Bible Study - Distinct (1) - Distinct in My Character - Matthew 5:1-12 - January 24, 2016

Bible Study – Distinct (1) – Distinct in My Character – January 24, 2016

This is lesson one (1) in our series entitled “Distinct: Living above the Norm.”

Our focus scripture is Matthew 5:1-12.

Choose actions and attitudes that are blessed by GOD.

We begin a new series of study for the next six weeks entitled “Distinct: Living above the Norm.” Our scripture focus will be in the Gospel of Matthew. The Sermon on the Mount focuses on Christians living in the world as GOD’S Kingdom and the reflection of their relationship with GOD to others.

We may have thought the Beatitudes or the Sermon on the Mount referred to different individuals within GOD’S Kingdom but that is not the case. The Beatitudes apply to every Christian and reflects the nature that every sanctified Christian should exhibit in his or her life as an obedient mature follower of CHRIST. Now that is a tall order and it is impossible in our human strength and only possible through the indwelling empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

So how is it possible? It is through a loving, intimate, personal relationship with CHRIST as brought about through yielding our will to CHRIST and the process of sanctification through the indwelling Holy Spirit. The indwelling Holy Spirit is our teacher. The indwelling Holy Spirit empowers, enlightens, teaches, leads and assures Christians as they walk with CHRIST. The Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:26:

26 to make her holy, cleansing her in the washing of water by the word.

Christians are Holy because they are the temple of GOD. Christians must study GOD’S Word, the Bible, and as they do, the scriptures will expose sin, which results in the confession of sin. Confession of sin results in GOD forgiving and cleansing those areas in our lives that rob us of that intimate, loving, personal relationship with GOD, our families, fellow Christians and others. Allow the cleansing, living Word flow over you and cleanse you to obediently serve our LORD and experience the presence of CHRIST in your life.

So what does “Beatitude” mean? It comes from a Latin word which means “blessed is.” Some refer it as “happy” but happiness is a state of mind and depends upon one’s feeling, relational and based upon circumstances. Blessings come from GOD through our obedient relationship with CHRIST. It does not depend upon circumstances and is not relational. When Christians grow to understand that GOD loves them unequivocally, they are “blessed.” They are GOD’S Son or Daughter through the miracle of rebirth and the shed blood of JESUS.

Generally, we see a pattern in most translations where the first word in each saying is translated “Blessed” and the statement which follows describes the blessing. The described blessing is then followed by the condition (attitude or action) that results from the blessing.

In our first scripture verse 3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs.” Blessed – are the poor in spirit. When people realize their lost condition and Spiritual need, they are blessed when they come to a saving knowledge of CHRIST and they are born into the Kingdom of Heaven eternally. Let’s explore!

In Matthew, Chapter 4 and continuing to our focus scripture, there are two groups of people (1) the crowds or multitudes (2) JESUS disciples, which referred to more than the Twelve. It included those who were eager to learn from JESUS and live accordingly.

Let’s read Matthew 5:1-6:

1 When He saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain, and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. 

JESUS sought a private place where HE could teach those interested in being taught. HE sat, which was the common teaching position the Jewish rabbis assumed. JESUS sitting was a cue for those who wanted to be taught to gather around HIM.

2 Then He began to teach them, saying:

The Beatitudes

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

A poor person is in need of something. The poor in spirit are in need of an intimate relationship with GOD. When the poor in spirit recognize and acknowledge their poor spiritual condition they have access to the Kingdom of Heaven. The kingdom of heaven is where GOD rules and reigns. When those who recognize and acknowledge their poor spiritual need, then they are open to explore the reality of GOD. It is the fool who says there is no GOD as written in Psalm 14:1a:

1 The fool says in his heart, "God does not exist." 

Keep in mind that all of these attributes or attitudes depict one person building a loving, intimate, personal relationship with GOD through their relationship with CHRIST.

Another thought on “poor in spirit” is that when we encounter GOD through our relationship with CHRIST, we see our total dependence upon GOD while we live upon earth to obediently serve HIM. Our poor condition is only met and filled by obedience to the indwelling Holy Spirit. Our old self must die and Christians must put on the new, reborn person they are in CHRIST through the miracle of rebirth.

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

When a person recognizes and acknowledges his or her spiritual poverty, he or she mourns. When we recognize and acknowledge GOD and HIS righteousness it highlights our sinfulness and we mourn. When we see the lost condition we are in, GOD comes to our rescue through HIS Only Son JESUS. When we recognize and acknowledge CHRIST as our Savior, that is the beginning of the process of sanctification through which we are comforted.

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

The working of the Holy Spirit within the lives of Christians produces fruit. One attribute of that fruit is gentleness. When the attribute of “gentleness” is evident in the lives of Christians, it is because they rely upon GOD and not upon themselves.

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

A person’s recognition and acknowledgement of his or her “poor spiritual need,” “mourn over his or her sin,” find that these attributes lead to “gentleness” toward others. Christians recognize and acknowledge that they are sinners saved by grace. Grace allows them to seek the fullness of CHRIST in his or her life through a ravenous appetite and thirst to know GOD and to be made into the image of CHRIST through obedience. The result is that they will be filled.

JESUS stated it well in Matthew 7:7:

7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. (NIV)

Let’s read Matthew 5:7-9:

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

Christians live under “grace,” which means “unmerited favor.” Grace is a gift from GOD to HIS children because of the shed blood of CHRIST. Just as GOD shows Christians mercy by pardoning their sins, in turn, Christians are to show mercy by not being judgmental.

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

Being “pure in heart” is a result of the preceding attitudes. Fruit is produced. Those who have the attribute of “pure in heart” will have an understanding of the mind of GOD. They will see where GOD is working and when they do, they will join HIM in HIS work.

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

We have considered six (6) attitudes representative in the life of a Christian. These six attributes are necessary for the Christian to be a “peacemaker.” A “peacemaker” because of his or her combined attributes is in a position to restore right relationships with GOD and others. The emphasis is on the word “maker.” A peacemaker brings about reconciliation and not appeasement. At this stage of Christian growth and maturity the peacemaker is called “Sons of GOD.” The Prince of Peace is CHRIST. As peacemakers Christians exemplify JESUS and are chips off the block.

Let’s read Matthew 5:10-12:

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

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.

The first four attitudes, “poor in spirit,” “mourning over spiritual conditions,” “being gentle,” and “seeking righteousness” relate to a Christians dependence upon GOD. The next three, “being merciful,” “being pure in heart,” and “being a peacemaker” reflect our actions toward others. Now we come to Christian attitudes or attributes toward persecution.

Christians know they have arrived when they are persecuted for righteousness. 

The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:16-17:

16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. 

17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Those who have been born-again have the witness and assurance of the indwelling Holy Spirit that they are GOD’S child. As GOD’S children, Christians can expect suffering/persecution.

Notice, JESUS taught that the reason for the persecution was the result of obedient righteousness and not something which resulted from Christians not being righteous. The reason for this persecution is the result of being an obedient follower of JESUS. When these things happen be glad and rejoice (be giddy) because the Christian’s reward is great in heaven. This is the sweet spot of obediently serving GOD and a badge of honor, as a Christian.

The beatitudes represent the growth and development of every Christian as he or she matures in his or her walk with CHRIST as empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit, sanctified to carry out GOD’S will and purpose. Be blessed. Blessings!!!