Sermon On The Mount: Be Attitudes Series

Note: This is a message from the sermon on the mount from many years ago. Not sure if it is original but I thought it was worth posting.

Title: The Progress of a Christian

Theme:

Text: Matthew 5:1-12

1 ¶ And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: 2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

3 ¶ Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

In these verses we see an easily recognizable pattern.

1) Each one of the eight mentioned begins with the word blessed

As we said last Sunday night the word blessed means “happy”. From these passages we get a different view of happiness. We learn it is not about doing but being. We learn that happiness is not found in “what we have but what we are”. It is as being content.

It is what made Job say in all his persecution and trials, losing his family and all his wealth he says, Job 13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him:. It is what made Paul say, “This may be a prison and these may be chains but still I am free, free to praise his name.” It is what again may Paul say, Php 4:11 “for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”

This is true happiness. This is true contentment. This the characteristic of a committed spirit filled Christian.

2) Each one gives a progress report on the Christian

I believe what you see here in these verses is the progress of a Christian beginning with realization of being a sinner until full acceptance of the plan and will of God. As Peter tells us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” we grow. Each time we grow we achieve something. If you are like me the closer you draw to the Lord it seems the more you put aside. You may not automatically pick up on how you life has changed but many times you say, “You know if that would have happened to me a few years ago I would not have responded the same.

3) Each one gives a reward that will be gained from making progress with the Lord.

He tells us why we are blessed. In each case he gives the progress or level or characteristic of a Christian and then gives the reward. Oh thank the Lord that there are rewards. All that we are doing here will not go unnoticed.

Blessed are:

Characteristic:

A. Level 1: “The Poor in Spirit”

Those who recognize their spiritual poverty.

And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. (Luke 6:20 AV)

Blessed are those who feel their spiritual need.

Reward: “theirs is the kingdom of heaven”

B. Level 2: “They that Morn”

When one realizes their spiritual condition then they will morn. When one realizes their broken relationship with the Lord then they will morn. It is not uncommon to see one that is lost but yet who comes to know the Lord weep before him. We need many times to weep before the Lord.

This morning leads to repentance and conversion but realize as we will see with these next steps it is not just here but throughout our lives that we continue to morn. For sin in our lives, for the lost or just for sin in this world.

Reward: “shall be comforted”

But the good news is “we will be comforted”. First in forgiveness then in communion.

C. Level 3: “The Meek”

Meekness by some has been considered a wimpy trait. It is as one who gives up and is ran over by others but this is not was is referred to here. Meekness is yielded ness to God, submissive to His will, preparedness to accept whatever He may give, and readiness to take the lowest place.