Sermon

Introduction

The teaching of Lord Jesus on the Mount (of Olives) focuses on showing people how the rule of God can happen in their lives, how it overrules everything that rules us, like selfishness, wrong attitudes bondage, and works of darkness. In chapters 5 to 7, He outlines the dimensions of kingdom life, where very real boundaries are set, to declare “This is the way it works!”

1. Blessed are the poor, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven

It’s a good thing when you acknowledge your need (poor in spirit), declaring “I don’t have it!” When you admit it, the result is you’re going to the rule of God in your life.

2. Blessed are those who mourn…

Blessed are the people who’ve come to a place of mourning over their sins, who are hurting because of what sin did to them when they fell into it. What happens to those who mourn, they will be comforted.
 
3. Blessed are the meek…

Meek means the person has come into submission, not under subjugation, but willing to come under and relate to authority = the authority of Jesus and His lordship in their life, including the authority of the life of Jesus in the pastor and elders in the church.

4. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness

Blessed are people that are getting passionate to get the right work of God going on in them, and they will get full of God. The Lord says, “I will pour floods upon the dry ground. I want to fill you with My Spirit.”

5. Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy

Merciful refers to people who don’t hold a grudge, forgiving, understanding, and receptive toward other who don’t seem to have everything going for them, or even people who have violated and hurt them. Jesus promises that they are going to find the mercy of God abounding around them.

6. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God

When your heart is pure, you will see God working in your life. He will be in the everyday of your circumstance, because you want Him ther4e, and you’ve chosen to live in an honest-to-God stance = with an honesty of heart.

7. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God

A peacemaker is a person who is not afraid to get in the middle of it, an argument, a misunderstanding or problem. When people are in conflict, the Lord would be looking for people who’d be willing to stand in the middle, and let the sparks flow through them – even if it burns a little. That’s what Jesus did when He stretched out on the cross and made peace for us with God.

8. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven

Jesus Christ calls us to a life of risking, living in His will and following after His ways. When God’s righteousness becomes clear and proven, your influence will draw others toward Jesus, and the kingdom of heaven will be made manifest.

Preparing for Mightiness

LIFE APPLICATION DISCUSSION

Discuss among homecare group members each of the eight statements of Beatitudes, and agree on how we can become more blessed in the eyes of Jesus our Lord.