an eye for an eye www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 5: Matthew 5:38-48

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 5:38-48

Jesus says that previously an eye for an eye was the rule, meaning if someone did you harm, you do them harm back. However, Jesus says the opposite. If someone does you harm, do not resist them. Give and lend to those who ask.

Jesus says to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Love and greet everyone. God handles the evil.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 5: Matthew 5:38-48

11) To not retaliate and to not resist. He teaches to respond in kindness, to love your enemies, and pray for those that persecute you.

12a) Most people want revenge and retaliation when they have been wronged. It can consume them.

b) Unsure. Unsure if I’m persecuted or if I have enemies.

13a) My goal is to strive to be like Jesus. Obviously, we can’t be perfect, but it’s a goal nevertheless. And goals are good things to have.

b) Galations 5:16 says to live by the Spirit and you won’t gratify the desires of a sinful nature. Ephesians 4:22-24 tells us to put on our new selves in Christ. Philippians 2:12-13 says that it is God who works in you for his purposes. The idea of “being perfect” is just to do good in your life and in others’. Use the power of Jesus to do so.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 5: Matthew 5:38-48

I had not remembered Jesus’s call to be perfect here. While I love shooting for goals, this is one we all will never reach. However, getting better every day is a good goal to have.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 5: Matthew 5:38-48

You’ll find “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” here (Exodus 21:24). This command had been corrupted over time, which is why Jesus is clarifying it here. He says to let God be our defender when people insult us or do us wrong. Should you resist evil? Yes. However, the everyday slights and offenses shoulbe let go immediately and ignored. You just give it weight when you respond.

Jesus is using the slap here to mean insult. Obviously, if someone hits you, you defend yourself.

The cloak here is confusing. It’s referring to a Law that says that the outer cloak you were wearing could not be taken (Exodus 22:26; Deuteronomy 24:13).

Going the extra mile in Jesus’s time referred to the fact that Roman soldiers could command a Jew to carry their pack for one mile. This is where our saying comes from that now means to go above and beyond expectation. Read more HERE

Love Your Neighbor

Love your neighbor is an ancient Mosaic law (Leviticus 19:18). However, the teachers of the time were adding on to hate your enemies. The Bible never says this. Instead, Jesus says love your enemies who are our neighbors, too. Respond to your enemies in love, which is what God would do.

Christians are called to be better than others because of the power of the Holy Spirit. Our responses speak volumes about our relationship with God.

To be perfect, we need God’s righteouness (Romans 3:21-22) Keeping God’s laws makes up righteous.

Contact me today!

picture of couple on verge of divorce www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 4: Matthew 5:31-37

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 5:31-37

Jesus says that the only reason for divorce is unfaithfulness. Otherwise, if you divorce, if you remarry, you will be committing adultery. Jesus says there is not a need for an oath at all since your word should be strong enough.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 4: Matthew 5:31-37

9a) Jesus says that the only reason for divorce is unfaithfulness. Otherwise, if you divorce, if you remarry, you will be committing adultery. Mark adds that Moses permitted divorce and a certificate of divorce because their hearts were hard.

b ) Believers can work hard to not divorce for frivolous reasons such as “irreconcilable differences.” However, divorce is a part of this broken world, and supporting others who have been through it is crucial. It is not for us to judge; it’s for us to love.

10a) You do not need to swear an oath ever.

b ) Society has developed white lies in order to spare people’s feelings. It’s important to do this; however, it’s important to be truthful in serious situations.

c ) God.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 4: Matthew 5:31-37

Jesus makes it clear that man and woman were supposed to stay together forever. However, there are legitimate reasons to divorce. Jesus says only for unfaithfulness. I believe abuse is another reason. Either way, divorce is a result of this broken world and broken people, and we all are broken. I remember the times when BSF would not allow a divorced woman to be a leader. I’m glad they changed this rule. This, in and of itself, was judgement. If you have a heart for God and want to share it, do so, whether you are divorced or not.

Great book to help you through tough times.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 4: Matthew 5:31-37

The certificate of divorce is found here (Deuteronomy 24:1). Many men were divorcing their wives for frivolous reasons. Deuteronomy says that you may divorce if one is unclean. People were streteching this interpretation at this time. Jesus clarifies that “unclean” means committing adultery.

Remember the times Jesus lived in. It was common for the Romans to be unfaithful outside their marriage with no repercussions.

(Exodus 20:7) tells us to not take the Lord’s name in vain. Here, Jesus tells us that every oath you take is by God and must be honored. Jesus says that your word is good enough so you don’t need to swear an oath. That being said, we see oaths in the Bible, even by God himself. Hebrews 6:13 and Luke 1:73, in a court of law Matthew 26:63-64 and more Romans 1:9, 2 Corinthians 1:23, Galatians 1:20, 2 Thessalonians 2:5.

Oaths are allowed just are not needed.

Contact me today!

woman committing adultery with lust www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 3: Matthew 5:21-30

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 5:21-30

Jesus says that you can commit murder in your heart when you are angry with others and you will then be subject to judgment. Be reconciled with those who you are angry with. Settle matters before it goes to court because going to court could land you in jail. Jesus says you commit adultery if you look at someone with lust. Gouge out your eye and cut off your hand if it causes you to sin. Losing a part is better than losing yourself.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 3: Matthew 5:21-30

6a) Jesus said you can kill someone with your mind and heart, and not just physically. Hate can be just as strong as murder. If you hate your brother, you are a murderer and John says that no murderer has eternal life in him.

b ) To be reconciled with others before bringing gifts to God and to forgive others.

c ) I really don’t hate anyone right now. But I don’t have a lot of friends.

7a) Jesus said you commit adultery in your heart if you look at someone else with lust.

b ) Basically, stay out of situations that will cause you to lust or be angry with others.

c ) Sex and sexual innuendos are everywhere in society. It can be hard to escape them. Philippians 4:8 tells us to think about other things, such as whatever is pure, noble, true, right, lovely, and admirable. This is what Jesus says. Don’t look at things or do things that can cause you to sin in your heart.

8 ) 1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us that we can overcome our temptations and that God always provides a way out and 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 tells us to take our thoughts captive. Basically, we are in charge of what we think, and staying out of sinful situations keeps us safe and helps us to not sin.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 3: Matthew 5:21-30

Living is hard, but with God, it’s bearable. God provides us ways out of sin and helps us every step of the way. All we have to do is take his hand.

Try this book for encouragement:

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 3: Matthew 5:21-30

Things aren’t necessarily true because they are old; look at how long people believed the earth to be flat. Jesus is saying that here.

The Law is a heart matter, too.

Anger at others is a normal, human reaction. The anger Jesus is speaking of is the anger that causes thoughts of revenge and unforgiveness.

“Raca” is a ephithet for someone who is of low intelligence. Today, you’d call soemone dumb or an idiot.

Jesus says being reconciled to others is more important that religious duties. We are to be at peace with others Romans 12:18

Settle your anger or you will be a slave to it. Ephesians 4:26-27

The penalty is not money here. It’s suffering for eternity.

Jesus is saying committing adultery is a sin, but so is adultery of the heart. However, the act is much worse than the thought.

This concept is anything that we covet. You choose to linger on corrupt thoughts. Banish them for good.

Pluck Out Your Eye and Cut Off Your Hand

Plucking your eye out and cutting off your hand is not meant to be literal here. We are supposed to change the part of us that tends to sin. Wishful thinking won’t get us there.

Contact me today!

 

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

jesus fulfilled old testament law www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 2: Matthew 5:17-20

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 5:17-20

Jesus is still on the mountain, preaching. He says that he has come to fulfill the Law of the Prophets, not to abolish it. The Law will remain until God’s plan is accomplished. Those who preach and follow these commands will be called great in heaven; those who break the command will be called least. Only those righteous will enter the kingdom of heaven.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 2: Matthew 5:17-20

3a) The Old Testament is still relevant, and its laws need to be followed.

b) Jesus echoes my belief. I’ve never disregarded the Old Testament. As long as you keep in mind that Jesus is greater, you’re good.

4a) Hebrews 4:15 tells us that Jesus was tempted as we are but remained perfect. Jesus’ example is to stay true to God’s word

b) Jesus’s death and sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate sacrifice to cleanse us from our sins. In the Old Testament times, God’s people sacrificied animals for their cleansing blood. Here, Jesus finished it once and for all.

c) Jesus preached how he fulfilled all of the prophecies in the Old Testament — how his life, death, and resurrection were all God’s work.

5) The Pharisees and the teachers of the law believed they were better than others when they upheld the law. It was not a heart change for them. To be right with God, you must follow His will and ways whole-heartedly, and not just go through the motions.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 2: Matthew 5:17-20

Although the Bible does not record Jesus’s every word, we can probably imagine that these 4 verses were repeated a lot. Jesus coming to be the Messiah and fulfill the Law was the crux of what God’s people needed to believe. One of Jesus’s goals was to proving this to the people. One can imagine that the people asked Jesus how he fulfilled the law repeatedly. Great summary here of what Jesus probably repeated a lot.

One of my favorite songs and what God wants from us.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 2: Matthew 5:17-20

Jesus did not oppose God’s law, but instead came to fulfill it. The phrase “the Law and the Prophets” was used repeatedly in the Old Testament as a way to refer to God’s law.  (Matthew 7:12, 11:13, 22:40; Luke 16:16; John 1:45; Acts 13:15, 28:23; Romans 3:21); (Luke 24:44); or (Matthew 5:18; John 10:34, 12:34, 15:25; 1 Corinthians 14:21).

“For assuredly” or “I tell you the truth” are signature phrases of Jesus that no other prophet used. It means “truly” or “amen.”

Jesus came to fulfill the law, not contradict it. He did so perfectly. He completed the law and never contradicted it.

The words and the letters of these words are important (other translations use “jot” and “little”, which are marks in the Hebrew language). Everything God says is important.

The Old Testament shows us we cannot please God without Jesus. We are to obey the commands of the Old Testament, but not in a legalistic mindset like the Pharisees had. Righteousness is only through Christ Galatians 2:21: For if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.

The law teaches us God’s heart; Jesus shows us and gives us God’s heart.

The Pharisees took everything to the extreme, even tithing herbs (Matthew 23:23). Paul is a good example of the rigidity of the Pharisees before his conversion. Acts 23:6, 26:5; Philippians 3:5.  Philippians 3:6-9: explains the righteousness of Christ versus the Pharisees. Righteousness is from faith in Christ.

Fun Fact: There are 613 stipulations in God’s law.

Contact me today!

BSF Matthew Lesson 5 Additional Bible Resources

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

Hey all!

Thought I’d find some good reads and more for you this week!

 

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

picture of rhino www.atozmomm.com bsf matthew study

Friday Digest BSF Matthew Lesson 5

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN MATTHEW 5

  • Through God’s power, we can be like Jesus
  • We receive strength and hope in Christ
  • Seek God’s way instead of your own
  • Often trials and failure teaches us the Beatitudes’ qualities
  • Be what God made you to be
  • The greatness of Christ lives in us
  • Use your circumstances to bring beauty to the world.

Take Away: God works within us and through us to create His will.

Contact me today!

picture of salt field www.atozmomm.com bsf matthew lesson 5 day 5

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 5: Matthew 5:13-16

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 5:13-16:

Jesus calls believers the salt of the earth, but we must maintain our salt or we will be lost.

Jesus calls believers the light of the world, and like a city on the hill, your light cannot be hidden. Let your light shine as a testament to God so that others may come to know him.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 5: Matthew 5:13-16

15a) Salt in the ancient world was mainly used for preserving food since refrigeration did not exist, and it was used to make food taste good. Salt is a necessity to the human body and its functions. It is essential for nerves and muscle function, as well as the regulation of fluids within our bodies. You will see animals lick salt because they need it, too. Salt also heals wounds. Its chemical composition, sodium chloride, forces liquid (and the bacteria in the liquid) out of the body, speeding healing. It has many uses outside of this. Great salt history HERE and HERE

b) There are many thoughts from Bible scholars about being the salt of the earth. Some think we are to preserve the world from evil, to enhance the flavor of the world, or to stop the decay in the world — to stop sin’s power to destroy our lives. Great reads HERE and HERE

16a) At its core, light illuminates. We cannot see anything without light. It opens our minds to what is there.

b) Christians are to illuminate or make visible Christ. Our good works are to shine for all to see. We are to be the light, the TRUTH, in a dark world. In Philippians 2:15, the apostle Paul says, “Believers, you are to shine as light in the world.” To be a beacon to bring others to the light.

17) We cannot bring God’s word to others and banish evil without living out God’s word. Our lives bring others to Christ, not our words. By being humble and showing mercy, as well as seeking God to be better every day, we will bring others to Christ.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 5: Matthew 5:13-16

I love this! I love the analogies, and I love the history! The best thing you and I can do for others is to be Christ-like. We flavor the earth with our actions and our words, we heal the earth, and we shine God’s truth everywhere we go.

Here’s a cool salt and light bible devotional I found!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 5: Matthew 5:13-16

Salt is precious, it preserves, and it adds flavor to the world. Christians do the same. Do not lose your saltiness, or you become useless to others. Salt also heals. Your actions and words can heal a broken soul.

Jesus is the ultimate light of the world (John 8:12 and John 9:5). We are now responsible for preventing decay and shining biblical truth in the world. This also means we are to get out in the world in order to shine.

Our light should be visible to others, like a city in the distance. We are to shine brightly for Jesus. The lampstand is intentionally placed there, as should our light be intentionally shined. Our good works will shine bright and bring others to Jesus. Let others see God in you.

Contact me today!

 

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 4: Matthew 5:9-12

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 5:9-12

Blessed are the peacemakers who will be called the sons of God. The persecuted will have the kingdom of heaven. You are blessed when you are insulted. Your reward in heaven will be great. The prophets were persecuted, too.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 4: Matthew 5:9-12

12a) The one in your family who just wants everyone to get along. They are the facilitators of communication and advocates for relationships to be mended.

b) 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 tells us that since we have been reconciled to God through Christ that we can reconcile others to God and reconcile situations and people around us.

13a) People persecute us because we have God and Jesus and know where we are going. They are jealous by nature and therefore want us to be brought down. Those who do good are always targeted by man’s evil nature.

b) I wish I could say a forgiving heart, but it’s often negatively in the beginning. However, I end up praying for them and not letting me bother me because I do know where I’m going.

14) Unsure. Mostly it’s hardships of knowing what to do with my life at this moment and what path to take for him. Since I work from home, I have very little interaction with the outside world.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 4: Matthew 5:9-12

Spoken to first century Jews, these verses are hard for us to understand. Some may be facing persecution because of their faith, but most of us are not facing persecution by death. Our persecutions are small in comparison. However, when they do occur, know the kingdom of heaven awaits.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 4: Matthew 5:9-12

You can be a literal peacemaker in your family, or you can bring peace to others through helping them reconcile to God and accept Jesus as Savior.

Some will be persecuted because of their faith and righteousness. Other translations say to be joyful in persecution. Many Christians who were martyred were joyful, being on the cusp of meeting God. In our lives, it’s good to be joyful knowing we will meet God soon.

The world does not value the character traits in the Beatitudes. No matter. You live your truth; the rest will be damned.

Contact me today!

meek merciful the beatitudes www.atozmomm.com bsf lesson 5 day 5 baby bird

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 3: Matthew 5:5-8

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 5:5-8

Blessed are the meek who will inherit the earth. Those who search for righteousness will be blessed. The merciful will be shown mercy. Those pure in heart will see God.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 3: Matthew 5:5-8

7 ) I think of someone cowering in the corner, afraid and too timid to speak their minds. The definition of meek is “quiet, gentle, and easily imposed on; submissive.” In the Bible, meekness is when someone is willing to accept and submit to the will of someone else, which is God. Moses was described as meek in Numbers 12. Meekness is when you put everything in God’s hands. Great explanation HERE

Jesus calls himself meek in the King James version in Matthew 11:29, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

Jesus meant those who rely on God will inherit the earth.

8a ) To always be seeking to be right with God, to lead a life without sin, to be like Jesus.

b) Psalm 19:7-11, we saw that God’s law and the way he wants us to live is good and perfect. We can trust in them, and when we do, we’ll have a great reward. We should seek God and have our hope in him. The way God wants us to live is good, for our good, and without sin.

9) When you give mercy, mercy shall be returned. This holds true for all things in life. When you give, you receive back.

10) Psalm 24:4-5 tells us that those who are pure will receive blessings from God. Wanting to have God at the center of your life allows you to see him. You can see God in nature, in others, in your kids, in your dog’s devotion to you, and more.

11) The more you know him, the more you see him everywhere in every aspect of your life. As you study God’s word and strive to know him, you seek to be like Jesus and to please God. You will become like him and embody the character traits that God desires in you.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 3: Matthew 5:5-8

I love the Biblical meekness and how it is perceived today. There’s nothing wrong with being meek in God’s eyes; in fact, it’s how we’re supposed to be. If Moses and Jesus were meek, shouldn’t we be, too?

If you love knowing the original meaning of Biblical words like I do, try this Greek study bible today!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 3: Matthew 5:5-8

The Greek meaning of “meek” gives the idea of having strength while having control. Meekness is to put others before you, and do their will over yours. Submit to God and be humble. God watches out for the meek and promises those who give up themselves will inherit his kingdom. This is why we are meek.

Hunger here means you can never be satisfied. You should always be hungering for Christ. In Jesus’s day, people regularly went days without food. Hunger used here was much more impactful than it is to us in the modern world. Jesus will fill our hunger as we hunger to be righteous and sanctified.

The definition of mercy is “compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm.” God is merciful to us to show us how broken we are so that we can seek him. Otherwise, why would we? Since Christians have received the greatest mercy of all (Jesus), we are to show mercy to others — to anyone who is broken, suffering, mourning, and those lost in their own sin.

Think God showed mercy to David who showed mercy to Saul. Think in your life who you need to show mercy to.

“Pure in heart” denotes the idea of being singular in your devotion to God. An inner, moral purity. The reward is to see God. If you’re not motivated to be devoted to God in order to see him, then what are you motivated for in your spiritual journey?

There is a place in Israel where it is believed that Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. It’s called the Mount of Beatitudes.

Contact me today!

 

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

the beatitudes mourning www.atozmomm.com bsf matthew lesson 5 day 2

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 2: Skim Matthew 5:1-12 and Focus on Matthew 5:1-4

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 5:1-12: The Beatitudes

Jesus teaches that the poor are blessed as they have the kingdom of heaven. Those who mourn will be comforted. The meek will inherit the earth. Those who search for righteousness will be blessed. The merciful will be shown mercy.

Those pure in heart will see God. The peacemakers will be called the sons of God. The persecuted will have the kingdom of heaven. You are blessed when you are insulted. Your reward in heaven will be great. The prophets were persecuted, too.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 2: Skim Matthew 5:1-12 and Focus on Matthew 5:1-4

3) To be blessed is when God endows/gives someone something that is usually cherished, such as blessed with finances, free will, etc. Jesus lists a bunch of people who are blessed who, at the time, would not normally be considered blessed. He expands being blessed to the destitute. The ultimate blessing is, of course, to know God and be a Christian. Nothing else really matters.

4) Psalm 51:17 tells us in the Message Version: “I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered.
Heart-shattered lives ready for love don’t for a moment escape God’s notice.”

In Isaiah 66:2, God says he has made and esteems those who is humble, contrite in spirit, and humble at his word. The definition of contrite is one who expresses remorse or penitence, one who feels bad for what they did. In sum, God esteems those who respond to him.

When you are down and out, you are blessed. When you are struggling, you are blessed. When you question God due to your life’s circumstances, you are blessed. All because you have God.

5a) Mourning is when you are sad over a loss. For most of us, we mourn when we’ve lost a loved one, lost a furry friend, lost a lifestyle or job, lost a home, lost a marriage, or anything else you’ve cherished and is now gone. You mourn what once was and is no more. I mourn all of these things.

b ) Sin makes all of us sad. Jesus who quotes Isaiah 61:1-2 in Luke 4:18-19 has come to comfort those who mourn, who feel guilt over sin, to free sinners from their sin.

Romans 7:22-24 is interesting. You want to do good, but because sin is always present in our lives, it’s a struggle. Mourning when you do sin shows you desire to do good. Christ rescues us from sin.

James 4:8-10 says to draw near to Christ and resist sin. He will lift us up even in our grief, mourning, and wailing.

You are sad when you do wrong, but with Christ, you have hope that you will do (and be) better.

6 ) Having to depend on God is a blessed. I’ve lost much and had much in my life. Every time I fail, it brings me closer to him. You sin, your mourn, you learn. That’s the life of a Christian.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 2: Skim Matthew 5:1-12 and Focus on Matthew 5:1-4

Admittedly, it’s been a long time since I’ve read the Beatitudes, so I’m excited to do so now! Great beginning to lesson 5 as we are reminded that grief is a part of life, but there is hope in Christ.

I am reminded of this song. Enjoy!

Try some great scripture music today!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 2: Skim Matthew 5:1-12 and Focus on Matthew 5:1-4

Bible scholars believe that Jesus went up on a mountain because the crowds that followed him had grown so big. What a beautiful picture. Luke records Jesus as speaking this at a different time, too, in Luke 6. This makes sense; most pastors preach the same message multiple times to different groups and for repetition, too, for learning.

Teachers sat in ancient times  (Luke 4:20; Matthew 13:2; 23:2; 24:3) while students stood.

map of sermon on the mount where Jesus gave beatitudes

This Sermon on the Mount is Jesus teaching us how to live. Many say this is the summation of Christianity in these short verses. The disciples are listening, too. It’s super important they understand this since they will be carrying on without him.

The Beatitudes (or The Blessings) are attitudes of being — what we hope to achieve as Christians and what we strive for every day.

The word blessed means “happy” in the ancient Greek. This word is also applied to God himself 1 Timothy 1:11.

On the day of Judgment, the blessed, or happy, will come. Matthew 25:34

Spurgeon notes: “You have not failed to notice that the last word of the Old Testament is ‘curse,’ and it is suggestive that the opening sermon of our Lord’s ministry commences with the word ‘Blessed.’”

The poor in spirit are those who recognize their sin and are in need of Christ. It is the first Beatitude because it’s where we all start. When you are poor in spirit, you are able to receive the kingdom of heaven. You have to be poor in spirit before you can mourn.

When you are poor in spirit, you mourn and will be comforted. The Greek word used here for “mourning” is the strongest form of grief. You mourn over sin that then produces repentance 2 Corinthians 7:10. Jesus both mourned and grieved (Isaiah 53:3).  It’s a part of human life.

Contact me today!

 

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.