920 It's not stupidity. 00:11:33.019 --> 00:11:33.899 That Jesus is talking about. 00:11:35.720 --> 00:11:36.759 He's talking about there. 00:11:36.899 --> 00:11:39.080 Being a deep seated attitude. 00:11:40.060 --> 00:11:40.920 And expression. 00:11:41.259 --> 00:11:42.620 Of real grief. 00:11:44.159 --> 00:11:45.899 Over the remnants of sin. 00:11:47.340 --> 00:11:48.340 And unfaithfulness. 00:11:49.580 --> 00:11:50.680 In your life. 00:11:50.759 --> 00:11:51.560 And in my life. 00:11:51.700 --> 00:11:53.279 And in the church at large. 00:11:55.580 --> 00:11:56.700 It is very. 00:11:56.960 --> 00:11:57.740 Very easy. 00:11:58.700 --> 00:11:59.940 To moan at the church. 00:11:59.940 --> 00:12:03.160 Both locally. 00:12:04.660 --> 00:12:05.500 And nationally. 00:12:08.060 --> 00:12:09.320 But how many of us. 00:12:09.500 --> 00:12:10.660 Grieve over the church. 00:12:12.800 --> 00:12:13.700 And I think we are. 00:12:13.820 --> 00:12:14.980 In particular danger here. 00:12:15.080 --> 00:12:15.480 Because. 00:12:16.080 --> 00:12:16.480 We. 00:12:16.660 --> 00:12:17.420 And our denomination. 00:12:17.620 --> 00:12:19.160 We still hold to a high view. 00:12:19.200 --> 00:12:19.760 Of the Bible. 00:12:21.100 --> 00:12:21.900 At least officially. 00:12:23.340 --> 00:12:25.520 We still hold to the essential doctrines. 00:12:25.520 --> 00:12:26.760 Of the Christian faith. 00:12:26.759 --> 00:12:27.779 And the danger is. 00:12:27.919 --> 00:12:28.039 Isn't it. 00:12:28.100 --> 00:12:28.779 We look at. 00:12:29.059 --> 00:12:30.779 All of God's professing people. 00:12:31.000 --> 00:12:31.399 The church. 00:12:31.539 --> 00:12:32.580 Whether they be Anglican. 00:12:32.860 --> 00:12:33.480 Or Baptist. 00:12:33.679 --> 00:12:34.460 Or Pentecostal. 00:12:34.539 --> 00:12:34.919 Or charismatic. 00:12:34.919 --> 00:12:38.179 And we know. 00:12:38.179 --> 00:12:38.459 Don't we. 00:12:38.539 --> 00:12:38.899 We know. 00:12:39.000 --> 00:12:40.199 That there are some sections. 00:12:40.199 --> 00:12:40.719 Of the church. 00:12:40.839 --> 00:12:41.639 Some parts of the church. 00:12:41.719 --> 00:12:42.819 And they don't even hold. 00:12:42.939 --> 00:12:44.439 To the basic apostle creed. 00:12:44.500 --> 00:12:45.079 Kind of Christianity. 00:12:47.399 --> 00:12:48.099 And it's easy. 00:12:48.179 --> 00:12:48.939 When the reports come. 00:12:49.039 --> 00:12:49.620 About the decline. 00:12:49.699 --> 00:12:50.319 In church numbers. 00:12:50.439 --> 00:12:50.719 Well to say. 00:12:50.779 --> 00:12:51.299 Well it's no wonder. 00:12:51.360 --> 00:12:52.059 Because they don't believe. 00:12:52.139 --> 00:12:52.699 Anything anymore. 00:12:54.659 --> 00:12:55.599 It's very easy. 00:12:55.679 --> 00:12:55.819 Isn't it. 00:12:55.839 --> 00:12:56.759 To get into pride. 00:12:58.519 --> 00:12:59.599 But how many of us. 00:12:59.819 --> 00:13:00.219 Grieve. 00:13:00.419 --> 00:13:01.480 And mourn. 00:13:01.480 --> 00:13:02.379 Over the state. 00:13:02.459 --> 00:13:03.459 Of God's professing. 00:13:03.460 --> 00:13:04.280 The people at large. 00:13:06.460 --> 00:13:07.180 Does it ever. 00:13:07.360 --> 00:13:07.879 Grieve us. 00:13:08.000 --> 00:13:08.900 The unfaithfulness. 00:13:10.420 --> 00:13:11.600 Of the professing church. 00:13:11.660 --> 00:13:12.300 In our own nation. 00:13:15.220 --> 00:13:15.920 Do we know. 00:13:16.000 --> 00:13:16.259 What it is. 00:13:16.300 --> 00:13:16.980 To mourn. 00:13:17.080 --> 00:13:17.879 And to grieve. 00:13:18.379 --> 00:13:19.080 On our own. 00:13:19.379 --> 00:13:19.820 Sinfulness. 00:13:23.200 --> 00:13:24.360 On our own. 00:13:25.080 --> 00:13:26.000 Hidden depths. 00:13:26.100 --> 00:13:26.540 Of sin. 00:13:28.420 --> 00:13:29.200 But if you do. 00:13:29.259 --> 00:13:30.180 How blessed you are. 00:13:30.259 --> 00:13:30.820 Jesus says. 00:13:30.820 --> 00:13:33.480 Jesus goes on. 00:13:33.520 --> 00:13:34.080 With our condition. 00:13:34.420 --> 00:13:34.879 Look what he says. 00:13:34.940 --> 00:13:35.340 In verse 5. 00:13:35.420 --> 00:13:35.640 He said. 00:13:35.700 --> 00:13:36.160 How blessed. 00:13:36.360 --> 00:13:37.180 Are the meek. 00:13:38.640 --> 00:13:39.680 What does meek mean? 00:13:42.040 --> 00:13:42.640 Well we know. 00:13:42.720 --> 00:13:43.440 It doesn't mean weakness. 00:13:43.680 --> 00:13:44.560 It doesn't mean weakness. 00:13:46.400 --> 00:13:47.080 And Jesus. 00:13:47.340 --> 00:13:48.260 Lifts this verse. 00:13:48.379 --> 00:13:49.420 Out of Psalm 37. 00:13:49.420 --> 00:13:50.420 At 37. 00:13:50.520 --> 00:13:51.000 Verse 11. 00:13:52.260 --> 00:13:53.100 Where we read. 00:13:53.180 --> 00:13:53.800 The meek. 00:13:54.180 --> 00:13:55.580 Will possess the lambs. 00:13:55.820 --> 00:13:56.400 Who are the meek. 00:13:57.540 --> 00:13:58.240 But if you read. 00:13:58.300 --> 00:13:58.840 Psalm 37. 00:13:58.920 --> 00:13:59.600 Verses 1 to 11. 00:13:59.600 --> 00:14:00.800 You will have a picture. 00:14:01.000 --> 00:14:01.700 And a description. 00:14:01.920 --> 00:14:03.060 Of who the meek are. 00:14:04.680 --> 00:14:05.620 And if you look there. 00:14:05.680 --> 00:14:06.080 Sometime. 00:14:06.159 --> 00:14:06.519 You will see. 00:14:06.600 --> 00:14:06.940 That the meek. 00:14:06.960 --> 00:14:07.480 Are like this. 00:14:07.540 --> 00:14:08.000 They are the ones. 00:14:08.080 --> 00:14:09.080 That don't brood. 00:14:11.420 --> 00:14:11.920 The meek. 00:14:11.960 --> 00:14:12.240 Are the ones. 00:14:12.279 --> 00:14:13.120 Who don't lose it. 00:14:14.659 --> 00:14:15.200 The meek. 00:14:15.240 --> 00:14:15.560 Are the ones. 00:14:15.620 --> 00:14:16.560 That don't get themselves. 00:14:16.560 --> 00:14:17.560 In an uproar. 00:14:18.519 --> 00:14:19.560 And they don't get themselves. 00:14:19.720 --> 00:14:20.700 Green with envy. 00:14:20.860 --> 00:14:21.700 And get mad. 00:14:22.080 --> 00:14:22.800 That when they see. 00:14:22.879 --> 00:14:23.399 The prosperity. 00:14:23.620 --> 00:14:24.100 Of the wicked. 00:14:25.240 --> 00:14:25.940 And the fact. 00:14:26.019 --> 00:14:26.700 That they seem. 00:14:26.779 --> 00:14:27.560 To be in control. 00:14:27.639 --> 00:14:28.019 And the fact. 00:14:28.139 --> 00:14:28.700 That the wicked. 00:14:28.700 --> 00:14:29.440 Seem to be doing. 00:14:29.440 --> 00:14:30.379 So well. 00:14:30.379 --> 00:14:31.200 And the fact. 00:14:31.300 --> 00:14:31.840 That there doesn't seem. 00:14:31.940 --> 00:14:33.440 To be any justice. 00:14:34.360 --> 00:14:35.360 The meek are the ones. 00:14:35.440 --> 00:14:36.379 Who will not get envious. 00:14:37.640 --> 00:14:38.860 They will not get envious. 00:14:38.860 --> 00:14:39.540 Of the prosperity. 00:14:39.720 --> 00:14:40.040 Of the wicked. 00:14:40.320 --> 00:14:41.080 But they are willing. 00:14:41.080 --> 00:14:41.640 To wait. 00:14:42.740 --> 00:14:43.580 They are willing. 00:14:43.580 --> 00:14:44.080 To wait. 00:14:44.120 --> 00:14:44.680 Until God. 00:14:44.759 --> 00:14:45.540 Puts things right. 00:14:45.660 --> 00:14:46.540 And judges the wicked. 00:14:46.539 --> 00:14:48.980 There is. 00:14:48.980 --> 00:14:50.039 There is a sense. 00:14:50.199 --> 00:14:50.719 In which this. 00:14:51.039 --> 00:14:51.779 Meek attitude. 00:14:52.059 --> 00:14:52.519 There is a sense. 00:14:52.620 --> 00:14:54.019 In which there is a certain element. 00:14:54.219 --> 00:14:55.159 Of control. 00:14:56.299 --> 00:14:57.459 And of calmness. 00:14:59.399 --> 00:14:59.980 That is. 00:15:00.120 --> 00:15:01.259 You don't lash out. 00:15:02.399 --> 00:15:03.659 You don't blow your fuse. 00:15:03.819 --> 00:15:05.299 But rather you submit. 00:15:05.539 --> 00:15:06.480 To the situation. 00:15:07.980 --> 00:15:08.919 And the circumstances. 00:15:09.120 --> 00:15:10.399 That you cannot change. 00:15:10.399 --> 00:15:13.100 And you wait for God. 00:15:13.220 --> 00:15:14.399 To put things right. 00:15:14.740 --> 00:15:15.919 Now we have to be careful. 00:15:16.039 --> 00:15:16.120 Only. 00:15:16.179 --> 00:15:17.279 I am making no attempt. 00:15:17.279 --> 00:15:17.779 This morning. 00:15:18.159 --> 00:15:18.939 To balance. 00:15:18.939 --> 00:15:19.860 All these statements. 00:15:21.019 --> 00:15:22.500 And consider every situation. 00:15:22.500 --> 00:15:23.600 That is coming to your mind. 00:15:25.199 --> 00:15:26.299 So the meek person. 00:15:26.419 --> 00:15:27.519 Has this element. 00:15:28.679 --> 00:15:30.000 Not of weakness. 00:15:30.399 --> 00:15:32.220 But of control strength. 00:15:34.139 --> 00:15:35.299 Of control. 00:15:35.299 --> 00:15:38.759 And lastly. 00:15:38.899 --> 00:15:40.259 We played on a Friday afternoon. 00:15:40.379 --> 00:15:40.719 Rugby. 00:15:40.819 --> 00:15:41.579 With the kids. 00:15:41.740 --> 00:15:42.399 I think I am allowed. 00:15:42.459 --> 00:15:43.199 A rugby illustration. 00:15:43.319 --> 00:15:43.879 Again today. 00:15:44.259 --> 00:15:44.459 And. 00:15:45.399 --> 00:15:46.219 We played rugby. 00:15:46.219 --> 00:15:46.719 With the kids. 00:15:46.779 --> 00:15:47.259 And there would be. 00:15:47.359 --> 00:15:48.179 Adults that were there. 00:15:48.259 --> 00:15:49.019 Marius was there. 00:15:49.359 --> 00:15:50.399 The Ray boys were there. 00:15:50.959 --> 00:15:51.679 And there were little. 00:15:51.679 --> 00:15:52.539 Little children there. 00:15:53.059 --> 00:15:53.939 And we played. 00:15:54.039 --> 00:15:54.879 Full contact rugby. 00:15:56.240 --> 00:15:56.620 And so. 00:15:56.759 --> 00:15:57.459 How did the adults. 00:15:57.639 --> 00:15:58.679 Play at that time. 00:15:59.319 --> 00:16:00.099 How did Chris Craddock. 00:16:00.099 --> 00:16:00.859 Play when he got the ball. 00:16:00.939 --> 00:16:02.279 Did he take the high ball. 00:16:02.539 --> 00:16:04.199 And charge at Marius. 00:16:04.379 --> 00:16:05.259 And put the. 00:16:05.299 --> 00:16:06.219 Shoulder into him. 00:16:06.500 --> 00:16:07.599 Knock him to the ground. 00:16:08.059 --> 00:16:09.039 And send the children. 00:16:09.219 --> 00:16:09.479 Flying. 00:16:09.579 --> 00:16:09.819 No. 00:16:10.000 --> 00:16:10.899 How do adults. 00:16:11.099 --> 00:16:11.959 Play rugby. 00:16:12.039 --> 00:16:12.500 With children. 00:16:13.879 --> 00:16:15.299 You control your strength. 00:16:15.419 --> 00:16:15.719 Don't you. 00:16:17.120 --> 00:16:18.179 You walk. 00:16:18.359 --> 00:16:18.719 Slowly. 00:16:19.839 --> 00:16:20.139 And so. 00:16:20.219 --> 00:16:21.259 As they tackle you. 00:16:21.339 --> 00:16:22.620 You take the impact. 00:16:22.740 --> 00:16:23.879 And you fall to the ground. 00:16:23.959 --> 00:16:24.599 It's control. 00:16:24.839 --> 00:16:25.179 Do you remember. 00:16:25.259 --> 00:16:25.979 Boris Johnson. 00:16:26.099 --> 00:16:27.159 There was a photo of Boris Johnson. 00:16:27.159 --> 00:16:27.419 Was there. 00:16:27.500 --> 00:16:28.659 Wiping out that child. 00:16:29.339 --> 00:16:29.959 With the. 00:16:30.519 --> 00:16:31.399 With a rugby ball. 00:16:31.620 --> 00:16:32.819 But that's not how you do it. 00:16:32.819 --> 00:16:32.819 00:16:32.819 --> 00:16:34.299 You play. 00:16:34.299 --> 00:16:36.299 With controlled strength. 00:16:37.339 --> 00:16:38.500 You accommodate. 00:16:38.500 --> 00:16:39.459 Your strength. 00:16:40.579 --> 00:16:41.359 That is. 00:16:41.679 --> 00:16:42.359 Meekness. 00:16:43.959 --> 00:16:45.159 It is not using. 00:16:45.319 --> 00:16:45.740 Your full strength. 00:16:45.819 --> 00:16:47.139 It is not lashing out. 00:16:47.219 --> 00:16:47.759 In revenge. 00:16:47.959 --> 00:16:48.699 Even if it is. 00:16:48.859 --> 00:16:49.679 Within my power. 00:16:51.259 --> 00:16:52.559 It is in certain situations. 00:16:52.559 --> 00:16:53.799 That I will submit. 00:16:53.959 --> 00:16:54.559 Until God. 00:16:54.620 --> 00:16:55.279 Puts it right. 00:16:56.859 --> 00:16:58.019 And the meek person. 00:16:58.219 --> 00:16:59.139 Is controlled. 00:16:59.139 --> 00:17:00.980 By a quiet. 00:17:01.220 --> 00:17:01.580 Trust. 00:17:01.740 --> 00:17:02.460 In the Lord. 00:17:04.500 --> 00:17:05.720 Until he will put it right. 00:17:06.799 --> 00:17:07.700 In his time. 00:17:10.059 --> 00:17:10.839 The meek person. 00:17:10.940 --> 00:17:12.079 Really believes the creed. 00:17:13.079 --> 00:17:14.559 They really believe the creed. 00:17:14.619 --> 00:17:16.139 That he will come again. 00:17:16.220 --> 00:17:16.980 To judge the living. 00:17:17.180 --> 00:17:17.799 And the dead. 00:17:19.379 --> 00:17:20.160 The fourth thing. 00:17:20.480 --> 00:17:21.240 There are those. 00:17:21.680 --> 00:17:22.339 Who hunger. 00:17:22.339 --> 00:17:23.480 And thirst for righteousness. 00:17:23.680 --> 00:17:24.019 Verse 6. 00:17:24.099 --> 00:17:24.839 They are blessed. 00:17:25.839 --> 00:17:26.539 What does it mean. 00:17:26.599 --> 00:17:27.179 To hunger and thirst. 00:17:27.259 --> 00:17:27.799 After righteousness. 00:17:29.139 --> 00:17:30.419 What does Jesus mean. 00:17:30.639 --> 00:17:31.539 By righteousness. 00:17:31.919 --> 00:17:32.159 Well. 00:17:32.359 --> 00:17:32.939 It is a phrase. 00:17:33.039 --> 00:17:33.819 That comes up again. 00:17:33.879 --> 00:17:34.240 And again. 00:17:34.399 --> 00:17:35.079 In the Sermon on the Mount. 00:17:36.019 --> 00:17:36.819 In chapter 6. 00:17:36.859 --> 00:17:37.919 In verse 33. 00:17:38.079 --> 00:17:38.679 You may be familiar. 00:17:38.779 --> 00:17:39.220 With that verse. 00:17:39.279 --> 00:17:39.599 It says. 00:17:39.720 --> 00:17:40.720 Seek first. 00:17:41.759 --> 00:17:42.500 God's kingdom. 00:17:42.759 --> 00:17:43.839 And his righteousness. 00:17:44.220 --> 00:17:44.699 Do you see that? 00:17:45.059 --> 00:17:45.859 God's kingdom. 00:17:46.039 --> 00:17:46.819 And his righteousness. 00:17:46.819 --> 00:17:47.740 They go together. 00:17:49.259 --> 00:17:50.259 And then you remember. 00:17:50.359 --> 00:17:50.980 In the Sermon on the Mount. 00:17:51.159 --> 00:17:52.000 In chapter 6. 00:17:52.059 --> 00:17:53.019 In verse 6. 00:17:53.079 --> 00:17:53.500 Verse 10. 00:17:53.500 --> 00:17:54.859 In the Lord's Prayer. 00:17:55.200 --> 00:17:55.859 Where we are to pray. 00:17:55.920 --> 00:17:56.660 That God's kingdom. 00:17:56.660 --> 00:17:57.339 Will come. 00:17:58.680 --> 00:17:59.480 Your kingdom. 00:17:59.960 --> 00:18:00.240 Come. 00:18:01.319 --> 00:18:02.200 What's that mean? 00:18:03.680 --> 00:18:04.519 And what will happen. 00:18:04.700 --> 00:18:06.220 When that kingdom comes. 00:18:06.299 --> 00:18:06.980 Well the next phrase. 00:18:07.059 --> 00:18:07.599 Explains that. 00:18:07.720 --> 00:18:08.359 Your will. 00:18:08.579 --> 00:18:09.119 Be done. 00:18:09.240 --> 00:18:09.859 On earth. 00:18:09.920 --> 00:18:10.500 As it is. 00:18:10.579 --> 00:18:11.079 In heaven. 00:18:11.460 --> 00:18:12.579 So when his kingdom. 00:18:12.819 --> 00:18:14.000 Comes in fullness. 00:18:14.380 --> 00:18:14.900 His will. 00:18:14.900 --> 00:18:15.759 Will be done on earth. 00:18:17.720 --> 00:18:18.740 And that's very much. 00:18:18.819 --> 00:18:19.279 Like the kingdom. 00:18:19.460 --> 00:18:19.859 And righteousness. 00:18:20.099 --> 00:18:20.619 That we'll see. 00:18:20.759 --> 00:18:21.299 In chapter 6. 00:18:21.359 --> 00:18:22.000 Verse 33. 00:18:22.220 --> 00:18:22.819 Seek first. 00:18:22.819 --> 00:18:23.599 His kingdom. 00:18:24.019 --> 00:18:24.960 And his righteousness. 00:18:27.139 --> 00:18:28.039 And so we pray. 00:18:28.099 --> 00:18:28.579 For his kingdom. 00:18:28.679 --> 00:18:29.259 And his righteousness. 00:18:29.399 --> 00:18:29.779 To come. 00:18:30.039 --> 00:18:31.019 So that his will. 00:18:31.119 --> 00:18:32.220 Will be done on earth. 00:18:32.639 --> 00:18:33.579 As it is in heaven. 00:18:35.659 --> 00:18:37.000 That is his righteous will. 00:18:37.079 --> 00:18:37.980 Being done on earth. 00:18:41.859 --> 00:18:42.740 So when you hunger. 00:18:42.740 --> 00:18:43.359 And thirst. 00:18:43.480 --> 00:18:44.159 After righteousness. 00:18:44.419 --> 00:18:45.200 You are hungering. 00:18:45.399 --> 00:18:46.039 And thirsting. 00:18:46.139 --> 00:18:46.939 After the time. 00:18:47.019 --> 00:18:47.559 When God. 00:18:47.679 --> 00:18:48.500 Will fully bring. 00:18:48.599 --> 00:18:49.279 His kingdom in. 00:18:49.279 --> 00:18:52.000 And when his righteous. 00:18:52.000 --> 00:18:53.180 Will will be done. 00:18:53.180 --> 00:18:53.740 On earth. 00:18:55.559 --> 00:18:56.619 And it also means. 00:18:56.779 --> 00:18:57.139 Something else. 00:18:57.139 --> 00:18:57.559 Doesn't it. 00:18:58.420 --> 00:18:59.700 If that is really. 00:18:59.899 --> 00:19:00.539 Your appetite. 00:19:00.899 --> 00:19:01.539 That it means. 00:19:01.700 --> 00:19:02.079 That you. 00:19:02.160 --> 00:19:03.059 In your own thinking. 00:19:03.299 --> 00:19:03.740 And living. 00:19:03.980 --> 00:19:04.720 You will seek. 00:19:04.839 --> 00:19:05.420 To hunger. 00:19:05.700 --> 00:19:06.440 And thirst. 00:19:07.480 --> 00:19:08.599 To conform. 00:19:08.720 --> 00:19:09.539 Your own thinking. 00:19:09.759 --> 00:19:10.119 And living. 00:19:10.220 --> 00:19:11.240 To God's righteous will. 00:19:11.240 --> 00:19:13.900 So there is both. 00:19:13.980 --> 00:19:14.559 A broad. 00:19:14.640 --> 00:19:14.960 Kind of. 00:19:15.319 --> 00:19:15.880 Final. 00:19:16.140 --> 00:19:16.620 Hangering. 00:19:16.759 --> 00:19:17.559 And thirsting. 00:19:17.620 --> 00:19:18.359 After righteousness. 00:19:18.900 --> 00:19:19.640 And an application. 00:19:19.759 --> 00:19:20.559 To your daily life. 00:19:23.319 --> 00:19:24.039 And so. 00:19:24.160 --> 00:19:24.960 How is your appetite? 00:19:27.640 --> 00:19:28.380 Jesus says. 00:19:28.440 --> 00:19:29.200 This is how his people. 00:19:29.200 --> 00:19:29.599 Will be. 00:19:31.220 --> 00:19:32.200 They will be the ones. 00:19:32.359 --> 00:19:32.839 Hangering. 00:19:33.019 --> 00:19:33.720 And thirsting. 00:19:33.799 --> 00:19:34.279 For righteousness. 00:19:34.480 --> 00:19:35.220 Both finally. 00:19:35.779 --> 00:19:36.279 But also. 00:19:36.400 --> 00:19:37.099 In their own living. 00:19:37.299 --> 00:19:37.799 And thinking. 00:19:37.940 --> 00:19:38.380 And practice. 00:19:38.859 --> 00:19:40.259 Nothing matters. 00:19:40.259 --> 00:19:42.000 To them more. 00:19:42.420 --> 00:19:43.220 Than to act. 00:19:43.379 --> 00:19:43.859 According. 00:19:44.740 --> 00:19:45.559 To God's righteousness. 00:19:47.539 --> 00:19:48.420 To what God. 00:19:48.500 --> 00:19:48.920 May demand. 00:19:48.980 --> 00:19:49.859 In any situation. 00:19:53.099 --> 00:19:53.879 We have to say. 00:19:53.940 --> 00:19:54.119 Don't we. 00:19:54.140 --> 00:19:54.759 As a matter of fact. 00:19:54.859 --> 00:19:55.759 That many people. 00:19:55.759 --> 00:19:56.680 Have their appetites. 00:19:56.819 --> 00:19:57.519 Messed up. 00:19:59.200 --> 00:19:59.720 I know. 00:19:59.859 --> 00:20:00.119 Lots of people. 00:20:00.200 --> 00:20:00.519 Have problems. 00:20:00.559 --> 00:20:01.079 With their diets. 00:20:01.180 --> 00:20:01.619 It doesn't apply. 00:20:01.680 --> 00:20:02.059 To everyone. 00:20:03.579 --> 00:20:04.819 But if you had the choice. 00:20:05.079 --> 00:20:05.900 Of marjorie. 00:20:06.059 --> 00:20:06.579 Or butter. 00:20:08.119 --> 00:20:09.240 And you didn't have to worry. 00:20:09.319 --> 00:20:09.960 About cholesterol. 00:20:10.259 --> 00:20:11.440 Or anything like that. 00:20:11.480 --> 00:20:12.000 What would you choose? 00:20:12.180 --> 00:20:13.079 You'd choose butter. 00:20:13.200 --> 00:20:13.400 Of course. 00:20:13.480 --> 00:20:13.700 Wouldn't you? 00:20:14.900 --> 00:20:15.980 There are some people. 00:20:16.079 --> 00:20:16.720 That prefer. 00:20:18.519 --> 00:20:19.079 Burger King. 00:20:19.660 --> 00:20:20.819 To McDonald's. 00:20:21.140 --> 00:20:21.619 Sponishing. 00:20:21.779 --> 00:20:22.019 Isn't it? 00:20:24.059 --> 00:20:25.279 When I was a child. 00:20:25.440 --> 00:20:26.900 My mother would bake bread. 00:20:28.640 --> 00:20:29.539 Fresh bread. 00:20:30.740 --> 00:20:32.119 But I preferred. 00:20:32.799 --> 00:20:33.839 The sliced bread. 00:20:33.940 --> 00:20:34.519 Can you believe that? 00:20:35.539 --> 00:20:37.019 There were no holes in it. 00:20:37.359 --> 00:20:38.960 It came in a perfect shape. 00:20:38.960 --> 00:20:40.079 It's a terrible. 00:20:40.079 --> 00:20:40.160 Terrible. 00:20:40.160 --> 00:20:40.700 Terrible thing. 00:20:40.779 --> 00:20:40.980 Isn't it? 00:20:42.180 --> 00:20:43.500 I worked with a guy once. 00:20:43.740 --> 00:20:44.819 When I was in the post office. 00:20:45.100 --> 00:20:46.579 And you did a brilliant canteen. 00:20:46.740 --> 00:20:48.180 And he would get his main dinner. 00:20:48.539 --> 00:20:49.900 And he'd put his dessert. 00:20:50.100 --> 00:20:50.779 On his main dinner. 00:20:51.019 --> 00:20:52.279 It was a nuts thing. 00:20:53.180 --> 00:20:53.759 And he used to say. 00:20:53.819 --> 00:20:54.819 It all goes down the same way. 00:20:55.120 --> 00:20:56.279 Some problems with his. 00:20:57.140 --> 00:20:57.819 Nose or something. 00:20:57.920 --> 00:20:58.779 That he couldn't really chase. 00:20:58.860 --> 00:20:59.620 It was just awful. 00:20:59.860 --> 00:21:00.960 People have messed up. 00:21:00.960 --> 00:21:01.779 Appetites. 00:21:01.840 --> 00:21:02.140 Don't they? 00:21:02.140 --> 00:21:05.840 When you don't know what's good for you. 00:21:07.880 --> 00:21:09.040 And we need to ask ourselves. 00:21:09.140 --> 00:21:09.880 As Jesus people. 00:21:10.020 --> 00:21:10.380 Am I. 00:21:10.700 --> 00:21:11.940 If I'm one of Jesus people. 00:21:12.080 --> 00:21:13.660 What am I hangering and thirsting after? 00:21:16.300 --> 00:21:17.740 Is it really true that. 00:21:18.380 --> 00:21:20.440 I keep hangering and thirsting. 00:21:20.560 --> 00:21:22.180 After conforming my life. 00:21:22.180 --> 00:21:23.259 Both mentally. 00:21:23.259 --> 00:21:26.319 And practically. 00:21:26.740 --> 00:21:28.619 To what God's righteous will is. 00:21:30.460 --> 00:21:32.460 What do we hunger after. 00:21:32.660 --> 00:21:33.200 As Christians. 00:21:35.700 --> 00:21:36.920 Frequently it's put out there isn't it. 00:21:36.920 --> 00:21:38.500 That we hunger after joy and happiness. 00:21:38.680 --> 00:21:39.359 And that may come. 00:21:40.200 --> 00:21:42.140 But that is a byproduct of something else. 00:21:43.740 --> 00:21:45.119 And if you hunger or thirst. 00:21:45.240 --> 00:21:47.859 And make joy the object of your appetite. 00:21:48.039 --> 00:21:48.960 You will not find it. 00:21:50.920 --> 00:21:52.019 Some Christians are told. 00:21:52.019 --> 00:21:53.799 That they need to hangering and thirst. 00:21:53.980 --> 00:21:54.720 And they need to go after. 00:21:54.799 --> 00:21:56.240 The ultimate Christian experience. 00:21:56.500 --> 00:21:57.599 That they will get to the point. 00:21:57.680 --> 00:21:58.539 Where they've discovered. 00:21:58.700 --> 00:22:00.259 The secret of the Christian life. 00:22:01.180 --> 00:22:01.839 Whatever that is. 00:22:02.599 --> 00:22:03.599 So they go to their conferences. 00:22:03.839 --> 00:22:04.799 Or retreats. 00:22:05.359 --> 00:22:06.079 Or churches. 00:22:06.240 --> 00:22:06.900 Or groups. 00:22:07.940 --> 00:22:08.819 And they're seeking. 00:22:09.059 --> 00:22:10.720 This sort of Christian experience. 00:22:10.720 --> 00:22:11.819 That will give them the glow. 00:22:13.619 --> 00:22:14.700 And you need to watch that. 00:22:14.819 --> 00:22:16.279 Because can you see what Jesus says? 00:22:16.379 --> 00:22:17.000 Jesus says. 00:22:17.119 --> 00:22:18.139 Blessed are those. 00:22:19.420 --> 00:22:21.039 Who hunger and thirst. 00:22:22.019 --> 00:22:24.139 Who hunger and thirst. 00:22:24.200 --> 00:22:24.859 After righteousness. 00:22:26.940 --> 00:22:28.440 And conformity to his will. 00:22:28.579 --> 00:22:29.579 Is their highest priority. 00:22:32.299 --> 00:22:34.139 Now I'm going to break one of the golden laws. 00:22:34.200 --> 00:22:34.920 Of preaching this morning. 00:22:35.759 --> 00:22:37.559 To transgress the golden law. 00:22:37.639 --> 00:22:39.819 That every sermon should be complete in itself. 00:22:41.099 --> 00:22:42.480 And that you shouldn't string things along. 00:22:42.539 --> 00:22:44.940 And you should certainly never let anything be unfinished. 00:22:44.940 --> 00:22:47.799 Because if somebody died this week. 00:22:47.860 --> 00:22:49.180 They'll have only heard half the sermon. 00:22:49.320 --> 00:22:50.559 But I'm willing to take the risk. 00:22:51.519 --> 00:22:53.000 And I'm going to stop here. 00:22:54.080 --> 00:22:55.420 And I'm going to put three words. 00:22:55.559 --> 00:22:56.620 To be continued. 00:22:57.259 --> 00:22:57.519 Alright. 00:22:57.600 --> 00:22:58.340 It's next Sunday morning. 00:23:00.100 --> 00:23:00.840 But as I finish. 00:23:00.900 --> 00:23:01.880 I want to make one observation. 00:23:01.880 --> 00:23:04.880 I want you to notice. 00:23:04.880 --> 00:23:05.880 The four beatitudes. 00:23:06.040 --> 00:23:06.920 That we've looked at this morning. 00:23:09.380 --> 00:23:11.120 And look at the way he describes his people. 00:23:11.260 --> 00:23:12.900 Because there's great encouragement here. 00:23:14.100 --> 00:23:16.220 He describes them in terms. 00:23:16.440 --> 00:23:18.140 Of their destitution. 00:23:19.760 --> 00:23:21.420 He describes them in terms. 00:23:21.420 --> 00:23:22.340 Of their deficiencies. 00:23:23.780 --> 00:23:24.900 They lack something. 00:23:26.160 --> 00:23:27.160 They lack something. 00:23:27.160 --> 00:23:30.840 The poor in spirit. 00:23:30.840 --> 00:23:33.420 Is the one who doesn't have the resources. 00:23:33.779 --> 00:23:34.519 And he knows it. 00:23:35.759 --> 00:23:37.880 And he knows that he must have God's help. 00:23:38.860 --> 00:23:41.180 And God's help is his only hope. 00:23:42.900 --> 00:23:44.540 It's not someone who's arrived. 00:23:46.240 --> 00:23:48.980 And the person who mourns over their sins. 00:23:50.180 --> 00:23:51.320 They still mourn. 00:23:52.779 --> 00:23:53.820 And they're still hungry. 00:23:54.100 --> 00:23:55.320 And they're still thirsty. 00:23:55.460 --> 00:23:56.580 It is present tense. 00:23:56.579 --> 00:23:58.000 It's a present continuous thing. 00:23:58.259 --> 00:24:00.460 It's not something that you get filled with. 00:24:02.619 --> 00:24:04.539 But you are continually hungry. 00:24:04.899 --> 00:24:06.519 And thirsting after righteousness. 00:24:07.139 --> 00:24:08.079 And I think that's important. 00:24:08.159 --> 00:24:09.179 Do you see what Jesus is saying? 00:24:12.539 --> 00:24:14.480 This is the condition of true disciples. 00:24:17.019 --> 00:24:19.059 It's not a phase you leave behind. 00:24:20.339 --> 00:24:22.599 And then you get to a more advanced stage. 00:24:24.039 --> 00:24:26.259 This is the way Jesus people are. 00:24:26.579 --> 00:24:29.859 Why do I think that's important? 00:24:29.939 --> 00:24:30.839 Why do I mention that? 00:24:30.960 --> 00:24:33.879 Well because there are many versions of the Christian life going around. 00:24:35.859 --> 00:24:37.460 And they say things like this. 00:24:37.579 --> 00:24:37.740 You know. 00:24:37.980 --> 00:24:41.659 Jesus wants you to get to a point of fulfilment. 00:24:42.480 --> 00:24:45.579 Where you won't have this feeling of inadequacy. 00:24:45.740 --> 00:24:46.619 And hopelessness. 00:24:46.619 --> 00:24:47.720 And in this crisis. 00:24:47.980 --> 00:24:48.419 And so on. 00:24:48.420 --> 00:24:52.400 And where you will largely leave behind mourning after sin. 00:24:53.480 --> 00:24:54.640 And unfaithfulness. 00:24:54.640 --> 00:24:59.180 And that is a false gospel. 00:25:01.020 --> 00:25:02.400 Because the Christian life. 00:25:04.100 --> 00:25:07.300 Is one of being poor in spirit. 00:25:08.800 --> 00:25:10.140 And one of mourning. 00:25:12.020 --> 00:25:13.220 And one of meekness. 00:25:13.320 --> 00:25:15.200 Waiting for God to act. 00:25:15.200 --> 00:25:18.340 And one of hungering and thirsting. 00:25:19.500 --> 00:25:19.960 Let's pray. 00:25:19.960 --> 00:25:23.740 how blessed are the poor in spirit 00:25:23.740 --> 00:25:28.160 for theirs is the kingdom of heaven 00:25:28.160 --> 00:25:33.500 how blessed are they who mourn 00:25:33.500 --> 00:25:37.160 for you shall be comforted 00:25:37.160 --> 00:25:40.120 how blessed are the meek 00:25:40.120 --> 00:25:43.420 for you shall inherit the earth 00:25:43.420 --> 00:25:46.940 how blessed are those of you who keep 00:25:46.940 --> 00:25:51.320 hangering and thirsting for righteousness 00:25:51.320 --> 00:25:53.980 for you will be filled 00:25:53.980 --> 00:25:55.700 Amen 00:25:55.700 --> 00:25:57.880 we're going to sing 00:25:57.880 --> 00:26:00.740 we're going to sing 00:26:00.740 --> 00:26:03.700 a hymn that I think expresses this truth 00:26:03.700 --> 00:26:07.140 I could not do without you Lord or Saviour of the lost 00:26:07.140 --> 00:26:09.000 I could not do without you verse 2 00:26:09.000 --> 00:26:10.200 I cannot stand alone 00:26:10.200 --> 00:26:11.440 I have no strength or goodness 00:26:11.440 --> 00:26:12.759 no wisdom of my own 00:26:12.759 --> 00:26:15.500 but you beloved Saviour are with me hour by hour 00:26:15.500 --> 00:26:17.420 and as I lean upon you 00:26:17.420 --> 00:26:20.079 my weakness will be power 00:26:20.079 --> 00:26:21.160 will be power 00:26:21.160 --> 00:26:22.819 let's stand and sing 00:26:22.819 --> 00:26:23.759 I could not do without you