Sermons

These blessings are sometimes called articles of weal, which were very common in the old testament. Given the background of evil in the world, God still blesses. One who is poor in spirit does not have a poor self-image, or is introverted or downcast. He acknowledges that he cannot do important things in his own strength; he is willing to let God live in him and use him in mighty ways. God says that apart from Him, you can do nothing of spiritual importance. We must submit to Him so that He may use us to His glory. As we read in Jeremiah 17, "...the heart is deceitful," therefore we trust in Him. It is safe to say that no one can be a Christian without being poor in spirit and humble before God. The world follows other spirits and finds no answers. God says that with Him, we can bear much fruit. By mourning, do we mean grief over the death of a loved one, or loss of a friendship or a job? Since these beatitudes build on each other, it means those who recognize that they are poor in spirit. We can cause grief for each other or for God. We must not make excuses about what we have done to cause others grief. Atonement is a blessing. We must not be satisfied with mere attrition (changing simply because we are afraid of punishment or sorry that we were caught). We must pursue contrition, or true repentance. Judas and Esau pursued attrition; Paul practiced contrition. Contrition leads to comfort and cleansing. It increases our sensitivity toward others and God. Joy is part of the comfort of contrition. Meekness is not weakness; it is a humble and gentle attitude toward others. Vengeance belongs to God. Moses learned meekness in Midian. Jesus practiced meekness over 40 years of training before beginning His ministry. The meek will be united in the Kingdom of God; it is like the first beatitude. All will be united in all people.