Sunday, August 9, 2009
-
the beatitudes...
:
3"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
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. " Matt 5:3-10
My cell group is starting on this study of the Beatitudes, and since i wrote down notes for it i thot i might as well type it out.
Blessed = "true happiness" (in its original language)
the first one (poor in spirit) talks about them being mindful of their need for God cos when one is full (lets say from his dinner) he cannot stuff in any more food. Minful that without God we are nothing and have an unquenchable thirst of the word. Similarly, when one is full of the spirit, the person in unable to take in more stuff. Yup haha.
The second one (mourn);
mourn = godly sorrow (judas), not sadness from the pressures of the world. Cori, the richest part of the roman empire, faces problems like divisions in their church. Sorrow that elads to see ho sinful we are, and in wonder how great God's grace and mercy is godly sorrow. (2 Cor 7:10-11) It encompassses a dependence on God. Being Proudd could also be the opposite, (thinking that you are full). It could be caused by being angry with others. "When I am weak, then I am strong." Says Paul. So practical steps?
1) Thank God everyday
2) Humility with a response (Sorrow > Humility)
Third one (meek):
Meek is not weak.
Matt 11:29 "29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
Practical step?
" 1Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
3At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior," Titus 3:1-6
Jesus is meek, but not weak. (eg overthrowing the tables in the temple)
Controlling one's temper. ("Slow to anger, patience at heart")
Meek = Self-controlled.
Opposite what society thinks that one needs to succeed.
Meek?
- Quiet cconfidence (no need to prove anything to nayone)
- Not a characteristic that you are born with, but it is an attitude to things that everyone must work on
aaron chua thanked jesus at1:31 AM
