大美女老丁

The Eight Supreme Blessings (Part 3)

Matthew 5:9-16 (NIV)

 9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. 10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 13"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Introduction: For the past two weeks, we have listened to sermons about the attitudes of blessed people. Today, let us listen to the last part about the attitudes of blessed people.

7.    Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

      1)    We must have dialogue to have peace.

                    ①    A family must have dialogue to have peace.

                    ②    Neighbors must have dialogue to have peace.

                    ③    Have dialogue with people who misunderstand and hate each other.

                    ④    Dialogue with the enemy can bring peace.

             Jesus came as humankind to have dialogue with people (Heb 1:1-2).

      2)    We should not criticize and judge others, so we can have

              peace (Mt 7:1-5; 1Pe 4:8).

              The law of Mount Sinai and the forgiveness of Mount Calvary.

      3)    We must make a concession to others to have peace (Mt 5:38-42; 1Jn 2:2).

              Jesus gave His life for sinners. The son of God lives with God.

8.Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the     kingdom of heaven.

      1) “Righteousness” means serving Jesus and living according to

           His will (2Co 5:21).

      2) The blessings of righteousness (Mt 5:11).

                    ①    Receive recognition from God (Ro 1:17).

                    ②    Receive God’s love (Ps 91:14).

                    ③    Receive the comfort of the Holy Spirit (2Th 2:16).

                    ④    Receive the confirmation of heavenly citizenship (Php 3:20).

      3) An attitude during persecution—be glad and rejoice (Ac 16:25-26).

          Paul and Silas in prison in Philippi .

9.    Christians who are the salt and the light.

      1)Salt is used for seasoning food.

                    ①    A person, like salt, who makes life rich in flavor.

                    ②    Salt prevents decay—pickled fish preserved with salt at old

                            Korean traditional market (Mt 5:13).

      2)Christians who are the light.

                    ①Life as a beacon with the Gospel of Christ—the way and the

                       truth (Mt 5:16).

                    ②The light of a life that illuminates despair and

                       darkness ( Col 1:13; 1Jn 1:5).

                    ③The light that shines on the other side of death (1Pe 2:9; Rev 22:5).

Conclusion: People whom the Lord referred to as blessed will have true eternal blessings in their lives. Let us live a life with overflowing blessings on this earth until we go to our eternal heaven.