THE BEATITUDES 3
TEXT: MATTHEW 5:9-12
INTRODUCTION
In the past two weeks, we have been studying about the beatitudes. Today we will look into the last section of this message of Christ and draw conclusion on this;
1a) Blessed are the Peacemakers: Matthew 5:9, ROM 14:19, Prov 12:20
The blessings that is exclusively reserved for the peacemakers is the divine grace of being a family of God - They are the Sons or children of God. John 1:12, Galatians 3:26. We must exhibit the character of the Father that begets us - The Heavenly Father. God is the God of peace: Hebrew 13:20, 2 Cor 5:19, Romans 16:20. Heaven is a place of peace and for peacemakers- Luke 19:38. The scriptures encourages believers to live peaceably: Romans 12:18, Discuss 1 Cor 11:18-19.
1b) The blessings of being in the family of God
First, we shall consider the levels of spiritual sonship
(i) The Peacemakers: Matthew 5:9
(ii) Those that are Led by the Holy Spirit: Romans 8:13-15
(iii) Receivers and believers of Christ: John 1:12-13, Galatians 3:26
(iv) Overcomers : Revelations 21:7
These are the blessings of being a son/family of God: 1 John 3:1
(i) Divine security: Psalm 1:6, Nahum 1:7, Romans 8:15
(ii) Rights/Privileges: John 1:12, Luke 9:1, Romans 8:15
(iii) Spiritual Fellowship/Intimacy with God : 2 Cor 6:18, Rom 8:15
(iv) Assured testimony by the Holy Spirit: Romans 8:16
(v) Inheritance- Galatians 4:7, 1 Peter 1:3-4, Romans 8:17
(vi) We are Christ's brothers: John 14:21, Romans 8:29
2a) Blessed are the persecuted for righteousness'sake: Matthew 5:10-12
Persecution means pursuing or pressing on to oppress, harass and also to bring to judgment or punishment. The blessing is only for those who are persecuted for being righteous. The kingdom of heaven belongs to those people. We see a relationship with "the poor in spirit". The poor in spirit receives the same blessing because they are righteous and seek for righteousness alone. Look at Jesus' words on persecution: John 3:20-21, Matt 23:34-35, John 17:14-16. We have hope (a) The kingdom of heaven (b) the great reward waiting for us.
2b) Dealing with false accusations
(i) Call on God : Deut 32:35, Psalm 50:15
(ii) Follow Jesus' example : Acts 8:32-33
(iii) Examine yourself : 2 Cor 13:5, Psalm 139:23-24
(iv) Locate the real enemy (Devil) : Ephesians 6:12
(v) Pray to the Holy Spirit: John 14:26
(vi) Don't return evil for evil : 1Peter 3:9, Romans 12:17
(vii) Report to the right authority/quarters : 1 Peter 2:14-15
Conclusion
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" - James 1:22
