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Introducing our next set of Bible studies…

I’ve been led to start our next series of Bible studies on the lessons Jesus taught in Matthew
chapters 5 – 7… These are called His ‘Sermon on the Mount’.

What better part of the Bible to study than the very teachings of Christ (God the Son)?

Since we have just celebrated ‘Thanksgiving’, I was thinking… How can we be thankful in the
middle of struggles and when hurting?

Jesu knew that those who would choose to follow Him would not always have it easy.
— During this Sermon Jesus explained His challenge to be strong in Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter by the narrow
gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.
(14)  For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

— The Narrow way leads to life,

— The more attractive, self-centered way leads to destruction.

 

So today we will discuss some ways we can deal with life’s struggles, and come through it
still praising and thanking God…

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Today we’ll discuss ways to deal with life’s struggles, and come through it thanking God.

— We start at the beginning of the teaching of Jesus on the mountain in…

Matthew 5:1-16 (Using the ESV Bible here.) Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when
he sat down, his disciples came to him. (2) And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
(3) “Blessed 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 satisfied. (7) “Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall receive 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. (11) “Blessed are you when others revile you and
persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. (12) Rejoice and be glad, for
your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Verses 1-12 are commonly termed ‘The Beatitudes’. – (Or, ‘The blessings’.)

(Vs.3) “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
— For clarity, (GNB)  “Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor; the Kingdom of heaven
belongs to them!

Q1. How does knowing that we are spiritually needy, bring God’s blessings?

Comments:_______________________________________________________________

(Vs.4) “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Q2. Where do we find God’s blessing in the midst of mourning the loss of a loved one?

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(Vs.5) “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Q3(a). (I must admit I’ve struggled with this one.) How can the meek inherit the earth?
Q3(b). (And which ‘earth’?) Do we really want THIS earth?

– The meek spoken of here, are those who quietly submit themselves to God, to his word
and to his correction. (This ‘meekness’ is not a trembling weakness, but a true strength.)

Comments:_______________________________________________________________
– Inherit which earth?  (Read Psalm 37:10-11 In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; though
you look carefully at his place, he will not be there. (11) But the meek shall inherit the land and delight
themselves in abundant peace.)

(Vs.6) “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Q4. What form of ‘righteousness’ is Jesus blessing here? (Read Romans 3:21-22 But now the righteousness
of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it (22)
the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe…)
– (It is crucial to understand exactly what we are to believe.)

Comments:__________________________________________________________________

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(Vs.7) “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Q5. What does this say to us about being able to receive God’s mercy?

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(Vs.8) “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Q6. Why is a pure heart required to see God, to actually come into His presence?

– (Read Psalm 5:4-5  For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you. (5) The
boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers.)

Comments:_________________________________________________________________

(Vs.9) “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Q7. Of what peace would Jesus be talking about here? – (Check the ones you agree with.)
…Peace with the enemies of God?  …Peace with God seekers?  …Peace within God’s family?

– This is speaking of a heart that desires peace. The peace-makers are those who have a peaceable
disposition: that is to have a strong desire for peace. (Read Psalm 120:6-7 Too long have I had my dwelling
among those who hate peace. (7) I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war!)

(Vs.10) “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the
kingdom of heaven.

Q8. Do you find a call here to evaluate which ‘kingdom’ you are seeking after?

– The Bible consistently differentiates between: Worldly kingdoms; and God’s Kingdom.

Notes: _____________________________________________________________________

(Vs.11-12) “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of
evil against you falsely on my account. (12) Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in
heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Q9. How can we be thankful for the ‘blessings’, that come when the world turns against us with abuse and ridicule?

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In Verses 13-16 Jesus explains what He expects from these hard-won blessing in us.

(13) “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer
good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. (14) “You are the light of the world.
A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. (15) Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand,
and it gives light to all in the house. (16) In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see
your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

— It isn’t just about us, it’s about showing a better way to those around us, being thankful brings
glory to God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit… Not being thankful dims our LIGHT.

(With that we will move on to a time of fellowship and prayer… KRK)