Climbing Compainions Pt 3

Blessed

Picking up from verse 7.

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Matthew 5:1-12 (ESV)
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1. Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. The Beatitudes

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 those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5. "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

6. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

7. "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Could look at this as to get mercy we need to give mercy.  That is not how to take it,  God desires us to have mercy not sacrifice (rule following). Those who obsess about rule following do not have mercy.  People are so focused on the little issues that they do not see the big issue that faces them.

8. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

God is clearly interested in what is inside us, in our heart, not the outward appearance.  People are like junk drawers where you throw stuff in so that the house can look good when company comes.  God wants us to have a clean spiritual junk drawer.  Seeing God means being able to be in His presence.  Christianity is about preaching Jesus so people can receive salvation so that they can not get to the state of being pure in heart.

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

2 Cor says how we have been given a ministry of reconciliation.  We are peacemaking when we are doing this.  Bringing people into reconciliation with God.

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

Our righteousness is persecuted because it is in conflict with what the world says.

11. "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.

12. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Salt and Light

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Matthew 5:1-12 (MSG)
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When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:
When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:
"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.
"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.
"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.
"You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.
"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.
"Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble. Salt and Light
"Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble. Salt and Light