The Pure In Heart Series

Matthew 5:3-8

Pure in Heart

August 28, 2022

We’re looking at the 6th of 8 beatitudes of Jesus. Remember, these are counter-intuitive, seemingly backwards and contrary thoughts about how to live life in a way which brings us closer to God and honors and glorifies Him.

The beatitudes are in the NT in Matthew 5. Jesus went onto a mountain and said - -

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

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

5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

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

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

8 BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART, FOR THEY WILL SEE GOD.

What does it mean to be pure? How do we define pure? As I thought about pure and impure, I really struggled with what to say here. Because I don’t want to gross you out. But I’m going to, just for a moment.

For every 4 oz. can of mushrooms there can be an average of 20 or more maggots.

Oregano can contain 300 or more insect bits and 2 rodent hairs for every 3 ounces.

There can be 450 insect parts and nine rodent hairs in every 16 oz. box of spaghetti.

There's no way to get rid of all the creatures that might hitch a ride along the food processing chain, but the US Food and Drug Administration has set some food defects standards to keep them to a minimum. To show that I’m fair . . .

A candy bar can contain up to 30 or more insect parts and some rodent hair.

Coffee beans are allowed to have an average of 10 milligrams or more of animal poop per pound.

When we think of pure, it’s definitely not in the food, but the FDA has deemed all of this acceptable and honestly, it hasn’t killed us yet.

Well, we’re talking about this statement from Jesus that the pure in heart will see God. So, what does this mean and how do we get there?

To start with --- understand Jesus is talking about being pure in heart. Not pure in effort. Usually, we try to clean up our act by taking actions. We try to cut down on food, exercise, stop drinking, stop cussing, stay sober, read the Bible and pray and try to live a sinless life. These are all good, but they’re outward activities

But Jesus is talking about the pure in HEART. He’s referring to internal purity. Jesus is speaking directly about our hearts. He knows our hearts must be changed, which leads to the external changes. When our heart changes, our lives will change as well. Then our lives will reflect and produce results which are pleasing to God.

The Greek word for pure means “to be cleansed.” What has been cleansed was once dirty, but has now been purified and washed. So, the pure heart would be a heart that’s been emptied of what’s unclean, purged of what no longer belongs, cleansed and made clean.

But when we think about who’s getting ahead in the world - - - on the surface it doesn’t seem to be the pure in heart. It’s those who are devious, or wealthy, or well connected. Who seems to be happy and blessed? Not the pure, not the poor in spirit, or those who mourn, or the merciful or the meek? Not those Jesus is talking about. Which is exactly why the beatitudes seem awkward and backwards.

Take a look at Psalm 73. Asaph starts by revealing his heart - - -

1 Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.

2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped.

3 For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

If we jump to verses 13 and 14, we continue to see his struggle in his heart - - -

13 Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence.

14 For all the day long I have been stricken and rebuked every morning.

Asaph has attempted to live life with a pure heart. Now he’s questioning, “where’s it gotten me? I look around and others are arrogant and mocking God. They think God is weak, helpless and harmless and they’re prospering. I feared God and look where it got me! In vain I kept my heart pure!!”

This guy was faithful, righteous and good, but where did it get him? His reward was suffering, pain and poverty. If God is good, isn’t He supposed to bless us? Especially if we attempt to be pure in heart!! We often feel that way too!!