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Children of the Light

Sermon by Clyde Finklea

In the Sermon on the Mount, as recorded in Matthew 5:3-9, Jesus Christ describes the character traits of the children of light, emphasizing the concept of being blessed. Blessed, in this context, conveys a deeper meaning than mere happiness; it signifies receiving divine favor and being approved by God. This state of blessedness is tied to specific attitudes and behaviors that reflect the nature of those who belong to Him. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. This refers to an attitude of honest humility, shown in how we treat others, contrasting with pride and arrogance. Blessed are those who mourn, specifically regarding sin and spiritual poverty, for they shall be comforted. Their mourning over sinful conditions changes how they view themselves and those around them. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Meekness involves mildness, gentleness of mind, and kindness, closely related to humility in interactions with others. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. This reflects a strong desire to please God and to see justice and righteousness prevail in the world. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Mercy involves compassion, pity, and lovingkindness, shown in how we treat each other, making such individuals desirable companions. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. This purity reflects a heart aligned with the servanthood and righteous nature of Jesus Christ. Finally, blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Peacemakers strive to resolve personal conflicts and maintain peace with others, embodying an attitude of reconciliation. These blessings highlight the divine favor and approval bestowed upon those who exhibit these character traits, marking them as recipients of God's promises and rewards.

Blessed Are: Summary

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The concept of being "Blessed" is central to the Beatitudes as presented in Matthew 5:3-10, where Jesus Christ imparts divine principles to His disciples. The term "beatitude," derived from the Latin word "beatitudo," means blessedness, encapsulating declarations of a profound spiritual state. These Beatitudes, beginning with phrases like "Blessed are," signify not mere happiness but a unique, God-plane joy and satisfaction, reflecting the very attitudes of God Himself. The Greek word behind "blessed" is "makarios," which conveys a state of being blessed, happy, or fortunate, often implying a divine privilege or favor. This term suggests an elevated, godly condition, far beyond ordinary well-being, indicating a remarkable state of goodness, contentment, care, and love. Jesus uses this to teach His followers about the interior life they must cultivate, addressing them directly as students called out to embody these divine attitudes. Each Beatitude offers a statement of blessing followed by a reward or potential outcome. For instance, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven," highlights a recognition of spiritual neediness before God. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted," speaks to contrition and the pursuit of repentance. "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth," reflects humble submission to God and gentle behavior toward others. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled," indicates an insatiable longing for godly things. "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy," emphasizes active aid and forgiveness. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God," focuses on an unstained core and godly love. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God," mirrors God's reconciling nature. Finally, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven," underscores bold living of God's way despite opposition. These declarations reveal the heart of Jesus Himself, showcasing His own divine attitudes that He desires His followers to adopt. They form the foundation of a Christian's interior life, guiding perceptions, thoughts, and reactions from a purified heart. The Beatitudes present a paradoxical view against worldly values, asserting that those with humble, peaceful, and merciful traits will ultimately prevail in God's Kingdom, reflecting a way of life that is 180 degrees opposite to human nature's aggressive tendencies.

Blessing Promises: Our Spiritual Inheritance

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The concept of being blessed is central to understanding our spiritual inheritance and eternal future. In mainstream Christian circles, the term "blessed" is often overused and misapplied, frequently tied to material gains or fleeting happiness, such as receiving a desired item or a new job, with phrases like "I am so blessed to have gotten this job" or "God blessed me with a good raise." Such usage can reduce the Eternal God to a mere granter of wishes, which is far from His true nature. God does not reward us with material things as a parent might spoil a child; instead, He focuses on our long-term spiritual good. In Scripture, blessings are deeply connected to the covenant with God. In the Old Testament, blessings are often tied to obedience, as seen in promises to Abraham and conditional rewards for keeping God's covenant, reflecting patterns of promise, conditionality, reward, grace, and the consequence of curses for disobedience. While physical prosperity is emphasized, it is not the sole focus. In the New Testament, the emphasis shifts to spiritual inheritance, particularly in the Beatitudes where Jesus Christ pronounces blessings on those who suffer deprivation in this life, reserving true reward in heaven for the faithful. The Greek words for "blessed" further illuminate this spiritual focus. "Eulogeo," meaning to speak well of, reflects God's inherent worthiness to be praised, as seen in Ephesians 1:3. When we ask God to bless us, we request Him to intervene for our eternal good, not merely for immediate desires. Another term, "makarios," used in the Beatitudes, denotes a divine quality and full satisfaction through Christ, indicating a state of being indwelt by God, far surpassing any material gain. In Revelation, seven blessings underscore spiritual perseverance and purity, using "makarios" to signify being indwelt by God and fully satisfied through Jesus Christ. These blessings are promised to those who read, hear, and keep God's Word; to the faithful who die in the Lord; to those vigilant in righteousness; to those invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb; to participants in the first resurrection; to those who heed the prophecy; and to those who wash their robes in the blood of the Lamb, living righteously through Christ. These spiritual rewards, not material gains, are the true essence of being blessed, aligning with God's eternal purpose for us.

Blessing God

Sermonette by Ronny H. Graham

We bless God through joyfully singing psalms, praising Him and obeying His Commandments, having His word written on our heart..

One Moment in Time

Sermonette by Bill Onisick

Christ's followers should be caring shepherds, invested in the success of the flock they serve, cheering them on and rallying them to perform at their best.

Matthew (Part Four)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Matthew's encapsulation of the Beatitudes, the essence of Jesus Christ's teaching, contains the foundation of His teaching through the entirety of His ministry.

The Beatitudes, Part Two: Poor in Spirit

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

What is it to be poor in spirit? This attribute is foundational to Christian living. Those who are truly poor in spirit are on the road to true spiritual riches.

Happiness is Circumstantial, but Joy is Not!

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Happiness is a by-product of our response to God's calling, coupled with our determination to connect with the Father, the Son, and the whole spiritual family.

The Fruit of the Spirit: Joy

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Joy is more than happiness. God gives a superior kind of joy through the action of His Spirit in us that far exceeds mere human cheer and well-being.

Poor in Spirit (1997)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Being poor in spirit is a foundational spiritual state for qualifying for God's Kingdom. Poor in spirit describes being acutely aware of one's dependency.

Matthew (Part Five)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The word 'blessed' in the Beatitudes means happy from within, not dependent on circumstances. It comes from having God's spirit and hope for the future.

Joy: What Is It?

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Without God's Spirit, the fruit of joy is unattainable. Godly joy buoys people in the midst of grave trials, providing hope for a glorious future.