Blessed – Matthew 5: 1 - 12
Intro: Have you ever had someone tell you, “You are truly blessed.” Exactly what does that mean? --- Is it factual or opinion. You are fifty = factual. --- You are ugly = opinion. --- What would you consider to be a “blessing”? There are some interesting things about this text.
I. There are various ways to interpret the word translated as “Blessed” at the beginning of verses 3 - 11. The word in Greek is Makarioi – Blessed, happy, blissfulness.
A. There are not wistful glimpses of some future beauty; they are not even golden promises of some distant glory. They are triumphant shouts of bliss for a permanent joy that nothing in the world can ever take away.
B. Joy which is serene and untouchable and self-contained. An inner joy that is so great it is unimaginable.
C. Joy which shines through the tears, and which nothing in life or death can take away.
II. The word “are” does not appear in the Greek, nor is it implied by the context.
A. So what is the nature of these sentences? They are ecstatic shouts of joy. Exclamations.
B. “O the blessedness of . . . congratulations on what is . . . O the joy of . . .
C. Presbyterians have the reputation of being the chosen frozen – But, my experiences with First Presbyterian Church of Gary, Indiana was very different. These were some happy people who let you know they appreciated what you said with Hallelujahs and Amens.
III. So just who are these lucky people? They are listed in verses 3 – 11. Can I count myself as one of them?
A. The destitute / the broken-hearted / those with God-controlled lives / perfect sympathy / clean heart / those who bring people together / those who suffer for Christ / blood-stained.
B. Opposite of poor in spirit are the proud in spirit / mourners are light-headed bent on pleasure / meek vs. aggressive / persecuted vs. those who play it safe or compromise.
C. Summary of the teachings of Jesus regarding a drastic change in attitude needed to be considered a child of God and therefore truly BLESSED!!!!!
Conclu: A blessing is a by-product of a way of life and of worship. As in Micah – Vs. 8 – He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to work humbly with your God.
