Sermon on the Mount. The Beatitudes Continued.

Matthew 5:9-12

The Peacemakers:

We will begin to show attributes like God the father himself once we have reached this point in the progression of the Sermon on the Mount.  Not only will be peacemakers, but we will be a people able to usher the unknowing to the person of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.

Rom. 12:18:  “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” Pr. 17:9: “He who covers a transgression seeks love.”  1 Pet 4:8:  “Above all keep loving one another earnestly since love covers a multitude of sins.”

Called Sons of God:

Our son-ship begins here on earth.  We begin to receive the blessings and responsibilities of familial ties once we accept our true place under Jesus.

Persecuted for Righteousness:

Following Christ, and being shaped into one who looks and acts like him does not mean ease and comfort.  Instead we are promised troubles, tribulation, and persecution.  In the midst of a broken world, righteousness is not celebrated.  It is looked upon as awkward, and ultimately when pushed too far is subject to hatred. 

2 Timothy 3:12: “Indeed all who desire to live a godly life in Christ will be persecuted…” Persecution is not something to be sought, but when we find ourselves under it we should consider it blessed.  Do any of us have examples of this we can share?

1 Pet. 4:12-19:   Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing as though some strange thing were happening to you. But to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing,; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evildoers, or troublesome meddler. But if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God. For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right. 

Rev. 2:10-11:  Do not fear what you are about to suffer.  Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days.  Be faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life. He, who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death. 

Heb. 12:4:  You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; and you have forgotten the exhortation, which is addressed to you as sons. My sons do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by Him; For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, and He scourges every son whom He receives.

Is. 51:7-8: Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, A people in whose heart is My law; Do not fear the reproach of man, Neither be dismayed at their reviling. For the moth will eat them like a garment and the grub will eat them like wool. But My righteousness shall be forever and My salvation to all generations.

Theirs in the Kingdom of Heaven:

Again, the promise of things to come.  Although I have no specific idea of what that will look like, it is an exciting thing to know the maker of it all, and the only one able to comfort has a plan that includes the faithful who stay abiding in the vine. 

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

1 Pet 3:15:  “…always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is within you, yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.  For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.”