Matthew 5v3-12
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you”. (ESV)
Beatitude definition:
A supreme state of blessedness and happiness (for those who have certain virtues).
What benefits do the citizens of the kingdom of heaven receive? A state of blessedness (see Revelation 1v3, Matthew 5v12, Luke 6v23).
These are the benefits of Heaven’s Blessed Citizens:
- Theirs is the kingdom of heaven (v3)
Being part of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, which He is building on this earth – which the gates of hell will not prevail against. This is the kingdom given to us (see Matthew 16v18-19, Col 1v13) - They shall be comforted (v4)
a) People seek counselling for all kinds of reasons. But God says we will be comforted, our consciences comforted for our contrite hearts.
b) We should always examine whether we are of the faith and focus less on the shortcomings of others. We ought to be mournful Christians, coming before the throne of grace and repenting of our sins. Sorrow should arise from sin. The only place to be comforted is at the foot of the cross of Christ and when you do so, you will be comforted (see 2 Cor. 1v3-5, Rev. 21v1-4). - They shall inherit the earth (v5)
a) Believers inherit it now by putting the kingdom of God first (see Psalm 37).
b) There is a promise for a new earth (see 2 Peter 3v10) in which righteousness dwells. - They shall be satisfied (v6)
This is the righteousness we so desperately need! Those who truly resolve to give to God what is due to God, to glorify Him forever, and to love your neighbour as you love yourself (see Rom 5v9, Rev 19v5). - They shall obtain Mercy (v7)
The difference between Mercy and Grace:
Grace is to give to people the good things they don’t deserve and
Mercy is withholding from people the bad things they do deserve.
God will show us Mercy, letting us escape from His righteous judgement. - They shall see God (v8)
An encounter which is greater than anything we can imagine! We shall see God but only having a pure heart. Heaven’s citizens through the righteousness of Christ can see the Almighty God (see John 14v6-7, Rev. 21v3, Rev. 22v3-4). - They shall be called the sons of God (v9)
a) Even now we are called sons of God (see 1 John 3, Rev. 21v5-7).
b) Who will be called the sons of God? The peacemakers. We don’t want to win arguments – we want to win souls! Be a peacemaker wherever you find yourself.
These benefits outweigh anything this world has to offer for believers in the Lord Jesus Christ – who in His strength hold to these qualities.