THE PURE HEARTED WILL SEE GOD!--Matthew 5: 1-8

Matthew chapter 5

Matthew 5:1-8 (New Living Translation)

One day as the crowds were gathering, Jesus went up the mountainside with his disciples and sat down to teach them. [2] This is what he taught them: [3] "God blesses those who realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them. [4] God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Matthew 5:1-8 (New Living Translation)

[5] God blesses those who are gentle and lowly, for the whole earth will belong to them. [6] God blesses those who are hungry and thirsty for justice, for they will receive it in full. [7] God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. [8] God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.

Matthew 5:1-8 (The Message Translation)

When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down [2] and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said: [3] "You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. [4] "You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

Matthew 5:1-8 (The Message Translation)

[5] "You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought. [6] "You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat. [7] "You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'careful,' you find yourselves cared for. [8] "You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

TAKE HOME

• I have some control over what enters and stays in my heart …but I need God’s power to be strong.

• It’s one thing to get continued forgiveness. It is more difficult nip sin in the bud and keep it from growing in my heart.

• I really want to have a heart like that of Jesus. That means obeying his word, following his lead and loving like he loved.

Father, please Father, please help me see the help me see the shadows in my shadows in my heart and sweep heart and sweep my life clean of my life clean of all those all those thoughts that thoughts that want to take root want to take root there.there.

Commitment:

ANNOUNCEMENTSANNOUNCEMENTS

Worship in SongWorship in Song

OUR GENERAL BENT TOWARD SIN

· It was said in the days of Noah: “The LORD saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time.”

PURE IN HEART? ISN’T THAT A STRETCH?

OUR GENERAL BENT TOWARD SIN

· Jeremiah’s commentary: Jeremiah 13:23: “Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil.”

· Proverbs 20:9: “Who can say, ‘I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin?’”

PURE IN HEART? ISN’T THAT A STRETCH?

“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”--Romans 3:23

BUT A NEW DAY HAS COME! HALLELUJAH!

“Now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known…” Romans 3:21

THE UNIVERSAL DISEASE: SIN

• Legalism —Focusing on ‘keeping the rules’

• Monasticism —removing ourselves from sources of sin

PATHS TO PURITY THAT FAIL US:

• Initial Forgiveness “Repent and be baptized. Your sins will be forgiven and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” --Acts 2:38

• Continued Cleansing Promised “If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” --I John 1:10

THE REVOLUTIONARY NEW WAY TO A CLEANSED HEART

• Cooperation with God “Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” --2 Corinthians 7:1

THE REVOLUTIONARY NEW WAY TO A CLEANSED HEART

COMMUNION!A TIME TO REFLECT

Confession:I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Jesus is my Lord Jesus is my Lord and Savoir.and Savoir.

Worship in SongWorship in Song

• Witnessed by obedience to the Truth and sincere love --I Peter 1:22

• Springs from hope --I John 3:3

• Results from human will and the Holy Spirit --Hebrews 10:12

JESUS SEEMS TO BE SPEAKING OF NOT ONLY FORGIVENESS…

BUT ALSO A STATE OF HOLINESS

• Ask God for a new heart. Agree with God’s diagnosis and ask Him for a new one. --Psalm 51:10

• Make your move …commit to walking with God

• Keep in the Word. --Psalm 119: 9

• An ongoing communication with God --I Thessalonians 5:17

PATHWAY TO PURITY

Worship in SongWorship in Song

PRAYER & PRAISE

Worship in SongWorship in Song

TAKE HOME

• I have some control over what enters and stays in my heart …but I need God’s power to be strong.

• It’s one thing to get continued forgiveness. It is more difficult nip sin in the bud and keep it from growing in my heart.

• I really want to have a heart like that of Jesus. That means obeying his word, following his lead and loving like he loved.

Father, please Father, please help me see the help me see the shadows in my shadows in my heart and sweep heart and sweep my life clean of my life clean of all those all those thoughts that thoughts that want to take root want to take root there.there.

Commitment:

"You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.”

Go and be a blessing to others.