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Presented June 13 & 20, 2010 pm        Return to Unity Study        Listen Part 1        Listen Part 2

 CAN’T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG? (5)
The Beatitudes - Matthew 5:3-10

                 Tonight we continue our study about unity within the Lord’s Church.  In our last lesson we began to address the subject of the importance of godly attitudes.  To emphasize the importance we noted a number of lists of attitudes that factor in to brotherly unity within a local congregation.  Tonight we want to examine one of those passages in more detail – the Beatitudes.  My goal in this portion of our study will be to examine 3 lists in scripture: Matt. 5, Eph. 4:1-3, and Phil. 2:1-2.  We will then notice some other proper attitudes and improper attitudes.  My goal in these studies is for each of us to consider our own attitudes and how they impact the unity of this congregation.  As I have stated all along in this study, where division exists, SOMEONE is sinning.  If everyone desires to do and be the right thing, we can work through any problems whether personal or with those outside.             Tonight we will study the Beatitudes of our Lord at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount.  This entire sermon is worthy of intense study as Jesus introduces the greatness of the kingdom of heaven to His followers.  He challenges His audience to a life of righteousness that is greater than the expectations of man (Matt. 5:20).  Continually in this sermon, Jesus compared the inadequate standards of the Jewish leaders (often corrupting the Law) with what God expects of us.  He began this sermon by describing a series of attitudes that one needs to inherit eternal life.  While His lesson applied to all aspects of the Christian’s life, we want to make specific application to the way these attitudes apply in our treatment of one another as brethren.  That is why this lesson is included in this study.  Please bear in mind – for true unity to be achieved EVERYONE involved needs to possess proper attitudes.

 I.                 Concerning the Beatitudes

a.        They are attributes that are inter-related to one another.  That does not mean that if you have one you have all of them, but it does mean that to inherit the kingdom of God you need to possess ALL of them. 

b.       Many of these qualities build upon one another as well, similar to 2 Pet. 1:5-11 (the “Christian graces”).

c.        When it comes to us “getting along with one another” we need to keep this interrelation in mind as well.

 

 II.                  Blessed are the poor in spirit

a.        What this means – the word for poor here is associated with poverty and one who is destitute.
Poor in spirit – obviously it is NOT a reference to the Holy Spirit.  It has reference to one’s own spirit or disposition. 

b.       This attitude is at the foundation of one’s relationship with God.
It describes one who realizes that as he stands before God he has nothing to offer.  He is TOTALLY dependent upon God’s grace for his needs. 
Like the tax collector in Luke 18:13 who would not so much as look up to heaven, he realizes his standing before his Creator as in poverty.

c.        As a result of this, he has a HUMBLE attitude toward God and His people.

d.       How does this apply to brethren?
From an attitude standpoint, brethren getting along with one another begins with me and my attitude about myself in relation to God.  How often do I consider where I would be if my Lord had not accepted me?  James 4:10 calls for us to humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord.
HOW does this reflect on the way I treat my brethren? Have I truly humbled myself in dealing with them?  Do I truly think about my proper attitude when addressing problems with others?  Do I think about how God has dealt with me and the trouble I have caused Him?  Romans 12:16 says, “BE of the same mind toward one another.  Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble.  Do not be wise in your own opinion.”  See also Philippians 2:3-4

 

 III.                Blessed are those who mourn

a.        The idea of mourning is intense sorrow.  In this text based upon your realization of where you stand before God (poor in spirit), you mourn considering what you deserve.  When you are not right with God, you mourn because of your dangerous condition before Him.  It is this MOURNING that will move you to correction

b.       Mourning is a good thing.  It can produce patience (Rom. 5:3-4), it can cause you to repent (2 Cor. 7:10), it keeps you humble.  It can cause you to take action to make things right.

c.        How does this apply to brethren?  When things are not right with your brethren, you should NOT feel comfortable about it.  In fact, if we truly consider that souls are in danger of being lost (maybe even my own) we ought to mourn. (Consider 1 Cor. 5:2) When a brother is withdrawn from, there ought to be sadness when we think about them.  It ought to move us to DO SOMETHING about it!
Concerning a brother with whom we have problems:  We are commanded by God to go to them.  Matt. 18:15-17 speaks of knowing of a brother who sins (or is in sin, cf. Jas. 5:19, Gal. 6:1) that we NEED to go to them; If a brother has something against me (Matt. 5:22-24) I STILL need to go to him (i.e. don’t wait on him to go to you).  Things are not right, let there be mourning!

d.       COMFORT comes when the mourning is addressed and worked through.

 

 IV.                Blessed are the meek

a.        This is a term that means gentle or “easy to be entreated”.  It does not mean “wimpy” as some describe it (though the world often portrays the meek as such).
IN our progression, one who realizes his miserable condition and mourns it before God will with gentle and humble attitude approach Him.   Moses is known for his meek spirit (Num. 12:3).
Jesus was meek and lowly (Matt. 11:29,30)

b.       Basically, one who realizes his deplorable sinful condition will not find himself in any condition to be arrogant with God or anyone else for that matter.

c.        How does this apply to brethren?  When we are faced with difficulties (of if we are at peace and we want to minimize the amount of troubles we face) we need a meek and gentle spirit.  When we go to a brother it must be WITH meekness – Galatians 6:1 calls for us to be gentle in dealing with the brother overtaken.   James 3:13 calls for us to do our works “in the meekness of wisdom.”
Colossians 3:12-13 describes many attributes we need.
Furthermore, when facing an explosive situation FROM a brother meekness can diffuse it.  I think of Moses in Num. 12:3.  The context is his being criticized by Aaron and Miriam.  In the text Moses did not respond, but GOD DID! (Miriam became leprous). 
Another example was Jesus before Pilate “He opened not his mouth” (Matt. 27:11-14).  NOTE that Jesus was right and just but He said nothing for OUR GOOD! Sometimes the best thing we can do is to say nothing (perhaps for the moment).  Meekness will allow this.

d.       Note the result: They shall inherit the earth.  Theirs is the disposition that will win the world over and resolve serious problems.   Think of the issues that would be resolved or avoided if everyone stepped back and approached contention with meekness.
If you are dealing with difficult brethren or problems, you HAVE TO possess meekness if you want to improve your chances of overcoming your problems.

 

 V.                  Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness

a.        The idea here is an intense appetite, as when we say, “I’m starving” (yes, it is usually an exaggeration but it means we are REALLY hungry and are seeking to eat very soon).  We sometimes associate this with a hunger for studying God’s word (which is part of it – 2 Tim. 3:16), but it speaks of craving to be righteous (or justified) in God’s eyes.  We want to be RIGHT with Him to the point that it becomes a priority, cf. Phil. 3:8-9 where Paul walked away from the things of this world “to be found in Him, not having my own righteousness which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith.”
This hungering is the next step in the process that leads from your poverty to being right with God.

b.       How does this apply to brethren?  First, we need to realize that when things are not right with one another they are not right with God either (as I have repeatedly said – where there is division and dissentions someone is sinning!).  We need to CRAVE for things to be right (recall my response dealing with mourning – either way you need to make the move).  Second, craving alone will not satisfy any appetite – we have to eat (or act).  DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!  Do what you can do.

c.        They shall be filled – is the spiritual promise.  Unfortunately, in spite of our best efforts to work out problems, we deal with ungodly brethren who don’t want to!  But when we know that we have honestly done all that we can do, we ought to be satisfied and find comfort in that AND turn to God for consolation.  We have to move on! (No this is not an easy thing to do)

 

 VI.                Blessed are the merciful

a.        In the beatitudes the first four deal with our attitude toward God (and as we have seen that has an impact on our attitude and actions toward our brethren).  The last four deal with our attitude toward others.

b.       To be merciful means to show compassion, even when it is not deserved.  It is a trait of forgiveness (James 2:13 – “judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy”).  It is a trait of self-sacrifice.  It is a trait of love (agape).

c.        How does this apply to brethren?   The answer should be obvious.  If we want to resolve differences we need to be willing to sacrifice.  We need to REALLY want to forgive.
One of the issues I struggle with in dealing with forgiveness is not forgiving someone until they ask.  While I understand the point, I know that I cannot let one not asking to be forgiven consume me inside.  I have seen too many examples of people who act in hate using this as justification.  So in a sense, I need to forgive and forget whether they ask or not (Read 1 John 5:20-21).  That does not mean we do not seek reconciliation.  Rather, like the father of the prodigal son (Luke 15:20-22)  we wait for them to come back and will complete the forgiveness immediately when asked).  LOVE bears all things (1 Cor. 13:6).
LET me say something here: Sometimes you are GOING to be wronged and the only way it is going to be resolved is if YOU are willing to forgive and forget.  Don’t worry about the other party making restitution and fulfilling your terms.  Don’t expect a fair resolution where everyone gives equally.  Do you really want peace?

d.       IF we want mercy extended to us we HAVE TO extend mercy to others.  FRIENDS we need to take a serious look at how much mercy God has shown us and consider THAT when we have been wronged by a brother!

 

VII.              Blessed are the pure in heart

a.        The word pure can mean two things: unpolluted or undiluted.  The word here is dealing with being unpolluted (unhypocritical).  Lenski in defining this word says, “Singleness of heart, the honesty which has no hidden motive, no selfish interest, and is true and open in all things.”
 It means that our hearts (i.e. our most inward motives) are honest and sincere.  It means that our actions are the product of proper motives.

b.       How does this apply to brethren?  Again this is obvious.  It is no secret that our dealings with others need to be unpolluted and with the purest of motives. Hypocrisy in these things is just as evil as in any other aspect of our lives.  
Think of the evil motives that keep trouble stirred up in a congregation.  Justifying one’s ungodly behaviors and actions because of the fault of the other.  Gossip redefined, “I’m only telling you this because I am concerned about brother so and so”.  “I’ll forgive but I won’t forget.”  “He deserves everything coming to him.”  “It’s not hate.  It’s righteous indignation.”   Telling only your side of the story or embellishing the facts in your favor.  Looking for faults.  Making lists or keeping track of what one does so that you can use it against him or to turn others against him.  Going behind people’s backs trying to win people over to your side, etc. 
Friends the Bible is pretty clear about such things!  James 4:8 calls for the double minded to purify their hearts. James 3:14-16 – describes the devilish attitude.  Eph. 4:31 describes the attitude we are to put away.

c.        The pure in heart will see God. Do you want to see God?  Do you think it has anything to do with the way you treat your brethren?  Can you be hateful and expect God to be pleased.

 

 VIII.            Blessed are the peacemakers

a.        WE all crave peace.  The simple description of peace is the absence of strife. 
Here Jesus noted that we need to SEEK peace and do what we can to promote it.  Jesus did not say the “peacelovers” as in one who simply ignores problems or compromises, but peacemakers which means putting forth effort to achieve peace. 
This is emphasized continually in scripture.  Rom. 12:18, live peaceably with all men; James 3:18, “Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
Peacemaking is not always easy and it not always pleasant.  Sometimes it requires confrontation to achieve it.  But the motive is always a goal for peace in whatever capacity is intended.

b.       How does this apply to brethren?  AGAIN this is obvious.  If we want to resolve our differences we have to want peace!  We need to CRAVE it and be willing to do whatever we have to do to achieve it.  OFTEN it means giving up more than the other party. 
If there are problems, we need to with courage face them.  And we need to work HARD at it.  Sometimes, the efforts we put forth are token at best.

c.        The result is to be called children of God.  Truly God wants us to be a peace with one another.  Sadly, not everyone has this attitude and they do not really want peace (short of you surrendering to their will).  But know that God knows who is really trying to achieve peace.  These are the ones HE will be pleased with.

 

 IX.                 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake

a.        Jesus realized that His audience faced difficult times.  He knew that they would not be treated properly and many would actually suffer for His cause.  To such He gave consolation that God knows what they are enduring and would reward them in the end.  Cf. Rev. 2:10,2 Cor. 4:17 – our light affliction, etc.

b.       How does this apply to brethren?  Hopefully, our brethren will not persecute us, but know that it is not unheard of.  The point has been emphasized more than once in this lesson.  Sometimes in striving to be what you ought to be you are not going to be treated properly.  Sometimes as you try to work out your differences and face problems you will be mistreated.  Quite honestly some so called brethren are hateful and want to hurt you.  But you have to endure and you have to do what is right.
When a brother accuses you or mistreats you, your task is to ensure that you ARE doing the right thing (in other words, ask if his accusations are justified).  If they are, do what you can, with a godly attitude, to resolve differences.  If not, understand that persecutions and trials will come your way.  Learn from them and seek brethren who will comfort you in doing right.

 

And thus it is my hope that we can see how the “beatitudes” describe attitudes that will help us deal with and overcome differences with our brethren.  IT truly is a wonderful list that will help us get along with one another.  But it will ONLY work successfully if each of us take these things to heart individually and apply them to ourselves.  If there is failure, let it be because the other party acted ungodly.  Don’t get caught up in the sins of others.  Think about this!