The Beatitudes

A short Bible study on The Beatitudes

Matthew 5:3 (NIV)

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Does this mean depressed, sad, unhappy? 

Is it spiritually poor or emotionally poor?

Greek - absolute destitute

Aramaic - poor and humble who has put their hope in God.

This refers to the poor man who has put his entire hope in God. When you know you are out of your depth you can really reach out to God and He will reach out to you.

Matthew 5:4 (NIV)

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

It is ok to mourn - they are fortunate for they will be comforted. God will draw close to us when we pour out our emotion to Him.

Christianity is about caring - break our hearts with the things that break yours.

Matthew 5:5 (NIV)

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Meek - a broken horse, still very powerful but totally under control. Being meek is not being ineffective or lacking in power. 

Is humble a good translation? 

Being angry at the right time but has every impulse under control.

Psalm 37:11 (NIV)

But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.

Matthew 5:6 (NIV)

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

This feeling was very different from any experience we have ever had. We might find it hard to have a sense of the urgency.

We are often content with just partial righteousness. It is not enough to be satisfied with partial righteousness. 

Matthew 5:7 (NIV)

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

James 2:13 (NIV)

because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful.....

Forgiveness can be very costly. We must show mercy to others as we will receive it.

The coming of God in Jesus is the ultimate example.

Matthew 5:8 (NIV)

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

What do we do that stops us see God?

Matthew 5:9 (NIV)

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

What does it mean to be a peacemaker? What do we mean when Jesus says peace will be with us.

Peace in the Bible is often linked with justice. Where there is no justice it will be hard to find peace.

To be a peacemaker we need to forgive.

Matthew 5:44 (NIV)

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 

Matthew 5:10-12 (NIV)

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [11] "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. [12] Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

If they did these things to Jesus we should expect the same. It is part of the course for being a Christian.