INTRODUCTION: As Christians, we sometimes get the idea that, once we get saved, we can just set back and relax. Everything is going to be fine! The reality is that Jesus taught us that it isn’t over. It has just began. What this message will challenge us to do, is look at our attitudes, because The Beatitudes reveal to us that our attitudes today will effect our tomorrows.
I. YOUR ATTITUDE TOWARD YOURSELF (v3-4)
1. THE POOR IN SPIRIT - (How you view yourself: With pride or humility) THE FUTURE IMPACT: theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven
a) Not Physically Poor - Some people pride themselves in being poor, like more spiritual.
b) Spiritually Poor - Ones ability to admit they cannot acheive righteousness in one’s self.
c) A Willingness To Admit Sin - The key to being accepted by God. PSALM 51
d) Your attitude toward sin will determine where you spend eterninty.
2. THOSE WHO MOURN - (The attitude you have toward your sin.) THE FUTURE IMPACT: they will be comforted
a) Not Sad Or Negative - Some people enjoy sorrow, they aren’t happy unless trouble.
b) There is a progression from verse 3 to 4. MOURN FOR SIN, Recognizing the impact
c) A Brokeness Of Sin - Alters all over our county should be full today of broken people
d) Your attitude toward repentance will determine your inner peace.
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II. YOUR ATTITUDE TOWARD GOD (v5-7)
1. THE MEEK - (The attitiude you have toward God and others once you have become an heir.) THE FUTURE IMPACT: they will inherit the earth
a) Doesn’t mean weak or shy.
b) Those who are Powerful (Christians) but are CONSTRUCTIVE NOT DESTRUCTIVE
c) Many Christians want to be humble as they come to God, then get haughty minded.d) Your attitude toward God will keep you in check in how to act toward him and others.
2. THOSE WHO HUNGER AND THIRST AFTER RIGHTEOUSNESS - THE FUTURE IMPACT: be filled
a) A real desire to have the correct attitude of righteousness.
b) Many people go to church today and have no desire to be righteous before God or man.
c) Matthew 6:33 Seek first the Kingdom of Heaven and His RIGHTEOUSNESS and all these things will be give to you as well.
d) Your attitude toward God righteousness will determine your future needs being met.
3. THE MERCIFUL - THE FUTURE IMPACT: will be shown mercy
a) Your attitude toward God will determine the mercy you show to others.
b) Romans 12:1 "In view of God’s mercy offer your bodies a living sacrifice." This means, once we’ve reflected on how good God has been to us, we will in turn offer ourselves to Him. He wants us to love Him, but the rest of the law is built around loving other people.
c) Your attitude toward God dying for you and showing you mercy will help you show mercy toward others. AND YOU WILL BE SHOWN MERCY
d) The degree that we judge people, we will be judged by the same degree.
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III. YOUR ATTITUDE TOWARD OTHERS (v8-9)
1. THE PURE IN HEART - THE FUTURE IMPACT: will see God
a) Pure motives will not abuse other people.
b) When we have the correct attitude toward ourselves and God we will not have the old mentality of impure motive to have our own needs met.
2. THE PEACEMAKERS - THE FUTURE IMPACT: be called Son’s of God
a) When we are pure in heart we are promoting peace.
b) We attempt to live at peace with others. Having a peaceful heart will promote peace.
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IV. YOUR ATTITUDE TOWARD SACRIFICE (v10-12)
1. THOSE WILLING TO SUFFER PERSECUTION FOR CHRIST - THE FUTURE IMPACT: Heaven, Be Glad
a) As we remember John 6:25-66, the reason so many people walked away from Christ was that they weren’t willing to sacrifice of themselves for God.
b) Many are willing to die in Christ but they aren’t willing to live for Him.
c) Those who are willing to suffer for the sake of Christ will be glad.
CONCLUSION: Are the attitudes that you are sowing today going to reap you a good harvest in the future, including eternity?
