This study was first taught on November 11, 2009

Topic: Blessed Are... (2)

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Background
Last week, we took a look at the word �blessed� as used in our scripture text today (which was also our text last week). Whilst a number of bible translations give the word a connotation of happiness, we noted that it has to do with more than being happy; for we said that the word �blessed� is a lot more than an outward state of being. Rather, it has more to do with our inner state, apart from outward circumstances; and is not of human or worldly origin.

We observed that the blessedness of a man is imputed upon him by God according to a set of divine standards that involve having intrinsic satisfaction and contentment with what God has given to the believer as his or her lot in this life because Christ dwells in him or her. We said that being �blessed� has nothing to do with favourable circumstances, but with the indwelling of the believer by God, and carry the notion of being truly and significantly well-off in the things that matter most (eternal life).

We thus noted that the blessed of God are those who are so eternally (not temporally); and who live in accordance with God�s standards (not those who live by the standards of this world). We also said that God�s blessedness focuses on the inner man, rather than on the outward.

We concluded by noting that as people were coming in their numbers to the Lord�s ministry, He began to teach His disciples what their focus should really be: relationship with God, instead of some outward show of religion, or demonstration of physical or material possession as a sign of divine acceptance.

Tonight, we shall be looking at the phrase, "Blessed are ..." This clearly qualifies those who are blessed, in contrast to those who are not. We pray that the Teacher, the Holy Spirit, will teach us again what marks us as truly well-off both in this world and in eternity.

Scripture Text(s)
Matthew 5:3-12

The phrase, "Blessed are ..." can be paraphrased thus: "You are definitely well-off both in this world and in eternity if you are ..." This states who are blessed. While we will look at who these people are in detail over the next few weeks, we shall take a more generalized view tonight. A cursory look at the persons who are called blessed in our scripture text reveals who they are rather than what they own.
Luke 12:15; Proverbs 22:29; Daniel 1:17-21, 8; Romans 5:3-4; 2 Peter 1:3-11; Galatians 2:21; Ephesians 2:8; Titus 2:11-12; Joshua 5:13-15; Genesis 39:1-23; 41:31-46; Numbers 14:21-24; Judges 16:18-21; Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:17-24.

Conclusion
The blessedness of a man is predicated on the presence of God in the life of that man, and not on his worldly possessions or qualifications. Indeed, if God is to be present in a man�s life he must of necessity possess the nature and character of God (godliness). In other words, who you are before God is of the greatest value than what you possess, who you profess to be, or your performance in the sphere of men.

While the grace of God brings us into the kingdom of God at no charge, it is the attributes of godliness that guarantees our remaining in the kingdom of God as we are; we are not allowed to remain so thereafter. For we must yield ourselves to the sanctifying and transforming power of the teachings of Christ and the inner workings of the Spirit of God in our lives (John 17:17; 1 Peter 1:2).

This then is the bottom line: we need to possess godly character, not just activities; and we need to exhibit Christian conduct, not just serving in the church! If a man has godly character and conducts himself as a true disciple of Jesus Christ, his activities in church and service to God is accepted and he is blessed; otherwise, he is cursed! (Genesis 4:3-5; 1 John 3:12; Matthew 12:33, 35).

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