Primary Text: Matthew 5:7-12; Luke 6:20-26
Memory Verse: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.” Matthew 5:7-11
Introduction:
In the last lesson, the first four Beatitudes were studied, dealing with a Christian disciple’s attitude and the related actions he takes toward himself and toward his sins. The teaching now takes a dramatic shift to discuss the true disciple’s attitude and actions toward God and the world. These outwardly focused Beatitudes are no more nor less important than the inwardly focused Beatitudes, but they are often more visible to others, and therefore more open to direct criticism.
We shouldn’t think that we control our Christianity, but our Christianity should control us. If we are only attempting to appear to be Christians, then we must work to control our temperament and behavior. Jesus didn’t intend this when He taught the Beatitudes. A citizen of God’s kingdom doesn’t try to be poor in spirit, he is poor in spirit. A kingdom citizen doesn’t hunger and thirst for righteousness as if he’s gone on a restrictive diet and is choosing what is best for his nourishment, but righteousness has become the prized banquet that is the only nourishment he desires. To place a platter and mug of unrighteousness before one of God’s children is tantamount to feeding salad to a cat: it has become entirely unnatural for him to eat such things.
Unfortunately, many of God’s people live a double standard. Our “eye is not single,” as it should be, where we are only interested in the things of God, but we pollute Christian living with worldliness. Jesus made it clear that it is impossible to serve two masters with success, and John wrote that no man can love the world and love God simultaneously.
What is it then that the Savior was trying to make clear in teaching the Beatitudes? As a response to double-minded thinking and living, Jesus clearly showed the basic differences in the truly transformed Christian life. The Beatitudes, then, are what Christ does in true believers, not spiritual qualities for us to duplicate.
Studying the Word
Lesson Study
- What motivation will God’s disciple have toward those who suffer as a consequence of their sin? Matthew 5:7 What promise is extended to them?
- Explain what it means to be pure in heart, and the tremendous blessing that is granted for it. Matthew 5:8; Psalm 24:3-5
- What are the important inward and outward aspects of being a peacemaker? Matthew 5:9
- Contrast what it means to be persecuted for righteousness to being persecuted because we’ve made poor choices, acted like a religious fanatic, defended a political platform, or championed a social cause. Matthew 5:10 (Give some examples of persecution for righteousness sake.)
- How can being reviled and reproached actually be a rich blessing in disguise to the Christian? Matthew 5:11-12; Luke 6:22-23
- When is it sinful to prosper and enjoy luxury? Luke 6:24-25 (Also consider Colossians 3:1-4)
- How could it possibly be wrong to be admired by the world? Luke 6:26
- Discuss how someone can be pure and righteous before God while enjoying success, prosperity, and the honor of men. Genesis 39:2-3; Deuteronomy 8:18; 28:1-13; Joshua 1:7; Psalm 1:3; 3 John 1:2; Proverbs 22:1; Ecclesiastes 7:1