Step Up To Blessings 2

28, July 2002

Dakota Community Church

Step up to Blessings II

Review:

Matthew 5:1-12

1 Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him,

2 and he began to teach them, saying:

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.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Phase I – PREPERATION

1. Blessed are the poor in spirit.

2. Blessed are those who mourn.

3. Blessed are the meek.

4. Blessed are the hungry.

Phase II – PRESENTATION

That brings us to the presentation stage, & both preparation & presentation have to come together. If we have one & not the other, it just won’t work. Jesus says, “Here is the inside stuff,” & He gives us the first 4 Beatitudes. Then he says, “Here’s the outside stuff.“ And he gives us 4 more. Once preparation has taken place, it’s time for the presentation.

5. Blessed are the merciful.

Matthew 18:32-35

32 "Then the master called the servant in. `You wicked servant,’ he said, `I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to.

33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’

34 In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.

35 "This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."

James 2:12-13

12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,

13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!

Matthew 6:12-15

12 Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’

14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

You see, the Bible consistently teaches that only the merciful will receive mercy. And mercy is to be reciprocal. Because we’ve received it from God, through Jesus Christ, we’ve got to give it to others. When we recognize what a precious gift it is, we’ve got to share it. “I received it from God, & now I extend it to you.”

6. Blessed are the pure in heart.

2 Timothy 2:20-22

20But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. 22Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

The Greek word for “pure” It was used for

- Soiled clothes that had been washed clean. It was used to describe

- Grain & flour that had been carefully sifted & cleansed of all impurities. And it was used when describing milk or

- Wine that had not been mixed with water or some other liquid.

So this Beatitude could be translated, “Blessed is the man who is genuine in heart, who is authentic, who is not a phony, because such a man will see God.”

So if you want to see God:

- Take the mask off. Quit being phony.

- Quit pretending to be the person you’re not.

- Just be straight with God. “Blessed are the pure in heart.”

Have you ever tried to con God?

7. Blessed are the peacemakers.

James 3:13-18

13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.