To Be Blessed - Buck Parsons (editor of Tabletalk magazine, copastor of Saint Andrew's chapel in Sanford, FL) - The idea of blessing by God has lost its meaning. Americans have treated "God Bless America" as a presumptuous declaration that God will bless us no matter what. God blesses according to His covenant with us. Only those in covenant relationship with Him are blessed, and as blessed ones we will strive to pursue the characteristics Jesus speaks of in the Beatitudes -- and as we demonstrate them in the world, we will be persecuted -- and if the Beatitudes are true of us, we are blessed.
Loving God with Our Minds - R C Sproul (1939-2017 - former chairman of Ligonier ministries) - The human mind is incredible in its thinking, but it is still impacted by sin. People can still be brilliant, but those most brilliant, if they deny God, will actually go further away from God in their reasoning. Unbelievers seek the benefits of knowing God, but do not seek knowing God. Only the Holy Spirit can change our disposition to Know God. But the Christian, once changed, remains fallen and affected by this fallen nature and so lives life seeking to love God more with our minds; a renewed mind (Rom. 12:1-2). This love of God must begin in the mind, for increasing emotion, entertainment, and excitement will not increase our love for God. So we seek to understand Him more by reading scripture so our minds will love Him more. And in turn our praise and worship of Him intensifies. Begin with the mind.
To Be Blessed - Brandon D. Crowe (Associate professor of NT at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia) - This article reminds us that we need to consider the context of Scripture as well as who we are as saved people before jumping into the beatitudes.
As we read about “blessing” in the Beatitudes or Sermon on the Mount, because the use of that word has changed today or is thrown around, “blessing” may get lost in translation. This Sermon seeks to guide Christians to righteousness in practice. It must be read within the context of the entire Bible.
As is mentioned in Psalm 1 which is the same word as the Beatitudes for blessing, the blessed one is the one who meditates on the law of God, knows it and does it. And then also in Deuteronomy, a book written to God's covenant people instructing them in covenantal obedience, are the words that as a people saved by the Lord, they are a Happy and Blessed people and are to live according to God's law. Thus the Beatitudes are given from an Old Testament emphasis on redemption and in the context of Matthew’s gospel in which Jesus will save His people from their sins (Matt 1:21). Redemption precedes living according to these Beatitudes.
These blessings will reflect Jesus and how He lived.
Indicative precedes Imperative Dynamic in Scripture. Indicative is “God’s great work of salvation to save His people.” Imperative is “the call to obedience in light of God’s saving work.” Exodus followed by 10 commandments; God’s kingdom precedes the Law.
The Beatitudes- the blessings of those who are redeemed are called to live then in like manner.
Blessed are the Poor in Spirit - Rev. D Blair Smith (associate professor at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte) - We must first enter God's blessing empty so that we can be filled. Poor is not necessarily here poverty but needing God for everything physical and spiritual. Self must die if we are going to be filled with Christ. With a debt of sin and bankrupt before God, only He can wipe out our debt so we cry out to Him. Self-reliance, self-sufficiency, self-confidence misses often the blessing of God's presence. We never outgrow this first beatitude. "God, be merciful to me, a sinner" "Humble yourself" "Be poor in spirit."
Blessed are Those who Mourn - Matt Smethurst (a managing editor of The Gospel Coalition) - A person can be poor in spirit and not mourn their sin, so blessed are those who recognize they have offended God by their deed. There is no fear in being exposed because God gives blessing (comfort) to those who repent. And Jesus does not just mourn over all people's sin, He conquers it. The comfort Jesus provides fulfills Isaiah's words in which God's suffering servant would bring comfort to God's exiled people (Isaiah 61:1-2).
Blessed are the Meek - Rev. Ken Jones (pastor Glendale Missionary Baptist Church in Miami) - The Beatitudes are prophetic declarations of what God bestows on those whom He receives into His Kingdom. The ones who will gain the earth by inheritance are the meek Meekness is humility and submission to God. In contrast, the goal of fallen humanity is to make a name for ourselves through accumulation, accomplishment, or through expanding our borders. Commit your way to the Lord and trust in Him (Ps. 37:5). Meekness is a virtue possessed by Christ in His humanity (Matt. 11:29), which means that it is part of His active righteousness that is credited to us for our justification. But on the other hand, meekness is a fruit of the Spirit that the Spirit causes us to manifest in our sanctification, as Galatians 5:23 tells us.
Blessed are those who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness - Dan Doriani (professor, vp, & dean of faculty at Covenant Theological Seminary in St Louis) - Reviewing the Beatitudes - 1. Poor in Spirit - we need and depend on God; 2. Those who mourn - know we are sinners and how we have sinned; 3. We the gentle/meek - not exalting self. And so we 4. Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness. (My thought: In these 4 beatitudes is the gospel - I am lost and in need of God for I am a sinner and so I look to Him. He makes me righteous.)
Righteousness is our #1 need.
This righteousness is 1. Legal - received through atoning work of Christ [justification] and 2. Personal - put aside our acts of sin; give to oppressors, love enemies [be like Jesus] > yearn for God to rule our lives >> thirst for God’s word >> thirst for God’s people. 3. Social - Seek God’s cleansing of Society and where we live.
Blessed are the Merciful - Gary Steward (asst professor history at Colorado Christian University) - Matthew 5:7 records - Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Mercy is not natural to our nature. Often we are self-absorbed and hardened toward others. But God's saving mercy towards us gives birth to a transformed people who will be kind to others in their suffering. "Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful" (Luke 6:36). God Himself is "rich in mercy" (Eph 2:4). The mercies of God references are throughout scripture. By experiencing God's mercy it demands that we show mercy in return. "Those who are characteristically unmerciful demonstrate that they have not received the mercy that comes from Christ in the gospel." Thus, we have the promise in this beatitude that those who are merciful will receive mercy. What a powerful promise.
Blessed are the Pure in Heart - Michael Allen (associate professor at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, FL) - A call to purity, social mores, behavior. Here, like the other beatitudes, is a gift or promise - the "pure in heart" are those who "shall see God." (1) Seeing God is a gift of the gospel. David prayed for this one thing - "to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord (Ps. 27:4)." Dwelling with God attests to this when old things have passed away and a divine desire to yearn for God (Rev. 21:3); loudly we "Behold" the very presence of God. And Jesus makes God visible (John 1:18; 2 Cor 4:6). (2) God is our hope as God reshapes behavioral purity. "All the fulness of God" (Eph. 3:19) is found in Him as God is the end of the gospel. Thus "pure in heart" ae only satisfied by the sight of God. Overall, this article focuses more on the result of being pure, seeing God, than defining purity.
Blessed are the Peacemakers - Dirk Naves (chief creative office at Ligonier Ministries) - Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. This is one that engages conflict to resolve it, seeking justice, harmony, repentance, and reconciliation. Like Christ, we labor toward God and man, applying the gospel in (1) evangelism and (2) conflict resolution. We approach this from a place of peace with God and having been reconciled with God and seek others to share in this. We seek this peace with and for others. Grace brought about peace in our lives so grace must also be at the heart of our mission as we engage with others. It is hard, but the blessing is the distinction of being sons or children of God. Like Christ, peacemaking can be lonely and result in suffering as Jesus was led to the cross. But this is not the end, for the crown of life awaits.
Blessed are Those who are Persecuted for Righteousness Sake - Michael J. Glodo (associate professor of biblical studies at Reformed Theological Seminary) - We begin beatitudes with God focused attitudes - die to self, mourn our sin, commit to the Lord instead of committing to make a name for yourself, yearn for His righteousness, seeking the things of God. Then shift to manward concerns - be kind to others, be God centered - pure, and seek peace with others. The persecution or suffering talked about here occurs when I am persecuted for doing the will of God, our Master. And receiving the kingdom of God is receiving his righteous way and rule, not necessarily what man values. Of note is persecution means we are living a godly life (2 Timothy 2:12) versus just thinking the world must think good of us (Luke 6:26). Bonhoeffer warns against exchanging discipleship for citizenship. Am I really seeking to gain only God's righteousness or am I too interested in man's acceptance of me? Being like Christ is sharing the things of Christ and Christ suffered and how he was rejected and reviled.
Blessed are The Reviled - Rev. Donny Friederichsen (pastor of Covenant Presbyterian church in Short Hills, NJ) - Being reviled for my faith or taking a stand for it is a difficult part of life, but it is also a reason for great rejoicing. Previously, all the other beatitudes addressed traits to have, but this one shifts and says, "Blessed are you..." It is the longest statement of any of the beatitudes. We will be assaulted for our beliefs. We must. Be not of this world (John 15:18-19)and share in the sufferings of Christ. Share with others before me (Matthew 5:12) and be a part of the best group of believers focused on future glory (2 Corinthians 4:17), realizing that future rewards await that will far outweigh this suffering now (Matthew 7:11).
Growth by Degrees - Jason Helopoulos (associate pastor of Reformed Church in East Lansing, Michigan) - In Christ, we grow by degrees. Don't get discouraged if you think you are not progressing. The Master Architect and Great Builder has a plan and He knows what He is doing, but you can't always see evidence of it today. Growth in Christ happens by degrees, small alterations. Keep reading the Bible, praying, walking humbly, persevering, taking the sacraments. You are being changed.
The Christian and Sin - Jeffrey K. Jue (provost/executive VP at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia) - As Christians, we are both justified righteous and a sinner. How does the Christian deal with the continuing presence of sin? Constantly remind ourselves who we are in Christ and what Christ has done for us. Be part of a church that preaches the gospel. Take seriously holy communion. We need the belt of truth, the breast place of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (Eph 6:10-20). The Holy Spirit will help us.
Use Your Words Wisely - Melissa B. Kruger (women's mnistry coordinator at Uptown Church in Charlotte, NC) - Proverbs 12:18 - There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. -- 4 Ways to build up one another. 1. Encourage one another - praise people, provide thank you notes; let your thoughts move to action (Heb. 10:24); 2. Exhort one another in love. 2 Timothy 4:2 - reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. At times, these words may cause pain our discomfort; 3. Give thanks in song (Eph 5:18-20) - Join with one another in corporate praise; 4. Words used to pray faithfully for one another (James 5:16) - we help one another as we cry out to God on another's behalf.
The Joy of Church Membership - Jonathan Leeman (editorial director of 9marks) - Most of this article is witnessing one man coming alongside another and hearing that one pour his life out and seeing how God walks us through challenges of life. It immediately made me yearn for this, but also thinking of my friendship with Scott G and Bobby and Scott D and Fred and Lance at times and coming alongside these men and thinking about what God is doing in our lives. These guys have been my church. There is great joy in these relationships. We are body parts of one another, and unity in Christ, giving each other gifts (Luke 11:11-13). I am doing this with people online as well, encouraging them, walking with them. I need to remember this and remember the church He has given me that looks different from an actual local body, but serves the same purpose.
Seeking Forgiveness - Erik Raymond (Lead pastor at Emmaus Bible Church in Omaha, Nebraska) - During the sermon of the mount, Jesus offers a curious teaching on forgiveness in Matthew 5:23-24. To the one that has offended another in their covenant community, Jesus says we are to go, urgently, and reconcile. Jesus prizes reconciliation in the Church and so states we must reconcile prior to offering sacrifices. Whether it is bible reading, gathering together, taking the sacraments, serving one another, or evangelism, this reconciling takes priority. Finding this true reconciliation is key, like Ephesians 4:26 mentions between a husband and wife. Forgiveness is precious and delightful. Yet, the reality is that it is uncomfortable to humble ourselves. Yet, at the cross, Jesus came to reconcile us with the Father (Colossians 1:21-22), though He had done nothing wrong and we had done everything wrong.
A Detail-Oriented Church - Kevin Struyk (Associate pastor at Saint Andrews's Church in Sanford, Florida) Likening his time growing up in a family with a father who is an entrepreneur and keenly focused each day on going the extra mile and being detail oriented in being courteous to others and serving others, the church to reach a community with the gospel must be detail oriented in their (1) preaching teaching whereby the teach explains the test, how to apply it, and then gets out of the way so the Lord can speak; salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone must be preached, (2) day-to-day ministering to the flock; people need to be noticed, caring for each other's needs by the church members who are being equipped to minister by a teacher and (3) outreach to the local community; know the needs of your community, who is meeting those needs, and how people can use their gifts to meet those needs.
How Will We Live Now - R. Albert Mohler Jr (President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky) - 1976 and Al Mohler turned 17 and was given a copy of Francis Shaeffer's book How Should We Then Live? The Rise and Decline of Western Thought and Culture. He saw a new worldview taking shape with the threat of personal affluence and personal peace. He criticized the church's legacy of racism. Will Christians now believe and live authentic biblical Christianity?
Entering Adulthood - J. Derek Halvorson (President of Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Georgia) - The college years are times when young people grapple with philosophical questions and what kind of person they want to be. Yet, many also leave the church during this time. Young people must feel they are a part of the church body. Rugged individualism is anti-Christ. Nothing can replace the church, not even attending a Christian college. So, invest in the lives of young people before they leave for college. Be empathetic toward them, pray for them, and invite them into our lives. God ordains growth and joy for your life through the church.
Excerpts from
TABLETALK | JUNE 2017 | VOL. 41 | NO.6
Ligonier Ministries
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