The Beatitudes

[wanderer6059]

For your consideration, i would like to propose a view that the beatitudes are a means of measuring spiritual growth.

First for your understanding one view of the phrase kingdom of heaven is the dwelling place of the spirit of God, unhindered.

Matthew 5:3-12 (NASB)

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

First we see those without the Spirit, and in their new birth the inherit it.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Next is the realization of the life we have and the sin nature we have lived in and still struggle against. In this though we are comforted by the fact of the power of the Holy Spirit within us.

5 “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.

Gentle is also meek, but the best way to put the context of this word is great power under authority. And this is what it is, the believe obedient to Christ will walk in all the fullness of life that there is to offer.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

This is that yearning for the presence of God, ever growing in our life, that He satisfies alone.

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Mercy the best definition i see for this is covenant faithfulness. That is when we are faithful to the covenant, when we love God and love people, follow His commands and commision, He is faithful and just in His promises.

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

This is that childlike heart we are meant to have, in it we see the world as God made it, and we see Him.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

This is one of the final things we see in the christian life, but it is also one of the first things we start doing. It is the mission work, our testimony, our voice. Peace is the tying together and completion of a soul, the peacemaker is the one who aims to tie the lost back into the Lord.

10 “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

In the last two verses we see the response from the world of walking in the spirit. We see how we are to face it, and how God has promised to see us through it. It is again by the work of the comforter

 

[Angela53510]

These are beautiful verses. They start off the Sermon on the Mount.

When I was a young child and in Baptist Sunday School, we had to memorize this for a blue star. I’m so blessed to have hidden this in my heart.

What I think is sad about this post, Wanderer, is that you have posted such a rich portion of Scripture. True, it is not controversial. But it is so important. And yet, here I am 2 hours after you posted, finding this thread near the bottom of page 1, with no one having commented.

We are called to be gentle and peacemakers in these verses. Yet, people come here to argue and fight. They might call it “prove they are right” (and I certainly fall ito this category!), but the fact remains, I do not see many peacemakers in this forum.

Or perhaps, that is my fault, because I tend hang out on controversial threads?

The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard goes through the Sermon on the Mount, including the Beatitudes. Bonhoeffer also goes through these verses in the Cost of Discipleship. Martin Lloyd-Jones also wrote an entire book about the Sermon on the Mount, and all we can take from it.

And yet, despite whole books being written on this topic, no one in the BDF comments on this thread?

I have always wondered about #8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” We are told no one can see God. I think that is because we are NOT pure in heart. But, here, Jesus shows us our hope! That one day, he will return, and we will see God. And on that day, we will be glorified, and hence perfect in heart. Because we shall see him as he is! (1 John 3:2)

I hope someone will comment on this thread. What is your favorite line in the Beatitudes? What things do you not understand? Maybe we can help each other not only understand these words of Jesus, but live them too!

 

[wanderer6059]

Amen sister, these are some of my favorite and most cherished words of our Lord.

i left the forums for a while for that very reason, coming back yes i will debate a little but i wound give in to heated words any more. i don't like the person i am during that.

What is your favorite line in the Beatitudes? What things do you not understand?

i love 5-7 really a tie for me lol the call to meek and merciful living, and the great hunger for righteousness.

i hope others will to...

 

[HeRoseFromTheDead]

I have always wondered about #8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” We are told no one can see God. I think that is because we are NOT pure in heart. But, here, Jesus shows us our hope! That one day, he will return, and we will see God. And on that day, we will be glorified, and hence perfect in heart. Because we shall see him as he is! (1 John 3:2)

A pure (clean) heart is a holy heart.

pure
G2513 καθαρός katharos (kath-ar-os') adj.
1. clean

Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness without which no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14​

 

[wanderer6059]

HeRoseFromTheDead, did the rest of her post go right over your head... or do you have some compulsory problem that if you see one thing out of place in your mind you have to pick with it?

 

[HeRoseFromTheDead]

HeRoseFromTheDead, did the rest of her post go right over your head... or do you have some compulsory problem that if you see one thing out of place in your mind you have to pick with it?

If you found fault with what I wrote, you have a problem, sir. I merely expounded on what she wrote.

 

[wanderer6059]

If you found fault with what I wrote, you have a problem, sir. I merely expounded on what she wrote.

her post was about how people are more apt to debate, disagree, and argue here on these forums instead of talk or think, or act of true values of love, peace and fellowship. you 100% showed her right lol

 

[HeRoseFromTheDead]

her post was about how people are more apt to debate, disagree, and argue here on these forums instead of talk or think, or act of true values of love, peace and fellowship. you 100% showed her right lol

You have a root of bitterness, sir. I wasn't arguing with her, but you feel free to accuse me of doing so. In the innocence of my heart I was merely connecting what she wrote with another verse the holy spirit put in my heart when I read it, but you found fault and accused. GOD will be judge between us.

 

[wanderer6059]

You have a root of bitterness, sir. I wasn't arguing with her, but you feel free to accuse me of doing so. In the innocence of my heart I was merely connecting what she wrote with another verse the holy spirit put in my heart when I read it, but you found fault and accused. GOD will be judge between us.

no bitterness, just saying you missed the context of her post completely.

you also didn't even consider the OP, and the context of the thread.

you just came, and decided to leave 2 cents worth of opinion on a part of someones post, and what you posted was antagonistic in nature.

 

[Joidevivre]

#8 is interesting to me since, without bragging that I have a pure heart, I see God everywhere. I think it means what was originally said - a childlike, trusting heart - the foundation for faith. In that particular verse, "see" also means to "discern".

I see (discern) God in the eyes and smile of so many people. I feel Him in their touch. I see (discern) His fingerprints on so many things surrounding my life and situation. I also see God through spiritual eyes - I've sensed His face close to mine. No, not the details, but I knew. I discerned.

 

[Musicus]

For your consideration, i would like to propose a view that the beatitudes are a means of measuring spiritual growth.

First for your understanding one view of the phrase kingdom of heaven is the dwelling place of the spirit of God, unhindered.

Matthew 5:3-12 (NASB)

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

First we see those without the Spirit, and in their new birth the inherit it.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Next is the realization of the life we have and the sin nature we have lived in and still struggle against. In this though we are comforted by the fact of the power of the Holy Spirit within us.

5 “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.

Gentle is also meek, but the best way to put the context of this word is great power under authority. And this is what it is, the believe obedient to Christ will walk in all the fullness of life that there is to offer.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

This is that yearning for the presence of God, ever growing in our life, that He satisfies alone.

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Mercy the best definition i see for this is covenant faithfulness. That is when we are faithful to the covenant, when we love God and love people, follow His commands and commision, He is faithful and just in His promises.

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

This is that childlike heart we are meant to have, in it we see the world as God made it, and we see Him.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

This is one of the final things we see in the christian life, but it is also one of the first things we start doing. It is the mission work, our testimony, our voice. Peace is the tying together and completion of a soul, the peacemaker is the one who aims to tie the lost back into the Lord.

10 “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

In the last two verses we see the response from the world of walking in the spirit. We see how we are to face it, and how God has promised to see us through it. It is again by the work of the comforter

I like this. My public library time is about to run out, but I never thought of using the beatitudes as spiritual mile markers. Cool! Must study this!

 

[Shamah]

For your consideration, i would like to propose a view that the beatitudes are a means of measuring spiritual growth.

First for your understanding one view of the phrase kingdom of heaven is the dwelling place of the spirit of God, unhindered.

Matthew 5:3-12 (NASB)

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

First we see those without the Spirit, and in their new birth the inherit it.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Next is the realization of the life we have and the sin nature we have lived in and still struggle against. In this though we are comforted by the fact of the power of the Holy Spirit within us.

5 “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.

Gentle is also meek, but the best way to put the context of this word is great power under authority. And this is what it is, the believe obedient to Christ will walk in all the fullness of life that there is to offer.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

This is that yearning for the presence of God, ever growing in our life, that He satisfies alone.

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Mercy the best definition i see for this is covenant faithfulness. That is when we are faithful to the covenant, when we love God and love people, follow His commands and commision, He is faithful and just in His promises.

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

This is that childlike heart we are meant to have, in it we see the world as God made it, and we see Him.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

This is one of the final things we see in the christian life, but it is also one of the first things we start doing. It is the mission work, our testimony, our voice. Peace is the tying together and completion of a soul, the peacemaker is the one who aims to tie the lost back into the Lord.

10 “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

In the last two verses we see the response from the world of walking in the spirit. We see how we are to face it, and how God has promised to see us through it. It is again by the work of the comforter

Some of the most comforting verses in the entireword IMO.

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Isaiah 12:1-6, “And in that day you shall say, “I thank You [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]יהוה[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif], though You were enraged with me, Your displeasure has turned back, and You have comforted me. See, Yah is my salvation, I trust and am not afraid. For Yah, [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]יהוה[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif], is my strength and my song; and He has become my salvation.” And you shall draw water with joy from the fountains of salvation. And in that day you shall say, “Praise [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]יהוה[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif], call upon His Name; make known His deeds among the peoples, make mention that His Name is exalted. Sing to [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]יהוה[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif], For He has done excellently; this is known in all the earth. Cry aloud and shout, O inhabitant of Tsiyon, for great is the Set-apart One of Yisra’yl in your midst!”[/FONT]

 

[Angela53510]

HeRoseFromTheDead, did the rest of her post go right over your head... or do you have some compulsory problem that if you see one thing out of place in your mind you have to pick with it?

Wanderer, I don’t think HeRose was in any way arguing with me. My thought was that he was expounding on the verse I wrote, including posting the Greek. I was very appreciative of what he wrote. In a way, he did my work for me.

And while I did comment on how no one had commented, and it bothered me that people are more interested in arguing, I did try and move on, and restart the topic. I was hoping more people would comment and make it personal.

Again, I think this is a great topic. I bet you have many more, and I pray you will share them, Wanderer.

 

[HeRoseFromTheDead]

Wanderer, I don’t think HeRose was in any way arguing with me. My thought was that he was expounding on the verse I wrote, including posting the Greek. I was very appreciative of what he wrote. In a way, he did my work for me.

And while I did comment on how no one had commented, and it bothered me that people are more interested in arguing, I did try and move on, and restart the topic. I was hoping more people would comment and make it personal.

Again, I think this is a great topic. I bet you have many more, and I pray you will share them, Wanderer.

I had never put those two verses together like that before. It struck me how well they fit. Basically, "Jesus was saying "Blessed are the holy in heart for they shall see GOD". And then I was trying to add to the discussion as you hoped people would. And then I got accused of evil intent. I don't care. False accusations are the norm around here. I just feel sorry for OP who lost the blessing.

 

[HeRoseFromTheDead]

This is really interesting. I did a word study of καθαρός (pure in Matthew 5:8) in the Septuagint. That word is used throughout the OT to describe the condition of things that have been cleansed from defilement (typically by blood or water).

Nearly every English bible translates this word as pure. In a sense that is the same as clean, but IMO they tend to convey different ideas in our culture.

When we say something is pure we are typically referring to it's composition or nature. For instance, we say the gold is pure due to it's composition; we don't say the gold is clean.

When we say something is clean, we are referring to a state or condition of removed defilement. For instance, we say the clothes are clean; we don't say the clothes are pure.

Why does it matter? Because people who think they've been given a pure heart, yet work wickedness won't see GOD because their hearts are unclean.

So when Jesus said "Blessed [are] the pure in heart, because they will see God" he was speaking of a heart cleansed from defilement.

 

[Ariel82]

For your consideration, i would like to propose a view that the beatitudes are a means of measuring spiritual growth.

First for your understanding one view of the phrase kingdom of heaven is the dwelling place of the spirit of God, unhindered.

Matthew 5:3-12 (NASB)

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

First we see those without the Spirit, and in their new birth the inherit it.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Next is the realization of the life we have and the sin nature we have lived in and still struggle against. In this though we are comforted by the fact of the power of the Holy Spirit within us.

5 “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.

Gentle is also meek, but the best way to put the context of this word is great power under authority. And this is what it is, the believe obedient to Christ will walk in all the fullness of life that there is to offer.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

This is that yearning for the presence of God, ever growing in our life, that He satisfies alone.

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Mercy the best definition i see for this is covenant faithfulness. That is when we are faithful to the covenant, when we love God and love people, follow His commands and commision, He is faithful and just in His promises.

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

This is that childlike heart we are meant to have, in it we see the world as God made it, and we see Him.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

This is one of the final things we see in the christian life, but it is also one of the first things we start doing. It is the mission work, our testimony, our voice. Peace is the tying together and completion of a soul, the peacemaker is the one who aims to tie the lost back into the Lord.

10 “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

In the last two verses we see the response from the world of walking in the spirit. We see how we are to face it, and how God has promised to see us through it. It is again by the work of the comforter

I agree and would proper these verses as saying a very similar message.

2 Peter 1
5For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue,e and virtue with knowledge, 6and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.

 

[Ariel82]

Faith verse 3 acknowledgement that we are poor and in need of a savior

Virtue 4 repentance or godly sorrow leads to confess of faith that God sent Jesus for the remission of sins. Thus we are clothed with his virtue.

Knowledge v. 5 gentleness is true wisdom from above

Self control v. 6 seek righteousness

Perseverance v 7 merciful and receiving mercy when we fail

Godliness v.8 pure in heart

Brotherly kindness v.9 peacemakers

agape love v.10-12 suffer for the sake of the gospel

 

[wanderer6059]

Wanderer, I don’t think HeRose was in any way arguing with me. My thought was that he was expounding on the verse I wrote, including posting the Greek. I was very appreciative of what he wrote. In a way, he did my work for me.

And while I did comment on how no one had commented, and it bothered me that people are more interested in arguing, I did try and move on, and restart the topic. I was hoping more people would comment and make it personal.

Again, I think this is a great topic. I bet you have many more, and I pray you will share them, Wanderer.

Looking back in hindsight i see that now lol

This is what happens when I post at the end of my 8 hour early morning shifts, my reading comprehension and critical thinking go out the window!

 

[wanderer6059]

I had never put those two verses together like that before. It struck me how well they fit. Basically, "Jesus was saying "Blessed are the holy in heart for they shall see GOD". And then I was trying to add to the discussion as you hoped people would. And then I got accused of evil intent. I don't care. False accusations are the norm around here. I just feel sorry for OP who lost the blessing.

I am sorry Herose, I was a bit jumpy. At work and coming off a little stressful shift and about to rush to home I read and totally missed what you were adding and just saw what I(fleshing out) wanted to see. That is not justification or an excuse, but the reasoning behind those actions, you are right though, right along with heated debate on these threads goes false accusations, and again I am sorry.

I ask for forgiveness brother.

 

[wanderer6059]

This is really interesting. I did a word study of καθαρός (pure in Matthew 5:8) in the Septuagint. That word is used throughout the OT to describe the condition of things that have been cleansed from defilement (typically by blood or water).

Nearly every English bible translates this word as pure. In a sense that is the same as clean, but IMO they tend to convey different ideas in our culture.

When we say something is pure we are typically referring to it's composition or nature. For instance, we say the gold is pure due to it's composition; we don't say the gold is clean.

When we say something is clean, we are referring to a state or condition of removed defilement. For instance, we say the clothes are clean; we don't say the clothes are pure.

Why does it matter? Because people who think they've been given a pure heart, yet work wickedness won't see GOD because their hearts are unclean.

So when Jesus said "Blessed [are] the pure in heart, because they will see God" he was speaking of a heart cleansed from defilement.

Do you think that can happen in this life? I just say because of the flesh and the sun nature that still dwells within it?

My though on this is I believe the heart coincides with the soul or mind, and cleaning it is in essence renewing the mind to God's word. As we clean out our mind with the junk that this world has filled it with we start to get a better image of God.