This study was first taught on November 25, 2009

Topic: Blessed Are... (4)

(use the audio to study)

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Background
We saw last week that we have, over the years, been given a picture of Christianity that is fanciful and pleasurable; yet the Lord Jesus painted a completely different picture in the bible. In His teaching on the mount, He talked of people who are truly blessed; and contrary to what you and I would have expected, such people are not necessarily wealthy, cheerful, and well-spoken of by people generally. Indeed, we saw that they are people we would easily ignore and pass over without blinking once.

The Lord Jesus began His teaching on blessed people by telling us that they are those who recognize their need for God at all times; not just when they have problems, but indeed at all times! The picture the Lord painted is of a man who is humble in his disposition such that God can have His way in him. He also paints the picture of a man who is mournful for both his and other sins, as well as the loss of a loved one through death (particularly when such a loved one died without Christ).

The Lord Jesus went further to tell us the result of the blessedness of these people: (1) those who are poor in spirit (not necessarily poor in this world) are blessed because the kingdom of heaven is theirs (a kingdom that has treasures that this world cannot be evaluated by worldly standards). Thus, the poor in spirit are indeed rich in spiritual things; and, (2) those who mourn over sin and its consequences, as well as for deceased loved ones will always be comforted by the Spirit of Christ in this present age, even as Christ comforted those who mourned in His days on earth.

Tonight, we shall study more attributes that people who are blessed must possess. As always, we pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to teach us, in Jesus� name, Amen.

Scripture Text(s)
Matthew 5:5-6

The portion of the scripture that we shall be studying tonight mentions two more attributes of people who are called blessed: the meek, and those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. It is noteworthy that these people are not necessarily powerful people in human terms, nor are they full in themselves.
Matthew 5:5; 11:29-30; Proverbs 25:15; 1 Peter 3:1-5; Romans 12:16-21; Zechariah 4:6; John 18:33-37; 19:10-11; Acts 16:37; Psalm 37:7-11; Matthew 5:6; Exodus 23:1-9; Psalm 12:1-2; John 7:37-39; Psalm 42:1-2; John 4:31-34; Isaiah 55:1-2; Matthew 6:33; Romans 14:17; Matthew 23:23; Philippians 3:7-11.

Conclusion
Once again, we see that those who are blessed according to God�s standards, are the meek and those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. A meek person is not necessarily a weak person, but a person who possesses a quiet and gentle spirit in spite of his worldly strength. He is one who has submitted himself to the will of God, accepting whatever comes to him as being of God�s doing. He is not vengeful, and is indeed long suffering, waiting for God to do what He alone can do. A man who is hungry and thirsty after righteousness is one who can only be satisfied with the establishment of God�s righteousness. Such a person cannot but cry to God for the establishment of His justice and judgment in the land. He seeks after God in all things and is not satisfied until God�s standards are established in the land or his domain.

To the meek, the Lord Jesus Christ assures the possession of the �land� which under the New Testament, is the fulfilment of all of God�s promises for the Christian here on earth including every spiritual blessing, as well as the promise, of eternal life. And to the person who desires God�s righteousness more than anything else, an assurance of satisfaction is given, meaning that indeed, such a person will be satisfied with the deeds of God.

These attributes are acquired by learning of our Lord Jesus Christ, and as we yield to the Holy Spirit in our hearts (1 Corinthians 11:1). Let us go to God in prayer, seeking the working of these attributes into our hearts.

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