True happiness is found in the teachings of Jesus Christ There is nothing more satisfying than knowing that we have secure future. The most secure future that we can have is found in Matthew 6:20-21, But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Jesus taught us how we can make sure that our heart is in the right place by laying up treasures in heaven. Where do we start in making sure that we are laying up treasures in heaven? It starts with having a right attitude towards God, which Jesus taught in His Sermon, when He went up into a mountain and people came up to hear Him teach. Our text comes from Matthew 5:1-12. It is titled by many as the Beatitudes. Let us picture ourselves on the mountain with Jesus and listen to what He said that would make our lives blessed. Matthew 5:1-12 “1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: 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 they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” A couple of notes to help in understanding some of the above verses. First, “poor in spirit,” means - “ ‘conscious of their spiritual need.’ “ Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. When we know within ourselves that there is more to life than just what this physical world has to offer, then our inner being, i.e., our soul, cries out for nourishment and the only thing that will satisfy this need is found in Jesus Christ. The help that God has provided is believing and obeying the commandments of His only begotten Son Jesus Christ. John 14:15: 15:7-14 We Christians also have the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit that was given at baptism, who bears witness with our spirit that we are children and heirs of God and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ. Romans 8:14-17 Another note is concerning the word “meek”. “Meek” is defined as gentle, mild. While this is a part of what it means, it goes deeper than that. “Meekness” is the quality of being strong spiritually, exhibiting self-control in all things. A person who is meek knows that Jesus Christ has the answers to his/her life and is willing to put themselves in His hands. One more note, Christians are to be “merciful”. We are to show “mercy” to others. “Mercy” is a two way street. It is a reciprocal agreement from God. When we show “mercy” to others, God through His only begotten Son Jesus Christ will be merciful to us. I believe the rest of the Blessings are more easily understood. The Beatitudes govern how we should conduct ourselves each day of our lives. And when we apply them to our lives we will find peace, happiness and eternal life. John 3:16; Philippians 4:4-8 References: King James Version Bible Gateway - Thank you for public access to Bible verses. By Public Domain Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament - Published by Hendrickson Publishers - Tenth Printing - February 2012 - Printed in the United States of America - With Strong’s numbering added by Hendrickson Publishers - Thank you for reprinting Joseph H. Thayer’s Lexicon. It is always a great help in defining the Biblical Greek language. By Public DomainTenth Printing - February 2012 - Printed in the United States - Thank you for Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament - Published by Hendrickson Publishers - help with poor and meek. Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words - Published by Thomas Nelson Publishers - Copyright 1985 - Thank you for help with poor and meek. The Free Dictionary Online - Thank you for the definition of metaphorically.
Posted on: Mon, 10 Mar 2014 00:41:41 +0000
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