Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. The Beatitudes

a) They were to be comprehended

b) They were to be cultivated

c) They were to become characteristic

2. The Blessings

a) As each Beatitude is practised

b) The promise of God’s blessing would be confirmed

3. There is a wonderful balance to be noted

a) Man’s part

b) God’s part in blessing

3Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:3-10

4. An extra word of encouragement

11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.

12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 5:11-12

a) The 8th Beatitude notes that there may be some suffering

b) Some words were added by the Lord Jesus to encourage the sufferers

c) Persecution:

i) Reviling

ii) Persecuting

iii) Blaspheming (saying all kinds of evil against you falsely)

d) Encouragement to rejoice and to be exceedingly glad

i) This is identification with the suffering of the prophets of old

ii) This is a privilege to be thus identified with the Biblical heroes

THE CHALLENGE TO THE DISCIPLES

13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavour, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:13-16

1. Salt of the earth Matthew 5:13

a) It has very clear and distinctive functions

b) It must not lose its distinctive flavour

c) If it does, it becomes useless

2. Light of the world Matthew 5:14

a) The imagery of a lamp in a house

b) It must be put on the lampstand

c) It must shine and give light

3. Application of being the light of the world

a) The good works we do symbolise the light we bear

b) People will glorify God in heaven because they see these good works

4. A city on the hill

a) It cannot be hidden

b) The city must fulfil its function:

i) It protects the inhabitants

ii) It provides for all in the city

CONCLUSION

1. Three significant symbols were carefully chosen

a) Salt, Light, City

b) Be challenged to rise up to the challenge

2. The Practice of the Beatitudes

a) They will help us fulfil what the Lord desires from His disciples

b) The Apostles of the Lord proved that we can fulfil the Lord’s word