THE BEATITUDES

THEY SHALL BE CALLED THE CHILDREN OF GOD-MATTHEW 5:9

Art Davison THE BEATITUDES 0 Comment
THEY SHALL BE CALLED THE CHILDREN OF GOD
MATTHEW 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”

Introduction:

We are not God’s children by nature, but rather by adoption. Our nature is contrary to that of the Lord and therefore strangers. Paul says in Ephesians 2:12, “That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world.” He tells in Romans 8:15 that we have received the “Spirit of adoption,” “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.”

Now there are some things about being His children by adoption that we should consider.

I. THE RIGHTS AND ROYALTIES OF BEING CHILDREN BY ADOPTION

A. We have the right to a new name, Revelation 2:17, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.”

1. Before, a slave, now a child of God, Romans 8:16, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:” Galatians 3:26, “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.”

2. Before, a sinner, now a saint, Ephesians 2:19, “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;”

B. We are heirs and joint heirs with Christ, Romans 8:17, “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”

1. Heirs by God’s promise, Galatians 3:29, “And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

2. We are “heirs according to the hope of eternal life,” Titus 3:7, “That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”

II. OUR ADOPTION INTO GOD’S FAMILY

A. Man adopts to supply a defect, because he has no children of his own, but God does not adopt for this reason.

B. God has a beloved Son, Matthew 3:16-17, “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

1. Jesus is just like His Father, Hebrews 1:3, “Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;”

2. He is worth more than the angels of heaven, Hebrews 1:4, “Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.”

C. When man adopts, he adopts but one heir while God adopts many, Hebrews 2:10, “For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.”

1. The estate of a man may be small and therefore suitable for only one heir.

2. The Lord has enough for all of His sons, John 14:2, “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”

D. Man adopts with relative ease, but God adopts at great expense.

1. To make us creatures cost but speaking a word, Genesis 1:26-27, “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 27So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”

2. To make us sons cost the spilling of blood, Matthew 26:28, “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” John 19:34, “But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.”

E. Man adopts and settles earthly privileges upon the heir, but God give heavenly privileges to His heirs:

1. Justification, Romans 3:24, “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:”

2. Glorification, Romans 8:30, “Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”

3. God is our God, Hebrews 8:10, “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:”

CONCLUSION

God paid a high price to redeem us and make us his children. His only begotten Son spilled His own blood to save us from our sins. We will all enjoy the blessing that His sacrifice made possible. The least we can do is to love Him enough to follow His Word and serve Him with humility.

PRIVILEGES OF GOD’S CHILDREN-MATTHEW 5:9

Art Davison THE BEATITUDES 0 Comment
PRIVILEGES OF GOD’S CHILDREN
MATTHEW  5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”

Introduction:
There are some glorious privileges given to God’s children. These are things enjoyed only by those who have trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour.
These things are reflected in His love for His children; in His patience regarding their weaknesses; in His protection of His children in this life. We see them in His revelations to His children regarding the truth of His Word; in the freedom His children enjoy in Christ; in His blessing and how He works all things for their good; and in His eternal protection of their souls.
I. GOD’S LOVE AND AFFECTION TOWARD US
A. As God’s children He has tender love toward us, Psalm 103:13, “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.”
1. “Pitieth” means “mercy,” which is a manifestation of God love, Jeremiah 31:20, “Is Ephraim my dear son? is he a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the LORD.”
2. God shows a difference toward His children, Revelation 3:19, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.”
a. God afflicts with the same with which He adopts.
b. Affection is argument for sonship, Hebrews 12:7, “If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?”
B. God manifests His love for us in the things we endure.
1. God had one Son without sin, but He has no sons without stripes, Psalm 89:31, “Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes. 33Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail.”
2. God admonishes to walk with care in the world, Ephesians 5:15-16, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
a. Not as fools {godless, immoral}, Proverbs 1:7, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
b. But as wise {walk circumspectly, i.e., perfectly; to look with care}, Ephesians 5:17-18, “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 18And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;”
3. The trial of your faith is much more precious than of gold, 1 Peter 1:7, “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:”
a. Afflictions are refining, Proverbs 17:3, “The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.” “Fiery trials make golden Christians.” —Thomas Watson.
b. Afflictions are purifying, Daniel 12:10, “Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.”
4. The eyes that sin shuts, affliction opens, 2 Chronicles 33:112-13, “And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, 13And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God.”
II. GOD PATIENTLY BEARS WITH OUR MANY FLESHLY WEAKNESSES
A. A father bears with a child that he loves, Malachi 3:17, “And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.”
B. God’s love does not make Him blind. He sees sin in his people, but not with the eye of revenge, but rather love, 1 Corinthians 13:4a, “Charity suffereth long, and is kind.”
C. He sees His children as a physician does a disease in his patient, Luke 5:31-32, “And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. 32I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
III. GOD ACCEPTS OUR IMPERFECT SERVICE
A. He accepts those who will willingly lose their life for Him, Luke 9:24, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.”
1. Preserving our lives, Luke 17:33, “Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.”
2. Regardless of the difficulties, Acts 20:23-24, “Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. 24But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”
B. He accepts those who have a willing heart for His work, Exodus 35:5, “Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD;”
1. Whose heart stirs him up, Exodus 35:21, “And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the LORD’S offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments.”
2. “According as he purposeth in his heart,” 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful [ joyous ] giver.”
IV. GOD PROTECTS AND PROVIDES FOR US IN THIS LIFE
A. We are NOT to worry about our needs, Matthew 6:31-32, “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.”
1. Following God’s directions, Leviticus 25:3-7, 18-22.
a. The Directions, vs. 3-7
b. The Promise, “ye shall dwell in the land in safety.” vs. 18-22
2. Trusting in the Lord, Psalm 37:3-5, “Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. 4Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. 5Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.”
a. Trust, Hebrews 6:10-11, “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:”
b. Delight, Psalm 34:4-5, “Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God. 5Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.”
c. Commit (Roll thy way upon), Proverbs 16:3, “Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.”
B. His PROVISION to meet those needs, Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
1. The first priority, 1 Kings 17:13, “And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.”
2. God will take care during all of our years, Genesis 48:15, “And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day.”
3. Fear not, Luke 12:32, “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
V. GOD REVEALS TO US THE GREAT THINGS OF HIS WORD
A. These things have been HID from the “WISE,” Matthew 11:25, “At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.”
1. Because… Matthew 13:11, “He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.”
2. For this people’s heart… Matthew 13:15, “For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.”
3. Hear ye therefore… Matthew 13:17, “For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.”
B. As a loving Father, He TEACHES us, Psalm 143:10, “Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.”
1. He teaches us to PROFIT, Isaiah 48:17, “Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.”
2. He teaches us TO SEE what is veiled to the eyes of others as in the case of the young man with Elisha who saw the horses and chariots of fire, 2 Kings 6:17, “And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.”
VI. GOD GIVE US FREEDOM IN CHRIST
A. Freedom to approach the throne of grace in prayer with boldness, Hebrews 4:16, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
1. By the blood of Jesus, Hebrews 10:19, “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus.”
2. With confidence, Ephesians 3:12, “In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.”
B. Freedom from “law of sin and death,” Romans 8:2, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.”
1. Grace reigns through righteousness, Romans 5:21, “That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.”
2. Having been made free from sin, we are become servants of righteousness, Romans 6:18, 22, “Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness, 22But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.”
C. Freedom of the fear of men, Hebrews 13:6, “So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”
1. Boldness based in trust, Genesis 15:1, “After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.”
2. The Lord is on our side, Psalm 118:6, “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?”
3. Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the hands of men, Daniel 3:16, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. 17If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.”
D. Freedom and boldness to speak of the mystery of the gospel of Christ, Ephesians 6:19-20, “And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”
VI. GOD GIVE US GREAT BLESSINGS AND DOES THINGS FOR OUR GOOD
A. Good things work for good to God’s children.
1. David was overcome with God’s mercy, 2 Samuel 7:18, “Then went king David in, and sat before the LORD, and he said, Who am I, O Lord GOD? and what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?”
2. The mercies of God make His children more fruitful, Psalm 89:1, “I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.”
3. The Word of God works for good to God’s children, Proverbs 30:5, “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.”
a. It is the staff of life, Luke 4:4, “And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.”
b. Blessed are those WHO KEEP His Word, Luke 11:28, “But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.”
B. Evil things work for good to God’s children, Psalm 112:4, “Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.”
1. God has chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith, James 2:5, “Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?”
2. God strengthens the inward man day by day, 2 Corinthians 4:16, “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.”
3. God’s heroes of faith were made strong out of weakness, Hebrews 11:32-34, “And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: 33Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.”
CONCLUSION
The great privileges of God’s children have been many. However, the greatest of all is the privilege to serve the One who died in my place. Even though our service is hindered by our sin nature, God still accepts it when given out of a will heart. God help us to be willing to honor and glorify Him with our lives.

BLESSED ARE THEY WHICH ARE PERSECUTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS’ SAKE–MATTHEW 5:10-12

Art Davison THE BEATITUDES 0 Comment
“BLESSED ARE THEY WHICH ARE PERSECUTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS’ SAKE”
MATTHEW 5:10-12
Introduction:

What is meant by “persecution?” The Greek word “to persecute,” signifies “to vex and molest,” sometimes “to arraign” (legal term), or “to pursue to the death.” Ezekiel describes a persecutor as a “pricking briar,” or a “grieving thorn.” Ezekiel 28:24, “And there shall be no more a pricking brier unto the house of Israel, nor any grieving thorn of all that are round about them, that despised them; and they shall know that I am the Lord GOD.”

A faithful believer in Christ can expect persecution. In fact, it will be a part of his life. Although life is full of roses in regard to the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it is full of thorns in regard to persecution.

The Jews persecuted Jesus for doing the will of the Father and we can expect no less, John 5:16, “And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.” Jesus said in John 15:20, “Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.”

I. CONSIDER THE VARIOUS KINDS OF PERSECUTION

A. Persecution of the hand, Acts 7:52, “Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:”

1. Paul was “accounted as sheep for the slaughter,” Romans 8:36, “As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”

2. Paul gained strength from the things he suffered, 2 Corinthians 12:10, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”

B. The Persecution of the Tongue.

1. Reproach; some do not take this as persecution:

a. Cruel mockings, Hebrews 11:36, “And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:”

b. False accusations, Psalm 35:11,“False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not.”

2. Slander: Paul was accused of preaching evil doctrine, Romans 3:8, “And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.”

II. THE PERSECUTION OF THE LORD’S MINISTERS

Remember who the Lord was talking to here in Matthew 5:1-2, “And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: 2And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,”

A. The Lord warns his disciples, Matthew 5:11-12, “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”

1. The prophets are an example, James 5:10, “Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.”

2. As soon as Paul entered the ministry the Lord told him what he was to suffer:

a. Great things, Acts 9:16, “For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.”

b. Bonds and afflictions, Acts 20:23, “Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.”

3. Paul was prepared for his suffering, 2 Timothy 4:6, “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.”

B. The reasons why persecution has mainly fallen on the ministers of God:

1. They have their difficulties as others do, and lest they be lifted up “through the abundance of revelation,” God lets loose some “messenger of Satan” to vex and persecute them, 2 Corinthians 12:7, “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.”

2. The minister is the ensign-bearer of the Lord’s colors, Philippians 1:16-17, “The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: 17But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.”

a. Being at the battle front, they are shot at the most, Philippians 1:15-17, “Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: 16The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: 17But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.”

b. Paul pictures the ministers of Christ as soldiers, 2 Timothy 2:3-4, “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.”

3. The malice of Satan is cast upon the ministers of God for he comes to destroy Satan’s kingdom, but the minister is prepared, 2 Corinthians 10:4, “(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)”

a. “It shows what a work the ministry is; though full of dignity, yet full of danger. The persecution of the tongue is the most gentle persecution can be expected. It is not possible (says Luther) to be a faithful preacher and not to meet with trials and oppositions.” —Thomas Watson

b. It shows the corruption of man’s nature since the Fall.

1) Men will not endure to have their King, Sin, to be crucified by the preacher.

2) If the fury of the world is against the minister, than you that fear God need to pray much for God’s preachers, 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2, “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: 2And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.”

III. THE PERSECUTION THAT MAKES ONE BLESSED

A. Suffering persecution that DOES NOT make us blessed.

1. When we put a “cross” on ourselves. “When men through precipitancy and rashness run themselves into trouble, it is a cross of their own making and not of God’s laying upon them.” —Thomas Watson.

2. When we suffer for our own offences, 1 Peter 4:15, “But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.”

3. When we suffer out of sinister respects such as leading a faction in the name of the Lord, 1 Corinthians 13:3b, “and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” There have been groups that have espoused a cause that they called “Christian,” but has not real basis in the Word of God. Some of these have even suffered death supposing themselves to be martyrs.

B. Suffering persecution that WILL make us blessed.

1. When we suffer for a good cause, Matthew 5:10, “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

a. Paul, “for the hope of Israel,” Acts 28:20, “For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.”

b. For the preaching of the Gospel, Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

2. When we suffer with a good conscience, Acts 23:1, “And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.”

3. When we have a good call and good ends to our suffering, Matthew 10:18, “And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.”

a. To establish and seal the truth, John 8:32, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

b. To show our love for Christ, 2 Corinthians 2:8-9, “Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him. 9For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.”

4. When you suffer as Christians:

a. Suffer with patience, James 5:10, “Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.”

b. Suffer with courage, Daniel 3:18, “But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.”

c. Suffer with cheerfulness, Acts 5:41, “And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.”

d. Suffer and pray, Luke 6:28, “Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.”

1) Our prayers may be a means to convert the persecutors, Acts 7:60, “And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”

2) Paul was definitely influenced by Steven’s prayer.

IV. LESSONS TO BE LEARNED FROM PERSECUTION

A. It shows that the true nature of Christianity is holiness joined with suffering, 2 Timothy 3:12, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”

1. Persecution is the legacy left by Christ to His people, John 16:33, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

2. Our Lord calls persecution “the cross,” Matthew 16:24, “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”

3. We will reign with our Lord, but suffering will come first, 2 Timothy 2:12, “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:”

4. You can rejoice “inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings,” 1 Peter 4:12-13, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”

B. These persecutions are neither signs of anger God’s nor fruits of the curse of sin, but rather, they are proofs of our blessedness, Matthew 5:11, “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.”

CONCLUSION

Suffering for righteousness sake is to bring glory to our Lord Jesus Christ. It is our privilege to suffer for the One who suffered for us on the tree of Calvary.

Paul summed it up in Philippians 1:29, “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;”

Peter says that we will have “exceeding joy” having suffered for Christ, when Jesus comes again, 1 Peter 4:13, “But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”

BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS-MATTHEW 5:9

Art Davison THE BEATITUDES 0 Comment
BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS
MATTHEW 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
Introduction:

The Scriptures link two of the Beatitudes together, pureness of heart and peaceableness of heart, James 3:17, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” Paul tells us in Hebrews 12:14, “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:”

Here in this passage the Lord joins the two together, pure in heart and peacemakers, as if there could be no purity where there is not a study of peace.

I. PROMOTERS OF PEACE MUST BE LOVERS OF PEACE

A. Christians must be “peaceable-minded.”

1. Peaceableness of spirit is a jewel of great price, 1 Peter 3:4, “But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.”

2. Believers are said to be Christ’s sheep, who are peaceable creatures, John 10:27, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:”

3. They are Christ’s doves, therefore they must be without impudence (rudeness), Song of Solomon, 2:14, “O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely.”

B. There is a four-fold peace that we must consider:

1. The peace of the house, peace in families, Ephesians 4:3, “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

2. The peace of the House of God, the Church, 1 Corinthians 1:10, “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” One bad member endangers the whole congregation, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.”

3. There is political peace, peace in the city and country.

a. Peace is the best blessing of a nation, Psalm 147:14, “He maketh peace in thy borders, and filleth thee with the finest of the wheat.”

b. The godly man “enters into peace” when he dies, Isaiah 57:1-2, “The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come. 2He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.” But while he lives peace must enter into him.

II. GOD’S PEOPLE ARE CALLED UNTO PEACE

A. God’s people are commanded to seek peace, Psalm 34:14, “Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.”

B. It is a change that the Grace of God has made in the Believer.

1. The briar has changed into the myrtle tree, Isaiah 55:13, “Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.”

2. The lion-like fierceness has turned into a lamb-like gentleness, Isaiah 11:6-9, “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. 7And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. 8And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den. 9They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.”

III. PEACEABLENESS IS THE CHARACTER OF THE SAINT

A. He should be of a peaceable disposition, Romans 12:18, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”

1. A peaceable spirit is honorable, Proverbs 20:3a, “It is an honour for a man to cease from strife:”

2. A peaceable spirit is highly prudential, James 3:17, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”

3. A peaceable spirit brings peace with it, Proverbs 11:17, “The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.”

B. Christ shed His blood for peace, Colossians 1:20, “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.”

C. Take heed to inward hindrances to peace.

1. Self-love, 2 Timothy 3:2, “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,” Philippians 2:21, “For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.”

2. Pride, Proverbs 28:25, “He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.”

3. Envy, 1 Timothy 6:4, “He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,” Proverbs 27:4, “Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?”

4. Credulity, Proverbs 14:15, “The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.”

BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART-MATTHEW 5:8

Art Davison THE BEATITUDES 0 Comment
BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART
MATTHEW 5:8
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”
Introduction:
The Apostle John wrote, “No man hath seen God at any time.” (John 1:18a). The promise here in Matthew 5:8 is that those who are “pure in heart,..shall see God.” Habakkuk 1:13 declares of God, “Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity:” What many people have forgotten is that God is a holy God and no one will see or inter into His presence who have not been cleansed from their sin.
Here the Lord continues the spiritual and theological education of the Disciples to enable them to do the work of the Lord after He returns to be with the Father in Heaven.
I. THE NATURE OF THE PURE HEART
A. Holiness (purity) is the glory of the Godhead, Exodus 15:11, “Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?”
B. Purity is required in order to stand in God’s presence, Psalms 24:3-4, “Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
1. Civility is not purity. “A man may be clothed with moral virtues – justice, prudence, temperance – YET GO TO HELL.” —Thomas Watson.
2. Profession is not purity, Revelation 3:1, “And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.”
3. Purity consist of two things:
a. Rectitude of mind, i.e., holiness in judgment, Psalm 119:30, “I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.” Compare Proverbs 1:29-30, “For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: 30They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.”
b. Conformity of will, i. e., an embracing of holiness in the affections, Psalm 119:97, 165, “O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day. 165Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Compare Romans 12:2, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
II. REASONS FOR A PURE HEART
A. It is CALLED FOR in the Scriptures, 1 Peter 1:16, “Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” Leviticus 11:44a, “For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy:” See also Leviticus 19:2; 20:7.
B. Because of our FILTHY and CURSED CONDITION:
1. Filthy, James 1:21, “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”
a. The plague of man’s heart, 1 Kings 8:38, “What prayer and supplication soever be made by any man, or by all thy people Israel, which shall know every man the plague of his own heart, and spread forth his hands toward this house:”
b. He is blemished by sin, Deuteronomy 32:5, “They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot of his children: they are a perverse and crooked generation.”
c. We are as an unclean thing, Isaiah 30:22, “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.”
2. Man is cursed outside of Christ, 2 Peter 2:14, “Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:”
a. Children of disobedience, Ephesians 2:2, “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:”
b. By nature the children of wrath, Ephesians 2:3, “Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.”
C. Purity is the END PRODUCT of our redemption:
1. Christ redeemed us from our iniquity, 1 Peter 1:18-19, “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:”
2. Christ redeemed us from the wrath of God, 1 Thessalonians 1:10, “And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.”
3. Christ has justified us through His redemption, Romans 3:24, “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:”
4. A pure heart is the END PRODUCT, 1 Timothy 1:5, “Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:”
D. Purity is the END of our ELECTION.
1. He has chosen us that we might be holy, Ephesians 1:4, “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:”
2. Not for holiness, but TO holiness, Romans 8:29, “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”
3. God predestinates us to Christ’s image, which consists “in righteousness and true holiness,” Ephesians 4:24, “And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
III. SIGNS OF AN IMPURE HEART
A. An Ignorant Heart is an Impure Heart, Acts 26:18, “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”
B. Grace cannot reign where ignorance reigns.
1. There is no love for God, Psalm 9:10, “And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.”
2. Ignorance will not allow man to worship God correctly, John 4:22, “Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.”
3. Ignorance leads to sin, Ephesians 4:18-19, “Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.”
4. Ignorance is the mother of pride, Revelation 3:17, “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:”
5. It is the cause of error, 2 Timothy 3:7, “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
IV. SIGNS OF A PURE HEART
A. A Sincere heart is a pure heart, Psalm 32:2, “Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.”
1. A sincere heart serves God with the whole heart.
a. His praise is with the whole heart, Psalm 9:1, “I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.”
b. He seeks the Lord with a whole heart, Psalm 119:2-3, “Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. 3They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.”
2. The sincere Christian is willing to come under trial, Psalm 139:23, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:”
B. A Sincere heart does not go against his conscience.
1. He is bold in suffering, Proverbs 28:1, “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.” Compare Deuteronomy 28:7, “The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.”
2. But he is fearful of sin: Joseph speaks to the wife of his master in Egypt, Genesis 39:9, “There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”
C. The sincere heart is a suspicious heart.
1. The hypocrite suspects others and has good thoughts of himself.
2. The sincere Christian has charitable thoughts of others and suspects himself. This comes from a pure heart knowing that the Old Man still lives within him.
V. THE MEANS TO BE USED TO OBTAIN A PURE HEART.
A. Look to the Word of God regularly.
1. It cleanses, John 15:3, “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.”
2. It sanctifies, John 17:17, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”
B. Go to the bath of God.
1. The bath of tears, Luke 7:38, “And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.”
2. The bath of Christ’s blood. It is “a fountain opened… for sin and uncleanness,” Zechariah 13:1, “In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.”
C. Get faith. It is the soul-cleansing grace of God, Acts 15:9, “And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.”
VI. THE PROMISE OF THE BLESSED PRIVILEDGE OF SEEING GOD FOR THOSE OF A PURE HEART.
Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”
A. Our sight of God shall be TRANSPARENT SIGHT.
1. Here we see “through a glass darkly,” 1 Corinthians 13:12, “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”
2. There “we shall see Him as He is,” 1 John 3:2, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”
B. Our sight of God shall be TRANSCENDENT SIGHT.
1. If His TRANSFIGURATION was glorious, imagine what His INAUGURATION will be like, Matthew 17:2, “And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.”
2. There we shall SEE the KING in all His GLORY, Isaiah 33:17, “Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off.”
C. Our sight of God shall be a TRANSFORMING SIGHT.
1. We shall be changed, 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”
2. We shall be like him, 1 John 3:2, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”
D. Our sight of God will be a JOYFUL SIGHT.
1. We shall see His face, Acts 2:28, “Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.”
2. If our faith brings “unspeakable joy,” 1 Peter 1:8, “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:”
3. Imagine what our sight of Him will bring, EVERLASTING JOY, John 16:22, “And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.”
CONCLUSION
“Nothing can have a greater force and efficacy upon the heart to make it pure than faith. Faith will remove mountains, the mountains of pride, lust and envy. Faith and the love of sin are inconsistent.” —Thomas Watson
Nothing will be light the sight of our Lord Jesus Christ on that day. Our rejoicing will be like nothing we have ever experienced before even though we have experienced “joy unspeakable” by faith.