Matthew 6:9-13 - After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

 

The Sermon for This Week is: The Beatitudes – II - Matthew 5:3-12 -

5:3 - Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

5:4 -  Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

5:5  - Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

5:6  - Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

5:7  - Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

5:8  - Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

5:9  - Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

5:10 - Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

5:11 - Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

5:12 - Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

 

INTRODUCTION

 

1. At the beginning of The Sermon On The Mount, we find that section of Scripture commonly referred to as The Beatitudes - Matthew 3:3-12 - For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

a. The word beatitude means “supreme blessedness or happiness”

b. We find Jesus discussing the blessedness of those who possess certain qualities

 

2. As suggested in the previously lesson, it is as though Jesus was answering two questions people might have been asking...

a. Who will be the citizens of “the kingdom of heaven”?

b. What benefits do they receive?

 

3. In our previous study, we looked at The Beatitudes from the viewpoint of the question: “Who will be the citizens of the kingdom?”

a. We saw that their character would involve eight interrelated qualities

b. We saw that they would be poor in spirit, mourning for their sins, meek, hungering for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, and willing to suffer persecution

 

4. In this study, we shall look at The Beatitudes from the viewpoint of the question: “What benefits do they receive?”

a. Is the kingdom of heaven worth the effort to develop such qualities of character?

b. Is the kingdom of heaven worth whatever persecution we might endure?

 

[I believe the answer is a resounding “Yes!” This becomes apparent as we take time to consider the blessedness of the citizens of the kingdom...]

 

I. THEIR BENEFITS SUMMARIZED IN ONE WORD

 

A. THAT WORD IS “BLESSED”...

 

1. It is the first word of the sermon

a. Just as it is the first word of the Psalms - Psalms 1:1 - Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

 

b. Just as it is found in the beginning words of The Revelation - Revelation 1:3 - Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

 

2. It is used nine times in nine verses (which is why this section is called The Beatitudes)

 

B. THIS WORD INVOLVES GREAT JOY AND GLADNESS...

 

1. It can literally mean, “how very happy!” is the one described

 

2. We can also infer this from Matthew 5:12 - Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

a. “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad...”

b. Or as found in Luke: “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy!” - Luke 6:23 - Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

 

[The benefit of being in the kingdom of heaven is the condition of blessedness, a state of true happiness! To understand why, let’s now look at...]

 

II. THEIR BENEFITS ARE BOTH PRESENT AND FUTURE

 

A. “THEIRS IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN...”

 

1. As defined in a previous lesson (cf. Matthew 4:17 - From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.), those who receive the kingdom...

a. Are under the kingly rule of God

b. Are in a spiritual kingdom

1) Which today involves being in the “church,” the present manifestation of the “kingdom of heaven” - Matthew 16:18 - And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. - Colossian 1:13 - Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: - Revelation 1:9 - I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

2) Which will involve the “new heavens and new earth” in the kingdom’s future and eternal manifestation - Matthew 25:34 - Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: - 2 Peter 1:10-11 - Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. - 2 Peter 3:13 - Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. - Revelation 21-22 - And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.

 

2. Note that the first (Matthew 5:3 - Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.) and last (Matthew 5:10 - Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.) beatitudes include this expression...

a. Which I take to imply that the blessings in between also apply to those in the kingdom

b. Just as the kingdom is both present and future, we shall observe that the blessings described involve both present and future

 

B. “THEY SHALL BE COMFORTED...”

 

1. This is in reference to those who mourn over their sins and spiritual poverty

 

2. They are comforted even now - 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 - Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

 

3. They shall be comforted in the future - Revelation 21:1-4 - And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

 

C. “THEY SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH...”

 

1. In one sense, they inherit it now

a. As a result of putting the kingdom of God first - Mark 6:33 - And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him. - Mark 10:29-30 - And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

b. Though they may have less than some who are wicked, God enables them to enjoy it more! - Ecclesiastes 5:19-6:2 - Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God. For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart. There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is common among men: A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and it is an evil disease.

c. This explanation seems to be consistent with the context of Psa 37, from which the phrase was taken - Psalms 37:1-11 - Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. - Psalms 37:16-29 - A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked. For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous. The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever. They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away. The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth. For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off. The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed. Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore. For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off. The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.

 

2. But in another sense, there yet remains a promise concerning a “new earth” for those in the kingdom now - 2 Peter 3:10-13 - But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

 

D. “THEY SHALL BE FILLED...”

 

1. That is, with the righteousness we so desperately need, found only in Christ - Philippians 3:8-9 - Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

 

2. Received presently, through the precious blood of Christ - Romans 5:9 - Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

 

3. Received in fullness when adorned in the white linen of righteousness in preparation for the marriage of the Lamb - Revelation 19:5-9 - And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

 

E. “THEY SHALL OBTAIN MERCY...”

 

1. Those in the kingdom enjoy forgiveness of sins now through the blood of Jesus - Revelation 1:5-6 - And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

 

2. They shall also be shown mercy in the future by escaping the righteous wrath of God in the Day of Judgment - Romans 5:9 - Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

 

F. “THEY SHALL SEE GOD...”

 

1. Presently, citizens of the kingdom can see God through their Lord Jesus - John 14:6-7 - Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

 

2. But in the future, we shall see Him face to face - Revelation 21:3 - And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. - Revelation 22:3-4 - And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.

 

G. “THEY SHALL BE CALLED SONS OF GOD...”

 

1. Even now we are called the sons of God - 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: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and 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.

 

2. How much more so, in the future! - Revelation 21:5-7 - And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

 

CONCLUSION

 

1. Perhaps we better understand why those in “the kingdom of heaven” are truly blessed, for while...

a. Poor in spirit, theirs is the kingdom of heaven!

b. Mourning for their sins, they shall be comforted!

c. Meek in their relation to God and man, they shall inherit the earth!

d. Hungering and thirsting for righteousness, they shall be filled!

e. Merciful to others, they shall obtain mercy!

f. Pure in heart, they shall see God!

g. Makers of peace, they shall be called sons of God!

h. Persecuted for righteousness’ sake, theirs is the kingdom of heaven!

 

2. Certainly the benefits of the kingdom outweigh anything this world has to offer, or any persecution it might inflict...!

a. For there are blessings now “in this life”

b. And there are blessings “in the age to come” - Mark 10:28-30 - Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,  But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

 

2. But the blessedness of the citizens is only for those who have the characteristics of the citizens in ever-increasing measure...

a. Do we have the qualities described in The Beatitudes?

b. Do not the blessings described in The Beatitudes encourage us to develop such qualities?

 

May this sermon of Jesus motivate us to examine our attitudes, to see if there is not room for improvement in our relationships with both God and our fellow man!

 

Matthew 28:19-20 - Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

 

Mark 16:15-16 - And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

 

Prayer: Lord I truly thank You for giving me the opportunity to present these words to my brethrens. I pray that You will give them Your eternal blessings and accept them into Your heart - this  I pray in the name of Thy Son, Jesus, the Messiah, Your only begotten son which Ye sent to save mankind from themselves. Amen

 

Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. - Ephesians 6:23-24

 

This sermon is in the Public Domain - Free for all to use with the only requirement: That it never be used for profit.