The Beatitudes - the way of entering the kingdom and walking in it. - Matt. 5:3-12
Webster's definition of beatitudes is the state of utmost bliss; bless means to invoke divine care for
Blessed means held in reverence, honored in worship, bringing pleasure or contentment
Matt 5:20, 23:1-3, 7:13-27; Luke 8:4-15, 21; James 1:22-25
Matthew 5:3 poor in spirit (nothing to offer God)
Is. 66:1-2 humble, contrite of spirit
Ps. 34:18 God saves those crushed in spirit
Ps. 51:17 sacrifices of God are a broken spirit
Luke18:9-14 example of the publican
Matthew 5:4 mourn (lament, grieve over sin)
2 Cor. 7 :9-10 sorrowful to the point of repentance
Ps. 51:1-3, 10-12 comfort/restoration after repentance
Ps. 32:1-2 sin covered by blood
Matthew 5:5 meek (humble) power under control, term applied to stallions that have been broken, ruling the spirit well
1 Petter 2 :21-23 Jesus ruled Himself in peace
Numbers 12:3 Moses meekest man on the earth
Meek inherit the earth – receive allotted portion
Matthew 5:6 hunger and thirst (desire, long after)
Matthew 5:7 merciful (meet needs, help rescue)
Luke 6:36-38 give and receive
Prov 11:17 merciful man does himself good
Matthew 5:8 pure (holy) - no additives, pure
1 Tim. 1: 5-7 goal of instruction (sincere)
Mark 7 :5-9, 14-23 comes from impure heart
Matthew 5: 9 peacemakers (creating righteousness for right relationships, hold up standard of righteousness)
Ps. 85 :8-10, 1 Cor. 7:15 called to peace
2 Cor. 5 18-21 ministry of reconciliation
Matthew 5:10-12 persecuted
Luke 22: 63-65 revile - throw into the face, abuse with words
pursued, chased after (Daniel)
persecute- false accusations
*Walk in integrity-God will vindicate
Progression of kingdom living
attribute - benefit
poor in spirit - kingdom of heaven, salvation
mourn - comforted
meek - inheritance
hunger and thirst - satisfied
merciful - receive mercy
pure in heart - see God
peacemakers - sons of God
persecuted - kingdom of heaven, reward, inheritance