Archives for January 2022

Good morning,

This week we will learn more from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 6 speaks of the hypocrisy of Israel’s religious leaders in giving, prayer, and fasting. Then Jesus teaches us about investing in the future. Finally, Jesus reminds us that He will meet all our needs.

Jesus’ teaching on prayer (5-15)

⁵ And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.⁶ But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.⁷ But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.⁸ Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.⁹ After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.¹⁰ Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.¹¹ Give us this day our daily bread.¹² And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.¹³ And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.¹⁴ For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: ¹⁵ But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

“Some of the same principles apply when you pray. Don’t do it so others will see and praise you. Jesus called those who prayed in public hypocrites. In Jesus’ day, the men wore prayer shawls when they prayed. Some men wore them all the time. Jesus says if they boast like that, they have their reward. They may get other’s praise, but their own prayers aren’t answered. Their fancy words never get above the rafters.

Look closely at Jesus’ sermon and you’ll see something revolutionary. He uses the term “Father.” (See John 1:12 to learn how to be a child of God.) In the Old Testament, people never called God, “Father.” No one had a personal relationship with God like a son and a father. Jesus describes a brand-new relationship people can have with God.

The mark of genuine prayer is sincerity. You go in and close the door; it’s between you and the Lord. Then simplicity: You don’t need to keep repeating. Just get right down to the point. Tell the Lord what’s on your mind. Ask Him for help. He hears you. In fact, before you even ask, He already knows what you need, but we’re to ask Him anyway.

Then Jesus gives us a sample of how to pray. It’s called “the Lord’s prayer.” Now this is not our Lord’s own prayer, you can read that in John 17. His relationship to God is different from ours. We can call Him “Father” when we come to Him through faith in Christ; Jesus called Him “Father” because of His place in the Godhead. Jesus carefully used the terms “My Father” and “your Father,” never “our Father.” Also, Luke records, “Forgive us our sins”. (Luke 11:4). The Lord Jesus had no sins to confess. He was the sinless One (John 8:46). So strictly speaking, this example Jesus gives us should be called, “The Disciples’ Prayer,” and it is a wonderful model prayer.

• Jesus instructs us to pray so God’s kingdom can come.

• He tells us to be dependent on God for our daily needs.

• He prompts us to ask forgiveness for our sins.

• He guides us in asking for help when we’re tempted to sin; “Don’t leave us in the testing.” This is a marvelous prayer for us to learn how to pray. We can begin with these words until we learn to pray with our own words.” (Through the Bible, Matthew Bible Companion, pgs. 36-37)

Jesus’ teaching on fasting (16-18)

¹⁶ Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.¹⁷ But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; ¹⁸ That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

“Some of the same principles we’ve learned about giving and praying now apply to fasting. If you’re going to fast, don’t tell anybody about it, but do it on your own. There’s value in fasting when you do it between you and God.” (Through the Bible, Matthew Bible Companion, pgs. 36-37)

Jesus instructs us to give, pray, and fast. Not to be seen by men, but to be in fellowship with God. When we obey God’s commands, we honor Him. When we honor Him, we draw closer to Him. When we draw closer to Him, we become more like Him. When we become more like him, we are blessed!

Seeking God’s blessing? Obey, honor, draw closer to and become more like Jesus.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we will learn more from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 6 speaks of the hypocrisy of Israel’s religious leaders in giving, prayer, and fasting. Then Jesus teaches us about investing in the future. Finally, Jesus reminds us that He will meet all our needs.

Jesus’ teaching of almsgiving (1-4)

Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.² Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.³ But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:⁴ That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

“Your giving is between you and God, and you should not give in order to be noticed by people. The minute you get a third party involved, then you don’t get any credit for it at all. The Lord describes a scene in a crowded synagogue where a hypocrite drops his gift to the poor in the offering and then blows a trumpet to announce their gift. “They have their reward,” Jesus said (6:2). They were after the applause of men, and they got it. Their generosity wasn’t between them and God and is worth nothing before God. Instead, Jesus said, do your giving in secret. The Father sees it and will reward openly.” (Through the Bible, Matthew Bible Companion, pgs. 36-37)

Another term for alms or almsgiving is charitable works. If our motive is to be seen by man, we lose our reward from God. Our motive should always be to glorify God.

Is that our goal? This week try to be a blessing to others. Without them knowing. It will be a double blessing. The person will receive a blessing and we will receive God’s blessing.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Having laid the foundation of the message in the summary statement of the Beatitudes, Jesus now proceeds to show the superiority of His message to that of the law of Moses. He makes it clear that He had not…come to destroy the law. That is, the New Testament gospel is not contradictory to the Old Testament law; rather it is the ultimate fulfillment of the spiritual intention of the law. Where the law had degenerated into legalism among the Pharisees, Jesus now takes the law beyond mere outward observance to the inner spiritual intention of God.

This week we will look at the contrast between the outward behavior demanded by the law and the inner attitude of the heart desired by God. The law versus the Spirit.

Retaliation No retaliation vs forgiveness (38-39)

³⁸ Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: ³⁹ But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. ⁴⁰ And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.⁴¹ And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.⁴² Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

“The principle of retaliation is common in both Hebrew and other Near Eastern law codes. The judicial penalty of eye for an eye, and tooth for a tooth is stated Exodus 21:24 as a means of ending feuds. However, Jesus is clearly saying this method is not is not a license for vengeance. The Savior’s point is that we should resist not evil. Evil is seen here, not as a state, but rather as the action of the evil ones or the malicious ones. It represents the evil and sinful element in man which provokes him to an evil act. Jesus shows how the believer should respond to personal injury.”

Love for enemies Hatred for your enemy vs Love for your enemy (40-48)

⁴³ Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy.⁴⁴ But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;⁴⁵ That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.⁴⁶ For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? ⁴⁷ And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? ⁴⁸ Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

“The law of love, sometimes called law of Christ, “summarizes the ethical principle of the Sermon on the Mount. “Love thy neighbor” summarizes the second table of the law (Leviticus 19:18-34). But the unscriptural addition “hate thine enemy” was a popular concept in Jesus day. The admonition Love your enemies is one of the greatest statements Jesus ever made. The love enjoined in this passage is love that originates from God Himself. Man is not commanded to attempt to love his enemy on the basis of mere human affection but rather on the basis of love that comes from God. The quality of love commanded here is expressed by giving. Bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that persecute you. Loving an enemy involves doing good toward that enemy in order to win them over to Christ.” (Excerpts from the Liberty Study Bible, 1988, pages 1417-1420)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Having laid the foundation of the message in the summary statement of the Beatitudes, Jesus now proceeds to show the superiority of His message to that of the law of Moses. He makes it clear that He had not…come to destroy the law. That is, the New Testament gospel is not contradictory to the Old Testament law; rather it is the ultimate fulfillment of the spiritual intention of the law. Where the law had degenerated into legalism among the Pharisees, Jesus now takes the law beyond mere outward observance to the inner spiritual intention of God.

This week we will look at the contrast between the outward behavior demanded by the law and the inner attitude of the heart desired by God. The law versus the Spirit.

On divorce Divorce vs Commitment (31-32)

³¹ It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:³² But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

“It has been said is again a reference to the Old Testament commandment of the Mosaic regulation (Deut. 24:1) The normal custom of the ancient Near East was for a man to verbally divorce his wife. In contrast, the ancient law of Israel insisted on a writing of divorcement or a certificate of divorce. This written statement gave legal protection to both the wife and the husband. Jesus explains elsewhere (cf. Matt. 19:8) that Moses’ concession was not intended to be taken as license. The only exception given by Christ is for the cause of fornication, meaning sexual unfaithfulness. These statements make clear that adultery or fornication is a legitimate grounds for divorce. The responsibility of divorce is clearly laid upon the one seeking the divorce.”

On oaths Oath-taking vs Speak the truth (33-37)

³³ Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: ³⁴ But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne:³⁵ Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.³⁶ Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.³⁷ But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

“The basis of the Old Testament swearing, or oath-taking, is found in Exodus 20:7; Leviticus 19:12; and Deuteronomy 23:21. To forswear means to swear falsely or to perjure oneself. Oaths taken in the name of the Lord were looked upon as binding, and perjury of such oaths was strongly condemned by the law. By the time of Christ, the Jews had developed an elaborate system of oath-taking, which often formed the basis of actual lying. In other words, there were stages of truth and thus also falsehood within the system of taking oaths. All such oath-taking, Jesus announced, was unnecessary if one was in the habit of telling the truth. Thus His command was swear not at all. The disciple is to speak the truth in such a way that his “yes” means yes and his “no” means no.” (Excerpts from the Liberty Study Bible, 1988, page 1419)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Having laid the foundation of the message in the summary statement of the Beatitudes, Jesus now proceeds to show the superiority of His message to that of the law of Moses. He makes it clear that He had not…come to destroy the law. That is, the New Testament gospel is not contradictory to the Old Testament law; rather it is the ultimate fulfillment of the spiritual intention of the law. Where the law had degenerated into legalism among the Pharisees, Jesus now takes the law beyond mere outward observance to the inner spiritual intention of God.

This week we will look at the contrast between the outward behavior demanded by the law and the inner attitude of the heart desired by God. The law versus the Spirit.

Christ on the Law (17-20)

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.¹⁸ For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.¹⁹ Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.²⁰ For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus and anger Murder vs No anger (21-26)

²¹ Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:²² But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.²³ Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;²⁴ Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.²⁵ Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.²⁶ Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

Jesus’ teaching on adultery Adultery vs No lust (27-30)

²⁷ Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: ²⁸ But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. ²⁹ And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.³⁰ And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

On divorce Divorce vs Commitment (31-32)

³¹ It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:³² But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

On oaths Oath-taking vs Speak the truth (33-37)

³³ Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: ³⁴ But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne:³⁵ Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.³⁶ Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.³⁷ But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

Retaliation No retaliation vs forgiveness (38-42)

³⁸ Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: ³⁹ But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.⁴⁰ And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.⁴¹ And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.⁴² Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

Love for enemies Hatred for your enemy vs Love for your enemy (43-48)

⁴³ Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy.⁴⁴ But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;⁴⁵ That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.⁴⁶ For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? ⁴⁷ And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? ⁴⁸ Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Excerpts from the Liberty Study Bible, 1988, pages 1417-1420

Good morning,

Having laid the foundation of the message in the summary statement of the Beatitudes, Jesus now proceeds to show the superiority of His message to that of the law of Moses. He makes it clear that He had not…come to destroy the law. That is, the New Testament gospel is not contradictory to the Old Testament law; rather it is the ultimate fulfillment of the spiritual intention of the law. Where the law had degenerated into legalism among the Pharisees, Jesus now takes the law beyond mere outward observance to the inner spiritual intention of God.

This week we will look at the contrast between the outward behavior demanded by the law and the inner attitude of the heart desired by God. The law versus the Spirit.

Jesus and anger Murder vs No anger (21-26)

²¹ Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:²² But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.²³ Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;²⁴ Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.²⁵ Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.²⁶ Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

“The reference to killing is clearly understood in its context in both the Old and New Testaments as referring to an act of murder. Jesus goes beyond this outward demand of the law by stating that whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause is in just as great danger of judgement as a murderer, for anger is the emotion and inner intention that leads to murder.”

Jesus’ teaching on adultery Adultery vs No lust (27-30)

²⁷ Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: ²⁸ But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. ²⁹ And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.³⁰ And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

“Thou shalt not commit adultery was the demand of the Old Testament law (Ex. 20:14) Jesus goes beyond this outward command to reveal that its act is the result of an inner attitude of lust. Whosoever looketh characterizes the man whose glance is not checked by holy restraint and results in an impure lusting for woman. The act would follow if the opportunity were to occur. By taking His listener beyond the outward statement of the law to its real intention, Jesus was trying to get the listener’s attention off the physical and onto the spiritual.” (Excerpts from the Liberty Study Bible, 1988, pages 1417-1420)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Having laid the foundation of the message in the summary statement of the Beatitudes, Jesus now proceeds to show the superiority of His message to that of the law of Moses. He makes it clear that He had not…come to destroy the law. That is, the New Testament gospel is not contradictory to the Old Testament law; rather it is the ultimate fulfillment of the spiritual intention of the law. Where the law had degenerated into legalism among the Pharisees, Jesus now takes the law beyond mere outward observance to the inner spiritual intention of God.

This week we will look at the contrast between the outward behavior demanded by the law and the inner attitude of the heart desired by God. The law versus the Spirit.

Christ on the Law (17-20)

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.¹⁸ For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.¹⁹ Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.²⁰ For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

“Verily I say is a unique form used by Jesus throughout His preaching to draw attention to the authority of His message. Verily means “truly” or “certainly”. It is used as a designation of authoritative teaching. One jot or one tittle refers to the most minute letter and marks of the Hebrew alphabet. He explained that even the smallest statement in the law must be fulfilled.”

“Because of the seriousness of the law, Jesus emphasizes the importance of keeping even the smallest details. However, in the ultimate plan of God, the law was not to become an extra burden on the souls of men. Rather than pointing the way to salvation, the law convinced men of the need of the Savior.”

“Because of the necessity of righteousness as a requirement to enter heaven, Jesus then declares that except their righteousness should exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees they could not enter heaven. The significance of this is seen in the fact that the Jews of Jesus day considered these people to be the most religious in all Israel. However, their religion was largely an outward show of self-righteousness. In communicating the depths of His message, Jesus used a series of contrasts between the outward behavior demanded by the law and the inner attitude of the heart desired by God. Here we discover the practical application of genuine Christian character of true spiritual living.” (Excerpts from the Liberty Study Bible, 1988, page 1417)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we begin a study of the Sermon on the Mount. Today, we will look at the two character traits.

Character traits (13-16)

Salt (13)

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

The Beatitudes are followed by a summary statement of the basic character of the Christian life as salt and light. Ye are the salt of the earth: Again the phrase “ye are” indicates that only the genuinely born-again person is salt and can meet the needs of the world. Salt adds flavoring, acts as a preservative, melts coldness, and heals wounds.

Light (14-16)

¹⁴ Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.¹⁵ Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Ye are the light of the world describes the essential mission of the Christian to the world. He is conditioned (salt) to meet the world’s needs and has a mission (light) to the world. His light is to clearly shine forth into the darkness of human depravity.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Excerpts from the Liberty Study Bible, 1988, pages 1416-1417

The beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12)

Jesus teaches the multitude (1-2)

And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:² And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

Blessed be:                             (3-12)

³ Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The poor in spirit are the opposite of the proud and haughty in spirit. They have been humbled by the grace of God and have acknowledged their sin and therefore their dependence on God to save them. They will inherit the kingdom of heaven.

⁴ Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Those who mourn for sin will be comforted in confession. Those who mourn for the human anguish of the lost shall be comforted by the compassion of God.

⁵ Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

The meek refers again to those who have been humbled before God and will not only inherit the blessedness of heaven, but also will ultimately share in the kingdom of god on earth. Here is the balance between the physical and spiritual promise of the kingdom. The kingdom of which Jesus preached is both “in you” and is yet “to come.”

⁶ Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

They experience a deep desire for personal righteousness, which in itself is proof of their spiritual rebirth. They shall be filled refers to a complete satisfaction.

⁷ Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

The merciful are those who have been born again by the mercy of God. Because divine love has been extended to them, they have the work of the Holy Spirit in them producing a mercy that defies explanation by unregenerate men.

⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

The pure in heart lives have been transformed by the grace of God. They are not yet sinless but their position before God has been changed. They have the New Birth, saving faith, and holiness. Those who are truly saved shall see God.

⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

The peacemakers are at peace with God and desire to live in peace with all men. Their peace with Christ enables them to be ambassadors of God’s message to a troubled world. Hence, they shall be called the children of God.

¹⁰ Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

As Jesus develops His message, He clearly teaches that such a life causes His people to be in direct contrast to the world in which they live. Therefore He reminds us, Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake. The plural use of “ye” in verse 11 indicates that He foresaw this persecution as touching all of His followers.

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.

Again, Jesus warns that men shall revile you, and persecute you. This became true during His own ministry, in the lives of the apostles, and throughout the history of the church. The persecution spoken of here is twofold. First, it involves a physical pursuing of the persecuted, and second, a personal attack of slander against them.

¹² Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Rejoice is the command that grows out of the blessedness of the believer.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

The Sermon on the Mount

Matthew 5, 6, 7

The beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12)

Jesus teaches the multitude (1-2)

And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:² And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

Blessed be:                             (3-12)

³ Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The poor in spirit are the opposite of the proud and haughty in spirit. They have been humbled by the grace of God and have acknowledged their sin and therefore their dependence on God to save them. They will inherit the kingdom of heaven.

⁴ Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Those who mourn for sin will be comforted in confession. Those who mourn for the human anguish of the lost shall be comforted by the compassion of God.

⁵ Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

The meek refers again to those who have been humbled before God and will not only inherit the blessedness of heaven, but also will ultimately share in the kingdom of god on earth. Here is the balance between the physical and spiritual promise of the kingdom. The kingdom of which Jesus preached is both “in you” and is yet “to come.”

⁶ Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

They experience a deep desire for personal righteousness, which in itself is proof of their spiritual rebirth. They shall be filled refers to a complete satisfaction.

⁷ Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

The merciful are those who have been born again by the mercy of God. Because divine love has been extended to them, they have the work of the Holy Spirit in them producing a mercy that defies explanation by unregenerate men.

⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

The pure in heart lives have been transformed by the grace of God. They are not yet sinless but their position before God has been changed. They have the New Birth, saving faith, and holiness. Those who are truly saved shall see God.

⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

The peacemakers are at peace with God and desire to live in peace with all men. Their peace with Christ enables them to be ambassadors of God’s message to a troubled world. Hence, they shall be called the children of God.

¹⁰ Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

As Jesus develops His message, He clearly teaches that such a life causes His people to be in direct contrast to the world in which they live. Therefore He reminds us, Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake. The plural use of “ye” in verse 11 indicates that He foresaw this persecution as touching all of His followers.

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.

Again, Jesus warns that men shall revile you, and persecute you. This became true during His own ministry, in the lives of the apostles, and throughout the history of the church. The persecution spoken of here is twofold. First, it involves a physical pursuing of the persecuted, and second, a personal attack of slander against them.

¹² Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Rejoice is the command that grows out of the blessedness of the believer.

Character traits (13-16)

Salt (13)

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

The Beatitudes are followed by a summary statement of the basic character of the Christian life as salt and light. Ye are the salt of the earth: Again the phrase “ye are” indicates that only the genuinely born-again person is salt and can meet the needs of the world. Salt adds flavoring, acts as a preservative, melts coldness, and heals wounds.

Light (14-16)

¹⁴ Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.¹⁵ Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Ye are the light of the world describes the essential mission of the Christian to the world. He is conditioned (salt) to meet the world’s needs and has a mission (light) to the world. His light is to clearly shine forth into the darkness of human depravity.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Excerpts from the Liberty Study Bible, 1988, pages 1416-1417