Matthew 5:1-11

Matthew 5
John the Baptist AND Jesus both preach THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AT HAND
è the establishment of the kingdom coming forth/ breaking forth with great power

• the following is an explanation and teaching about the character of its citizens, the laws of its land, the work expected and rewards promised

BLESSED > WHY > Inclusion/citizenship in heaven

• Promise of reward

1. The poor in spirità those who recognize their spiritual bankruptcy and   seek the Lord for their help!

NONE will be in the kingdom who have NOT reached this point
This is why theirs is the kingdom of heaven
                        à Unable to achieve the kingdom, wretched, sinful, and rebellious
                        The result of the one brought into the kingdom… spiritual wealth and
                        Inheritance
                                    i.e. the prodigal son
                                    access to the spiritual goods of heaven itself, the KING himself

1. Those who mournà mourning their sinful state and lack of relationship
   1. Brokenness over sin, desiring reconciliation w/ God

Genuine Repentanceà the effects of sin itself still lingering while in the kingdom of men BUT comfort exists for those who are truly broken before the Lord
      [ (a) earnestness (b) eager to clear oneself (c) indignation (d) zeal (e) longing (f) punishment (g) fear ]

1. Those  who are meekà Gentle (2 Timothy 2:24-26; Galatians 5:22-23, 6:1)… Humble (James 4:8-10)…. Submissive
   1. Not pursuing the power struggle & one-upmanship
   2. Humble before God, seeking His grace

àThe reward= LAND-> new heaven & earth

1. Those who hunger & thirst for righteousnessà desire passionately the right-ness of God: His kingdom, statutes, institute of learning, politics, truth
   1. As the deer pantsà
   2. As our living waterà  The things of heaven are our focus
   3. As the Bread of Lifeà

       They seek and desire ALL the things of God, NOT just some
            Pursue as though their life depends on it

1. Those who are mercifulà willing and actively extending mercy (because all who are part of the kingdom deserved NONE yet were given it, we too MUST be merciful)
   1. Show kindness & forgiveness [Matt 18:21-35, Luke 17:4]
   2. Being generous with forgiveness
   3. Those who are pure in heartà pursuing purity and uprightness
      1. NOT mixed or adulterated with any other substance/material
      2. Pursuing God in purity [James 4:8-10]
         1. Purify your devotion
         2.  REWARD: WILL SEE GOD
2. In seeking and keeping God’s commands
3. Those who seek/make peaceà [Romans 12:18, 1 Cor. 14:33,40]
   1. Peace making is what Christ has accomplished through the sword
      1.  Ephesians 2
4. Seeking peace amongst MAN & GODà “          “
5. Seeking peace amongst each otherà requires PROPER understanding of peace
6. Praying for/seeking a peaceful lifeà “             “
7. The kingdom of God is DEFINED by peace/pursuit of peace
   1.  When all is done, peace will reign
   2.   Not achieved w/o war
   3. Those who are persecuted for righteousnessà hated and attacked for standing on what is right
      1. They are willing to stand for ALL the kingdom of God and the sovereign king has established and does establish
      2. YOU… for ALL who are part of the kingdom of God WILL be there
         1. This is their character
         2. YOU will show these characteristics… you WILL receive some form of persecution
         3. Your reward is great
         4. *They persecuted the prophet, they will persecute you
            1.  reviling, uttering evil, speaking falsely because of CHRIST
               1. This does not happen/will not happen for those who were not actively living/resembling the kingdom of God
               2. The blessedness is there for those characterized by these characteristics
               3. The reward IS promised