The Be Attitudes
Theme: To show the true attitude of a Christian
Text: Matthew 5:1-12
Introduction
Tonight I want to talk to you about “The Be Attitudes”. It is called this because I believe it is the way our attitudes as Christians should be. These verses of scripture challenge us as we look at what God expects from his people but most of all from our attitude.
You see I believe attitude is important. Especially the attitude of a Christian. There is not much worse that a Christian who knows all the scriptures and the right things to say but has a stinking attitude. It makes us look so bad.
Blessed=an internal joy, a contentment, wholeness, It compares to the OT word shalom which means peace. It is more than happiness as an emotion. But it is contentment. As Paul said, “I learned how to be content where I have a lot or little. Abased or abound.”
Jesus said in John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Condition “poor in spirit” to acknowledge our utter dependence on God,
Reward “theirs is the kingdom of heaven”-the kingdom of heaven refers to salvation. Matthew 19 “rich man enter into the kingdom of heaven”.
When we recognize our total dependence in God and turn our life over to him then we shall be saved.
4 Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.
Condition “those who mourn”
Why morn?
1. When we recognize our sins and unworthiness before God, we are broken and desperately sorry
2. When we see the hurt of others-compassion, weep with those who weep
3. When we see the sin of this world and the plight they are going. As the world cries out for Gods redemption so should we, we see the plight of this world.
Reward “they shall be comforted” comfort-a settled place, solace
5 Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.
Condition “the meek”-humility, meekness is not weekness but is actually strength, it takes true strength not to let pride overwhelm us.
Reward “they shall inherit the earth”-they are comfortable with who they are.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.
Condition “those who hunger”
Ps 42: 1 As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God.
Reward “they shall be filled”-they shall have a life of abundance and reward. They shall be full. Filled with the spirit.
7 Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.
Condition “the merciful”-compassionate, as Jesus often showed compassion
Reward “they shall obtain mercy”-God will show us compassion when we are compassionate to others.
When we give someone that “cup of cold water”. I thought about this when Bro. Neal asked me to bring him some lukewarm water. The bible tells us we will be blessed if we give the needy a cup of cold water in his name.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.
Condition “the pure in heart”-clean, unmixed, and unpolluted, whole heart.
Heb 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Reward “they shall see God”
Psalms 24:3 ΒΆ Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? 4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. 5 He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.
Condition “the peace makers”-bring men together, make peace, solve disputes. Not peacekeepers-do whatever to have peace.
Reward “they shall be called sons of God”-this is how we are recognized.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake 12 "Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Condition “persecution”
3 kinds
1. being reviled: verbally abused, insulted, scolded, mocked
2. persecuted: hurt, ostracized, attacked, tortured, martyred, and treatd hostily
3. have all manner of evil spken against: slander, cursed and lied about.
When?
1. When we stand up for righteousness
2. When we serve Christ.
Reward “theirs is the kingdom of heaven”
Condition “when they revile and persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake”
Reward “your reward is in heaven”
Conclusion
It is all about our attitude.
