Angel Williams Supporter

As a Christian, we have to believe the Word of God. Our natural man feels the emotion of injustice however, we must remember God is Just. He declares in His Word Deuteronomy 32:35 and Romans 12:17 that vengeance belongs to Him, He will repay. We must do our part by trusting Him. These may sound like simple words in the flesh but in the Spirit it is life.

November 16 2017 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Doreen Lovell Supporter Evangelist and Prayer Intercessor

Matthew 5 :1-48

The opening verses of this sermon indicate that the inner states of mind and heart is the indispensable absolute of true Christian discipleship. It delineates the outward manifestations of character and conduct of true believers and genuine disciples. Thus the life of the believer, described by Yeshua (Jesus) is a life of grace and glory, which comes from God alone (v.5). In this sermon Jesus states the spiritual character and quality of the kingdom He would establish.

Blessed, means “happy” and this is a basic description of the believer’s inner condition as a result of the work of God. The Beatitudes describe the characteristics of one who has been saved. The poor in spirit are the opposite of the proud or haughty in spirit. They have been humbled by the grace of God and have acknowledged their sin and therefore their dependence upon God to save them (v.3). Those who mourn for sin shall be comforted in confession. Those who mourn for the human anguish of the lost shall be comforted by the compassion of God (v. 4).

The meek are those who have been humbled before God and will not only inherit the blessedness of heaven, but also will share in the Kingdom of God on earth (v.5)—(a balance between the physical and spiritual promise of the kingdom). Hunger and thirst after righteousness (v.6) are those who experience a deep desire for personal righteousness, which in itself, a proof of spiritual rebirth. Those who are poor and empty in their own spiritual poverty recognize the depth of their need and they hunger and thirst for that which only God can give them---“they shall be filled”, that is, receive complete satisfaction.

Those who are merciful shall obtain mercy (v.6), refers to those who have been born again by the mercy of God. Because Divine Love has been extended to them, they have the work of the Holy Spirit producing mercy in them that defies man’s explanation. Yeshua (Jesus) is the ultimate example of this when He cried from the cross, “Father forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Those who are truly saved shall see God; they are the pure in heart (v.8). Their lives have been transformed by the grace of God. They are not sinless, but their position before God has been changed. They have the New Birth, saving faith and holiness. The process of sanctification is ever conforming them to the image of Messiah (Romans 8:29) which is righteousness and true holiness (Eph. 4:24).

The peacemakers (v.9) are they that are in peace with God and desire to live in peace with all men (Rom. 5:1). Their peace with Messiah enables them to be ambassadors of God’s message to a troubled world; as such they are children of God. Throughout this sermon Yeshua (Jesus) clearly underscores that only those who have the qualities of a changed life are citizens of His Kingdom. Jesus clearly teaches that such a life causes His people to be in direct contrast to the world in which they live. Therefore, He reminds us, “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake” (V.10); indicating that He foresaw this persecution as touching all His followers. (“Yea and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Tim.3:12). In V.11, Jesus states that the persecution first involves a physical pursuing of the persecuted and a personal attack of slander against them. Rejoice (v.12) is the command that grows out of the blessedness of the believer.
Jesus shows how the believer should respond to personal injury. He said that a man should not attempt personal vengeance even though the laws to compensate for a personal injury.He gave five examples (vv 39-42) of how the believer should react to unfair or unreasonable treatment. In retaliation to physical violence, man's natural impulse is to strike back, but the disciple is not to be like the natural man. He is to "overcome evil with good (Rom 12:21).An example of this ethical truth is the life and death of Jesus Himself.

November 16 2017 • 5 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report