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.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (Matthew 11:29 AV)
Meekness helps us not to think of ourselves more highly than who we are.
Reward: “shall inherit the earth”
The reward is the earth. Whereas many people may have popularity the ones that are well liked are those that are meek. The ones that are respected are the ones that are meek.
D. Level 4: “They which do hunger and thirst after righteousness”
Hunger and thirst reminds me of that one who wants to have more of God. He is not just satisfied with a few changed characteristics in his life he wants more. Some Christians are just satisfied with a little. The churches are full of them but I want more.
Reward: “shall be filled”
As we hunger and thirst God promises us to be filled. He will fill us with his spirit.
E. Level 5: “The Merciful”
Next is mercifulness mercy is defined as “to help one who is afflicted”. To help one that is hurting. Reaching out with compassion to people. This comes with time.
Reward: “shall obtain mercy”
With the mercy that we show to others we shall again receive mercy. When we show mercy people are more willing to give mercy.
F. Level 6: “The pure in heart”
This is a life of holiness before the Lord. Yes it is given at salvation but we learn that sanctification an initial act that is a life long process is something we need. As we draw closer to the Lord then we no longer battle with many things in our lives such as sin.
Reward: “shall see God”
This is not only talking of an eternal dwelling but I believe a spiritual dwelling here on earth. The Bible says, “without holiness no man shall not see God”. So what if we achieve this. Then we shall see God. In the live of others we see God in holiness in our life we see God in holiness.
For some holiness is drudgery but for me it is an honor and privilege. It is showing my true admiration for the Lord.
G. Level 7: “The peacemakers”
From the pure in heart will come peace which gives us peace with others.
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, (James 3:17 AV)
Reward: “called the children of God”
This shall all men know that you are my disciples that ye love one another. This is how the world knows by our love which is also expressed in out ability to make peace.
It is alright to be wrong. It is also all right not to always be right. It is also alright not to cause a friction even if you are right.
H. Level 8: “They which are persecuted”
The last we see are the persecuted. As you draw closer to the Lord you will always be persecuted.
Now this is not an excuse to be looking to be a martyr. I have heard this verse being used so many times and many have misrepresented it. Some people are looking for a fight and when they are fought they use this verse to stand on.
Persecution will come but let it be in the name of the Lord not in our pride
Reward: “theirs is the kingdom of heaven”
Conclusion
Where are you?
