The Recipe for Being Blessed ~ Matthew 5: 1-12
Pastor John Opferman
11:00 AM
November 17, 2024
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Main Topics Discussed
Introduction
The Beatitudes in Matthew 5:1-12 reveal a path to true blessedness.
"Blessed" means fortunate or well-off, reflecting a profound, spiritual happiness.
Jesus presents these blessings in a deliberate sequence, with each Beatitude building upon the previous one.
Let’s explore how each step leads us closer to a blessed life, unfolding God's promises for us.
Blessed are the Poor in Spirit (Matthew 5:3)
Meaning of Poor in Spirit: Recognizing our deep spiritual need and humility before God.
Importance of Brokenness: Our pride must be broken; only then do we truly seek God.
Promise: "Theirs is the kingdom of heaven" - this humility opens the door to God's kingdom.
Blessed are Those Who Mourn (Matthew 5:4)
Spiritual Mourning: Mourning for our sins, lack of spiritual fruit, and the brokenness in the world.
Comfort from God: The Holy Spirit, our Comforter, draws near to those who mourn over sin.
Promise: "They shall be comforted" - God meets us in our sorrow with His presence and comfort.
Blessed are the Meek (Matthew 5:5)
Meekness Defined: Mildness and humility, not just before God but with each other.
Inheriting the Earth: Like Abraham’s meekness, we are called to walk humbly and inherit God’s promise.
Promise: "They shall inherit the earth" - true meekness grants us an eternal inheritance.
Blessed are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness (Matthew 5:6)
A Deep Desire for Righteousness: Longing for personal and societal righteousness, to live as Christ lived.
Battle Within: Our desire to be holy like Christ and frustration with our own sin drive this hunger.
Promise: "They shall be filled" - God promises satisfaction for those who earnestly seek Him.
Blessed are the Merciful (Matthew 5:7)
Mercy as a Reflection of God’s Heart: Our humility and brokenness lead us to be merciful towards others.
Receiving Mercy: With a heart free of pride, we experience and extend God’s mercy.
Promise: "They shall obtain mercy" - showing mercy allows us to experience God’s mercy in our lives.
Blessed are the Pure in Heart (Matthew 5:8)
Purity and Holiness in Our Inner Being: A heart purified by God, undivided and focused on Him.
Seeing God: We are transformed to see Him more clearly as we grow in holiness.
Promise: "They shall see God" - a pure heart brings us closer to the presence of God.
Blessed are the Peacemakers (Matthew 5:9)
Role as Peacemakers: Bringing others into reconciliation with God, leading them to Christ.
Reflecting the Prince of Peace: Our mission is to reconcile others with God through the gospel.
Promise: "They shall be called the children of God" - peacemaking reflects our identity as God’s children.
Blessed are Those Persecuted for Righteousness’ Sake (Matthew 5:10-12)
Facing Opposition for Christ’s Sake: Faithfulness despite suffering for righteousness reveals true devotion.
Encouragement from God: Jesus reminds us that persecution aligns us with the prophets and saints before us.
Promise: "Theirs is the kingdom of heaven" and "great is your reward in heaven" - the ultimate reward awaits us.
Conclusion
Each Beatitude Builds on the Previous: The progression is intentional, from humility to peacemaking to persecution.
A Call to Self-Examination: Where are we on this path? Are we moving step-by-step through these Beatitudes?
Final Reflection: The Beatitudes are not just guidelines but a roadmap to a blessed life in God’s kingdom.
Invitation: Reflect on your need for God, begin with humility, and follow through each step toward the fullness of God's blessing.
Prayer
Closing Prayer: Seek God’s help in embracing each Beatitude and living a life that reflects His blessedness.
Biblical References
Psalm 10:4 - "The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God."
Psalm 34:18 - "The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."
Psalm 51:17 - "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."
Romans 3:10 - "There is none righteous, no, not one."
Romans 7:24 - "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?"
Romans 8:22 - "For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now."
Romans 8:26 - "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered."
1 John 3:1-2 - "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God… it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is."
1 John 3:3 - "And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure."
Psalm 17:15 - "As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness."
Psalm 51:10 - "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."
Hebrews 12:14 - "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord."
Proverbs 28:26 - "He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool."
John 14:6 - "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
Reflection Questions
How has God been calling you to embrace a “poor in spirit” attitude in your life? Are there areas of pride that need to be surrendered to experience deeper spiritual growth?
When you consider the state of your heart, what are the things you mourn over spiritually? How might you invite God’s comfort into these areas of sorrow and longing?
What does meekness look like in your relationships with others? How can you cultivate humility and gentleness in interactions, especially in challenging situations?
In what ways are you currently hungering and thirsting for righteousness? What steps can you take this week to draw closer to living a life that reflects Christ’s holiness?
Are there individuals or situations in your life where God is calling you to be a peacemaker? How can you reflect the peace and reconciliation of Christ in those relationships?
Daily Activities
Journaling for Spiritual Humility
Activity: Set aside time to journal about areas in your life where you rely on your own strength rather than on God.
Application: Reflect on what it means to be “poor in spirit,” and write a prayer of surrender, asking God to help you recognize and let go of pride.
Create a Comfort List
Activity: Identify people in your life who are experiencing grief or hardship.
Application: Write down specific ways you can bring comfort to them (e.g., sending an encouraging message, offering a meal, or spending time with them). Act on at least one item on your list this week, embodying the Beatitude of comforting others.
Practice Meekness with Others
Activity: Practice humility in conversations, especially if disagreements arise.
Application: Make an effort to listen before responding and, if appropriate, let someone else have the final say. Reflect afterward on how choosing meekness influenced your interaction and deepened your relationships.
Hunger for Righteousness Challenge
Activity: Choose one area of spiritual growth you feel God is calling you to improve (e.g., patience, kindness, purity).
Application: Spend 15-20 minutes daily meditating on a Bible verse related to that area and praying for God to increase that quality in you. Reflect on any changes you notice at the end of the week.
Peacemaker Outreach
Activity: Think of a strained or distant relationship in your life and write a letter or make a call extending peace.
Application: Express appreciation for the person, and if necessary, seek or offer forgiveness. Reflect on the experience, and consider how God might be calling you to foster peace in other areas of your life as well.
