Quality is Job One - Matthew 5:1-12 - October 7, 2007

Sunday school Lesson – Quality is Job One – October 7, 2007

This begins an eight week study in the book of Matthew. The title of this series is “Believer’s Handbook 101.”

Our scripture for the series will be taken from Matthew chapters 5, 6 and 7.

October 7 – Matthew 5:1-12
October 14 – Matthew 5:13-20
October 21 – Matthew 5:21-32
October 28 – Matthew 5:33-48

In our first lesson we explore the Beatitudes. Our scripture is Matthew 5:1-12. Our LORD has revealed a new understanding to me while preparing this lesson. I had always seen the Beatitudes as separate groups of people on their spiritual journey through life. To me it was always somewhat depressing and suggesting goals which did not appeal to me or seemed unattainable.

Our LORD had to do a work on me first. So here is the shift I had to make in my thinking regarding the Beatitudes.

First the Beatitudes do not represent different groups of people. They are foundational qualities our LORD wants every Christian to develop as they grow and mature in HIM. Think of them as stepping stones or milestones to spiritual growth and maturity. CHRIST is speaking to HIS disciples but others are listening as well.

Second, we cannot achieve these qualities through our own efforts. They are different but in some ways similar to spiritual gifts. GOD equips us with spiritual gifts so HE can work through us to manifest spiritual gifts to benefit mankind and get HIS work accomplished. Spiritual gifts are manifested through certain believers. The Beatitudes are personal qualities GOD desires in every believer which are manifested in our lives as we grow and mature in HIM. These are qualities that GOD desires in Christians so they can better relate to the world around them. The Beatitudes are a process whereas spiritual gifts are given to us at the time they are needed to serve our LORD as HE ministers to others through us.

The Beatitudes are foundational but as Christians we have a choice whether or not we grow and mature in CHRIST. To grow into fully mature Christians, we have to yield our will to our LORD. It is all about relationship. It is our relationship with our LORD and getting to really know HIM and not just about knowing about HIM.

When the Beatitudes are present in our lives, they bring us to a deeper understanding of ourselves and GOD. We cannot know and understand others until we know and understand ourselves and our relationship with GOD. When we know ourselves and our relationship with GOD through CHRIST, we can see others as GOD sees them. GOD wants us to see others as HE sees them.

Let’s read Matthew 5:1-2
The Sermon on the Mount
1 When He saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain, and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. 2 Then[1] Lit Then opening His mouth He began to teach them, saying:

First, we notice that JESUS saw the crowds. The scripture does not say HE was among the crowd. JESUS goes up on the mountain. Some people in the crowd saw JESUS, including HIS disciples. Those in the crowd and HIS disciples watch JESUS to see what HE is going to do. Did HE want to be alone and pray or what?

They see JESUS sit. This was their cue. It was customary for Rabbis to sit when they taught. When JESUS sat that was their cue that HE was going to teach. HIS disciples were in the group. It is believed that not all the crowd came to where JESUS was. But it is clear that HIS disciples did and it is believed that they were HIS primary audience.

Then JESUS gets their attention by saying the equivalent of “Now, listen up.”

Each statement is preceded by the word “Blessed” which can be read as “When you have the quality mentioned it assures you of the reward” or “How blessed are ----”, “Oh how blessed are those who are ---“or “How spiritually well off and prosperous are ---.” Such as when a person, particularly a believer recognizes and acknowledges their spiritual condition as being poor in spirit, the kingdom of heaven in yours. Blessed means GOD has the power to bring about the reward mentioned.

JESUS in essence is saying, “GOD congratulates and blesses you when you when you are ----.” GOD has the power to bring about the blessing. In essence you are on the right track toward spiritual growth and maturity which will not end until we are in the presence of our LORD.

Let’s look how these are stepping stones or mileage markers to spiritual growth and maturity. They represent the ideal disciple. So keep this in mind it is a spiritual growth and maturing process.

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

This is ground zero for every human but also vital for every believer to grow spiritually.

All humans must recognize their spiritual poverty before they can begin to find help. Arrogance prevents us from experiencing GOD. How blessed are those who recognize and acknowledge that they are spiritually poor. This means our ego has to step aside to allow GOD to reveal Himself to us.

Death is imminent for all humans. GOD has placed a nature within us that says there is more beyond this life. So we search and seek. GOD says HE has made earth to manifest Himself to all mankind – sun, moon, stars, nature, wildlife, wondrous beauty, etc. When we realize that we are helpless to escape this world through our own efforts, we recognize our inability to do anything about our condition. So what is the answer? GOD reveals Himself to all mankind. GOD is the ONE WHO calls every human to Himself. All humans have the choice to accept or reject HIM. When we humble ourselves, realize we are helpless to anything about our spiritual condition and accept HIM, then the kingdom of heaven is ours. We as Christians are HIS representatives to a lost world but we must not be spiritually arrogant. We are all sinners saved by grace. We must recognize that we are spiritually poor but our salvation is secure.

Those who accept CHRIST as their SAVIOR move immediately from death into eternal life and will not come under judgment. Those not under the blood of CHRIST will be judged.

This is the good news of the gospel. In CHRIST we immediately have eternal life, assurance of the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT, assurance that we are the children of GOD, heir’s with CHRIST, will not be judged and you are citizen of the kingdom of heaven.

Guess what? It is FREE!!! If you have not asked CHRIST to forgive you of your sins, do it now by asking HIM to come into your life now. HE will come into your life and you will receive the gift of rebirth in your spirit at that instant.

4 Blessed are those who mourn, because they will be comforted.

This is a true recognition of our spiritual poverty. When we recognize sin in our lives, we regret it and mourn. We want to do something to pay for our sins but glory to GOD; HE sent HIS SON WHO died in our place. Then we recognize that it is our sin that put HIM on the cross. Again, we mourn. CHRIST is the solution to our grief and HE gives us HIS comfort through the HOLY SPIRIT.

The HOLY SPIRIT indwells each Christian and HE gives us assurance that our sins are forgiven and comforts us.

5 Blessed are the gentle, because they will inherit the earth.

We have salvation and the presence of the HOLY SPIRIT in us. So the next step is obedience. Put what we have into action.

In some translations “gentle” is translated “meek.” I have heard many sermons preached on this. I found it hard to think about being “meek.” It just seemed boring and not manly. In preparing for this lesson our LORD revealed a treasure.

The word used for “gentle” is the word that describes a mighty, powerful horse, a charger. This steed has mighty power but it is under control. It is like a large dynamo that has all the power you need for what ever you want to do.

I was muttering to myself as I walked downstairs to do something, something like, “LORD what is in us that is powerful and under control?” Like a bolt of lightning the answer came. THE HOLY SPIRIT!!!! WOW!!!

Just think about it. As Christians we all have the HOLY SPIRIT indwelling our bodies. This is GOD within us and GOD is in the business of moving mountains.

Then, I was puzzled about inheriting the earth? Before we become Christians the physical or earthly things rule us. After CHRIST comes into our lives the HOLY SPIRIT indwells our lives. We have the power within us to rule the physical things on earth.

JESUS tells us with faith the size of a mustard seed we can say to a mountain to move and it will move. Now I know that I have told a mountain to move and it is still there. This is why the Beatitudes are stepping stones. Our ego gets in the way of being obedient to GOD. As we grow and mature in CHRIST, we will not go around telling mountains to jump in the sea. But when we are spiritually mature in CHRIST, when we tell a mountain to move, it will move, because it will be GOD WHO tells us to tell the mountain to move.

Do you think CHIRST ruled the earth? I think so. I think every molecule, atom and sub-atomic particle were and still are under HIS command. HE rules earth and when we cloth ourselves in HIM, we will, also, rule the earth but as HE directs us. Otherwise, we need a bulldozer to move the mountain.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, because they will be filled.

We have salvation, the presence of the HOLY SPIRIT in us and are secure in the knowledge that GOD is in us. So the next step is to seek first the kingdom of GOD and HIS righteousness. Power can be corrupting. This is why this step follows the knowledge that the GOD of the universe dwells in us.

When we are filled with the HOLY SPIRIT our desire is to be more like HIM. We hunger and thirst to really know HIM and be like HIM. We are equipped with the HOLY SPIRIT WHO reveals and teaches us all things. The important ingredient is for us to have the desire. We must yield our will to HIM to really know HIM. When we do, the promise is that we will be filled. This also keeps our focus upon HIM, HIS plan and purpose. Draw close to HIM and HE will draw close to you.

7 Blessed are the merciful, because they will be shown mercy.

We have salvation, the presence of the HOLY SPIRIT in us, security in the knowledge that GOD is in us and we seek to be like HIM. CHRIST gave HIS life for all of mankind. HE did not pick and choose. All who choose HIM, by asking HIM to forgive them of their sins and to come into their lives, HE accepts. CHRIST showed mercy to all mankind by giving HIS life.

Desiring to be righteous, as CHRIST is righteous, produces the quality of being merciful. As we show mercy to fellow humans, we receive mercy. We realize we have been shown mercy through the forgiveness of our sins. We have been made righteous in CHRIST.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart, because they will see God.

We are to be open and honest with GOD. We are to hold nothing back. Our lives are open before the LORD, nothing is hidden. Our word is our bond to GOD and to our fellow man or woman. We have no hidden agenda or motives.

We have salvation, the presence of the HOLY SPIRIT in us, security in the knowledge that GOD is in us, seek to be like HIM, have mercy and no hidden agenda. JESUS tells us that when we have reached this milestone of spiritual maturity, we will have a pure heart and will see GOD.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers, because they will be called sons of God.

When we are open and honest with GOD and our fellow man, then we are in a position to be peacemakers because we have no hidden agenda or motives.

We have salvation, the presence of the HOLY SPIRIT in us, security in the knowledge that GOD is in us, we seek to be like HIM, have been shown mercy and have a pure heart. Then we are ready for the ultimate service of presenting the gospel to all as GOD leads and directs our lives.

JESUS is called the Prince of Peace. GOD’S desire for each Christian is to be like JESUS. As we grow and mature in CHRIST fully equipped with all the preceding stepping stones, we are equipped to be peacemakers. The greatest peacemaker is when we present CHRIST to others through the life we live so others are drawn to HIM. It is never about us but always about HIM. The ultimate peace is when we surrender our lives to CHRIST. Reconciling a lost sinner with GOD is the reason CHRIST gave HIS life. Now it is up to us to be co-laborers with HIM.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

We have salvation, the presence of the HOLY SPIRIT in us, security in the knowledge that GOD is in us, we seek to be like HIM, have been shown mercy, have a pure heart and present the gospel. When we are doing the absolute will of GOD, we will have opposition to those in the world.

Verse 3 ended with the words “the kingdom of heaven is theirs.”
Verse 10 ends with the words “the kingdom of heaven is theirs.” Often the world wonders when Christians are persecuted if maybe they have done something to anger GOD. It seems that those who serve our LORD do encounter troubles. CHRIST is saying when you have reached full spiritual maturity and you are persecuted, you know that heaven is your destiny. Keep your focus.

Just as JESUS was persecuted, Christians will also be persecuted. When we read the words of this Beatitude many of us wonder how we would hold up being persecuted. This is why this is a growth and maturing process. When we are at this point, we will do as JESUS did, remain faithful to GOD.

Keep in mind these are stepping stones of the desired qualities GOD wants in HIS children’s lives. Step one is our relationship to GOD through CHRIST. Our relationship with GOD is vital. Do not worry about where you are spiritually but first desire to know HIM. This is done by reading HIS WORD, praying and attending a church that teaches the truth.

Tell CHRIST that you want to really get to know HIM. You do not want to just get to know about HIM but you want to experience HIM and become intimate friends with HIM.

When I prepared this portion of the lesson my thoughts immediately traveled to a person in Poland who ministers under some very difficult circumstances. He has been beaten and while we were in Poland the police had approached him about being active in the community. It was thought one of the leaders of a local church reported him because he is presenting the true gospel of CHRIST.

11 “Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of Me. 12 Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

JESUS was speaking the Beatitudes to HIS disciples both then and now. When we place our wills into HIS hands and are completely obedient to HIM, be prepared. This is why we must go through the steps to become mature. If we try to jump over a step we will become discouraged. Keep in mind, GOD did not make us for time but for eternity. So your age or how long you have been a Christian is not important.

One important statement in verse 11 is the word “falsely.” When we are obedient to GOD, then we will do things HIS way. But if we do things according to our own dictates, we will suffer the consequences. When we are obedient to HIM we can rejoice because we know we are doing HIS will. It will not matter what circumstances we encounter because it is not our work but GOD’S work. So rejoice!!!

Again, I caution you not to become discouraged as you recall the Beatitudes. You cannot develop these qualities in yourself. Allow GOD, through CHRIST, to feed and nurture you so you will grow and mature in HIM. Keep in mind your life is all about your relationship to GOD through CHRIST. Keep in mind you were not created for time but for eternity.

Ask CHRIST to forgive you of your sins and ask HIM into your lives. Being a Christian is not belonging to a church but it is CHRIST in you. CHRIST in you makes you a Christian. Once CHRIST is in you, seek a church teaching truth so you can grow spiritually and have fellowship with other believers.

Why does GOD desire for HIS children to develop these qualities?

The Beatitudes are qualities in our lives designed for us to know ourselves and our relationship with GOD through CHRIST. We cannot know and understand others until we know and understand ourselves and our relationship with GOD through CHRIST. When we know ourselves and our relationship with GOD through CHRIST, then we can see others as GOD sees them.

HE wants us to see others as HE sees them and be obedient to HIM as HE directs. With these qualities we are fully equipped with all we need to face anything the world has to thrown at us. But keep in mind these qualities do not necessarily come quickly. But as we are obedient to GOD, HE is at work in each of us to produce these qualities. Our part is to be obedient and maintain the relationship as HE continues to do HIS work in each of us.

When a baby is born if they knew all that would come about in their lives over a lifetime they would feel defeated before their lives got started. But each moment the baby grows and interacts with the world around them, they develop physically, mentally and spiritually. Then a time comes in their lives they have to make the decision about their nutrition, exercise, education and lifestyle. The same is true for Christians. What kind of Christian do you want to be when you grow up? God wants us to have these qualities. Let HIM be your trainer and teacher. Here am I LORD with all my hang ups. Take my life and make out of it what you want it to be. Amen.