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The Blessings (Matt. 5:1-16) Blessed are … = All of these things are the result of God’s bestowing them as free gifts God’s people are blessed when they display a contrite heart (see Psalm 51, David after being confronted by Nathan) Poor in spirit (Isa. 66:2) = aware of our sinfulness and our need for God’s grace Mourn = possessing a broken heart, passionately lamenting, sorrowing, grieving over a great loss You are blessed when you realize that you have lost what is most dear to you. Only then will you understand what is truly valuable, what is worth pursuing, and only then will you be open to repentance and the indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit. Will be comforted (Isa. 61:3) Hunger/Thirst after (His) righteousness None are righteous without God (Rom. 3:10) It is through Christ’s sacrifice we can be made righteous (Rom. 5:19) God’s people will be filled with righteous fruit (Phil 1:11) God’s people are blessed when they surrender “self-control” to the control of His Holy Spirit Meek/Gentle (Ps. 37:11) = Maintaining Control with the aid of God’s Holy Spirit Gentle individuals exhibit power under control. They are able to maintain a calm disposition in spite of criticisms, misunderstandings, or injustices. Being meek does not equate with weakness. It is not insisting on asserting one’s own rights, views, or plans. God’s people will be blessed with mercy when they demonstrate mercy Mercy to others warrants mercy from God (Matt. 6:14) Mercy triumphs over judgment! (James 2:13) When Sirhan Sirhan was on trial for murdering Senator Robert Kennedy, Kennedy’s widow Ethel pleaded with the Judge not to pass the death sentence, that’s mercy. God’s people will be blessed with the ability to see God if they strive to maintain a pure heart Pure heart = single-minded Gk. Katharos - Clean, unblended

Purity is a must on the part of God’s people (Prov. 22:11, 1 Tim. 5:22; 2 Cor. 7:1; 1 Pe. 1:15-16; 1 John 1:3). God’s people will be blessed to be named His sons if they pursue true peace Peacemaker = Reconciler John MacArthur – “A truce just says you don’t shoot for awhile. Peace comes when the truth is known, the issue is settled, & the parties embrace each other. The concept of peace is mentioned over 400 times in the Bible (e.g. Rom. 12:18, Heb. 12:14, Matt. 5:23-24, 18:15) God’s people will be blessed with the assurance of God’s presence when they are persecuted for His sake Charles Spurgeon said "The best evidence of God’s presence is the Devil’s growl." (1 Pe. 4:14) God’s people must share the blessings they have received by being the: Salt of the Earth Season - when applied, enhances the flavor Preserve - life, slows decay Cause to thirst - after God’s Kingdom Light of the World John. 8:12 Jesus says, "I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life." (see also Psalm 27:1) We are not the light, we merely reflect/or bear witness to, the light of Christ (John 1:6-9) The Light is Not to be Hidden (Phil. 2:15) How? With acts of kindness & compassion. With demonstrations of integrity. Give Light to Everyone in the House = Good Deeds Attributed to Our Father (Eph. 5:8-9) The light is radiated through our example, or our good works. People want to see a sermon before they listen to one. Shining the light draws people to Christ (Isa. 60:1-3)