Transcript Following Jesus 101

Following Jesus 101
A Study In The
Beatitudes
Dr. Ray Henry
Introduction-The Beatitudes
“Words cannot adequately convey the
incredible impact of our attitude toward
life. The longer I live the more convinced I
become that life is 10% what happens to us
and 90% how we respond to it.”
-Chuck Swindoll
STRENGTHENING YOUR GRIP
Introduction-The Beatitudes
• Jesus taught his disciples how to act and react
in the Beatitudes.
• Jesus knew that when His disciples responded
as He taught it would create a taste for
Christianity.
• Developing the right attitudes successfully will
make us “the salt of the earth” and the “light of
the world”
Introduction-The Beatitudes
• The Beatitudes-the greatest sermon ever
preached
• The Beatitudes-fulfilled perfectly in Jesus
Christ
• The Beatitudes-a description of true
righteousness
• The Beatitudes-qualifications for entering
the Kingdom of God
“Blessed” in the Beatitudes
• Not the word we normally use “eulego”
• The word here is “Markarios”
• It means first –the highest character or highest
attitude
• Second it means the highest good.
• When we have the right attitude and behavior
we will experience the right feelings and the
greatest joy.
• Jesus is speaking of a greater or deeper kind of
happiness. The Beatitudes shows us what
produces true happiness.
Where Do You Find True
Happiness?
•
•
•
•
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RICHES
RECOGNITION
RELATIONSHIP
Happiness is elusive in our world.
Jesus says these attitudes towards life can
bring a deeper and lasting joy. The
happiness of doing God’s will and
following Christ’s way.
First Beatitude
Blessed Are The Poor In Spirit
• WHAT IT DOES NOT MEAN
-Not a Spirit that is empty or void
-Not an Inferiority Complex
-Not poor in Material things
-Not poor in Natural Ability
• WHAT IT DOES MEAN
-Attitude toward God-a man becomes conscious of his
absolute poverty before God. He sees his desperate
need. Rom.7
-”No one struts before a Holy God.” R.Dunn
-Cannot have the attitude of the Rich Young Ruler
-Paul had to count his accomplishments as “dung” to find
Jesus Christ. He had to be knocked down and ask for
God to show him what to do next.
Characteristics of A Beggar
•
•
•
First- A Beggar is Conscious of His
Need
A. My Religion does not go deep enough
B. My Religion does not go far enough
Second- A Beggar is Dependent on
Others
Third- A Beggar is Honest about His
Condition
Poor In Spirit Attitude
• A person must be poor in spirit to become a
Christian
• It is an attitude that desires the mind, will and
affections to be ruled by God.
• It means you renounce your self-rule
• You now choose to let Christ rule. Lk.9:23
• The source of all sin is a self-ruled spirit.
• We were created to be ruled by God
• Our Sinfulness is a rejection of His Rule
• We bow before His Sovereign Rule
The Blessedness of Being
“Poor In Spirit”
• First-We are Born Into His Kingdom
• Second- God, by our submission, is enthroned in our
spirit. The King is back on the throne and we are in
harmony.
• Third- The kneeling subject now becomes heir of all
the Father’s Kingdom.
– He enjoys the safety in the Kingdom.
– He enjoys the sustenance in the Kingdom. Matt.6:3133/Phil.2:12-16 & Phil.4:19
• Fourth- The kneeling subject enjoys the satisfaction
of knowing he is pleasing to the Father. Jn.8:29
• Fifth- The kneeling Christian knows the sovereignty
of His Kingdom. God gives authority to those under
authority. See keys to the Kingdom-Matt.16:17-18 and
binding and loosing in Matt.18:15-20
Lesson Two
Following Jesus 101
Blessed Are Those Who Mourn
By
Dr. Ray Henry
Characteristics Of
The Kingdom Of God
• The Kingdom of God is NOT JEWISH- Matt 21:43
• Unbelieving Jews cast out. Luke 13:28-29
• Kingdom of God and Kingdom of Heaven are used
interchangeably Matt.19:23-24
• Kingdom of God is present-not future.
• Matt 12:28/Luke 10:9,11;Luke 11:20
• The Kingdom of God is the Gospel -Mark 1:14-15
• Jesus was sent to preach the Kingdom- Luke 4:43/ Luke 8:1
• John the Baptist, the Disciples, Paul preached the
Kingdom of God- Luke 9:2,11;Luke 16:16;Acts 1:3;Acts 19:8
Characteristics Of
The Kingdom of God
• Entered By Humility –Matt 19 :24
• Must be received as a little child –
Mark 10:14
• Received by only the poor in spirit –Luke 6:20
• The Kingdom is kept from the Unrepentant
•
•
•
•
•
–Luke 8:10
Rich will enter only with difficulty- Mark 10:23-25
Kingdom composed of Converted Sinners – Matt 21:31
Must Be Born Again to Enter- John 3:3
Entered through much tribulation- Acts 14:22
Those who do not enter will be cast into Hell- Mark 9:47
Characteristics Of
The Kingdom of God
• Came in power before the Disciples death-Mark
9:1
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Can be obtained by seeking – Luke 12:31
Is not physical, cannot be observed- Luke 17:20
Kingdom of God is within- Luke 17:21
Preceded by signs- Luke 21:31
Not in word but power- I Cor. I 4:20
Unrighteous cannot inherit- I Cor.6:9
Flesh and Blood cannot inherit- I Cor.15:50
Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. – Matt 3:2/ Matt 4:17;
Matt 10:7
Second Beatitude
Blessed are Those That Mourn
• Blessed- the highest good; true and lasting
happiness
• The world is looking for Happiness in the wrong
places.
• Illustrate: Count Leo Tolstoy – found a man with true happiness.
“You find God, Sir and you will be alive and happy.”
• Poll: Many Americans are not happy:
– 51% said their lives were “dull and routine”
– 60% over 50yrs said their lives were “without meaning”
Quote: Robert Browning – “Life was an empty dream.”
Quote: George Bernard Shaw- “Life is a flame that always burning
itself out.”
Quote: Isaac Watts- “Life is a long tragedy.”
Blessed Are They That Mourn
• Three Types of Sorrow:
A. Natural Sorrow -Comes to rich and poorAbraham wept for a month for Sarah.
B. Unnatural Sorrow -excessive tears are a
shield to protect us from hard knocks
C. Supernatural Sorrow - “It is a supernatural
sorrow that enables a person to recognize his
spiritual bankruptcy and respond in
repentance.”
Godly Sorrow
• II Cor. 7:10 “For godly sorrow worketh
repentance to salvation not to be repented of but
the sorrow of the world worketh death.”
• Sorrow that you got caught is not godly
• Sorrow that you offended a righteous and loving
God is godly sorrow.
• We must beware of an easy dealing with sin.
Saul made an excuse for his sin rather than
facing it honestly and confessing it. (I Sam. 15)
• Two extremes in dealing with sin: Too easy or
Too harsh.
To Mourn
• Mourn=penteo- to grieve ; to wail for the
dead
• Jesus is primarily interested in changing
our hearts more than our condition
First we must mourn over the bankrupt
condition before God
Second we are to mourn over the effects
of our sin.
Three Reasons Why To Mourn
THE PENETRATING POWER OF SIN
a)
Jesus looks at our heart as well as act
b)
c)
Out of the heart come the issues of life
Rules and regulations will not conquer inner sin. Col.2:18/23
THE PERVERTING POWER OF SIN
a)
Matt 5:29 “if your right eye causes you to sin, cast it from you.
b)
c)
Right eye-pleasure….right hand-power
Illustrate: Mary Fisher, Boca Raton,Ford, Estee Lauder, aids
THE PERISHING EFFECT OF SIN
a)
Sin destroys our life and witness- Matt 5:30
b)
Sin will take you to Hell
The Cure for Sin = Mourn
• When you get honest and recognize the evil of
sin and its effects on you, family, society and
weep over it then God will respond to your
repentant attitude
• Comforter=paralete=one called alongside to be
your helper;advocate;comforter
• John 14:16 “he will give you another helper, that he may
abide with you forever.”
• I John 2:1-2 “if anyone sins we have an advocate with
the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous”
THE COMFORTER-THE HOLY SPIRIT
1. The Holy Spirit will give you courage
Acts 4:20 “we cannot but speak.”
2. The Holy Spirit will give you calmness
Acts 27:24 “do not be afraid, you must be brought before
Caesar..”
3. The Holy Spirit will give you
companionship
Heb.13:5 “..I will never leave you, nor forsake you.”
LESSON THREE
FOLLOWING JESUS 101
Blessed Are The Meek
By
Dr. Ray Henry
Key Verses - Meekness
• Matt. 5:5- “Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit
the earth.”
• Matt. 11:29- “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me;
for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest
unto your souls.”
• Numbers 12:3- “Now Moses was very meek, above all
the men which were upon the face of the earth.”
• Gal. 5:22-23- “The fruit of the Spirit is …meekness.”
• Eph 4:2- “With all lowliness and meekness, with
longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.”
• James 1:21- “Receive with meekness the engrafted
word, which is able to save your souls.”
Definition of Meekness
•
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Greek Word is “Praus” meaning:
“Mild” of things
“Tame” of animals
“Gentle” of persons; pleasant
Kindly or lenient
The adverb for”praus” denotes quiet or friendly
composure. The Greeks valued this virtue if
there was a compensating strength.”
THE MEANING OF MEEKNESS
• Jesus was most courageous man, yet
meek…(drove moneychangers out of Temple)
The World hears “Gentle Jesus-Meek and Mild”
• Moses was meek yet got angry at the idolatry of
Israel
• Meekness is not weakness
• Quote: Aristotle in Nicomachean Ethics
•
“Anyone can become angry, that is easy. But to be angry with the right
person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and the in
the right way—this is not easy.”
The Meaning of Meekness
•
Meekness is Power under control.
•
“He
•
•
A.
B.
C.
that is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he that
rulest his spirit than he that taketh a city.” Prov.16:32
“He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is
broken down, and without walls.” Prov.25:28
Ways the Greek word for meekness was used:
A SOOTHING MEDICINE
A GENTLE BREEZE
A COLT THAT WAS BROKEN
– What do all of the above usages have in common-POWER.
– Meekness-Power under Control.
Manifestations of Meekness
POWER UNDER CONTROL
A. ABRAHAM’S DEALING WITH LOT Read Gen. 13:8-9
B. JOSEPH’S DEALING WITH
BROTHERS
C. DAVID’S DEALING WITH KING SAUL
and WITH SHIMEI – I Sam. 24 / II
Sam.16:9
TESTS TO SEE IF YOU HAVE
MEEKNESS
• ATTITUDE TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF LIFE –
Ps.37:11 (Full of difficulties)
• ATTITUDE TOWARDS GOD’S WORD- James 1:21
• ATTITUDE TOWARDS A BROTHER WHO SINS –
GAL.6:1
• ATTITUDE TOWARDS DIVISION IN THE CHURCH –
Eph.4:1-3
• ATTITUDE TOWARDS THOSE WHO DISAGREE
WITH US – II Tim.2:24-25
• ATTITUDE TOWARDS LOST PEOPLE IN
WITNESSING – I Pet. 3:15
MEEKNESS
A FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT TO CULTIVATE
• Meekness is one of the fruits of the Spirit
controlled life.
• Saul of Tarsus was very religious but used his
authority in a hateful evil way to hurt.
• Saul later cultivated meekness by the Spirit. To
the Corinthian church “Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and
in the spirit of meekness and gentleness in Christ.” I Cor.4:21
• To the believers at Galatia,Ephesus,Colossae he
urged them to cultivate meekness.
• He told the pastors-Timothy and Titus to show
meekness
The Reward of Meekness
Inherit the Earth?
• When King Saul was little, God make him great.
When he make himself great, he lost it all.
• David showed a spirit of meekness and God
gave him a crown and everything.
• “To inherit the earth” means to reign as king over
yourself and your circumstances through the
power of the Holy Spirit.” W. Wiersbe
• “When you are meek you seek nothing for self;
and when you seek nothing for self, God gives
you everything.” W. Wiersbe
The Reward of Meekness
“Inherit the Earth”
• God gives us all things to enjoy as we submit to His
Rule and will. See I Cor.3:21-23 “all things are
yours…”
• Meekness is the secret to possessing everything.
• You inherit something when someone dies and leaves
it to you in a will. We died in Christ and now live in
Him and we share in the rich inheritance we have in
Christ.
• The meek person does not fret or fight, he waits on
the Lord and His timing. Ps.37:7,25,34 Joseph
waited on the Lord to exalt him and he inherited it all.
Lesson Four
Following Jesus
101
Blessed Are Those Who
Hunger and Thirst
By
Dr. Ray Henry
Fourth Beatitude
Blessed Are Those Who
Hunger and Thirst-Righteousness
• When you control hunger-you control life
• Find out what a man’s deepest appetite is and
provide it to him, and you control him
• First sign of sickness is loss of appetite
• First sign of regained health- return of appetite
• Doctors/Nurses ask-How is your appetite
• The same is true of spiritual health-How is your
appetite?
Question?
How is your appetite for spiritual things?
• You are just as close to God as you want to
be!
• How much of God do you really want?
• Jesus said “I am the bread of life, he that cometh to me shall never
hunger, and he that believeth in me shall never thirst.” Jn 6:35
• The woman at the well of Samaria sought
satisfaction in relationships
• The prodigal son sought satisfaction in riotious
living-excitement and pleasure.
• An unsaved person has no appetite for the things of
God.
God Satisfies Our Desires
• You are just as spiritual as you want to be
• God will meet us at out point of desire.
• Ps.37:4 “Delight thyself in the Lord and He will
give you the desires of thy heart.”
• A new born Christian as an appetite for the milk
of God’s Word. I Peter 2
• But some never move beyond a child’s appetite
to the meat (maturity) of God’s Word “I have fed
you with milk, and not with meat; for hitherto ye were not
able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.” I Cor. 3:2
Blessed Are Those Who Hunger…
How Can
I
Tell
Whether or not
I have a Spiritual
Appetite?
FIRST- I HAVE A RIGHT A
AFFECTION
• Matt.6:19-21 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth,
where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and
steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…”
• Some people’s affection are for things here on earth only.
• Symbols of wealth are cloths and barns.
• Illustration: Samson wanted pleasure and cloths for winning
the battle. Judges 14:12
• In Jesus’ day agricultural was society’s main business.
• Illustration: Titanic movie-left the jewelry behind for oranges
• Illustration: Guideposts article of a barn burning and horse
went back in fire for safety-he thought.
• Illustration: Twice now hurricanes have destroyed large
beautiful homes in the Gulfport-Biloxi area.
SECOND-YOU WILL HAVE THE
RIGHT ALLEGIANCE
• “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the
other or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot
serve God and mammon.”Matt.6: 24
•
•
•
•
The word serve means a bond-servant, slave.
Song: “You gotta serve somebody”-Bob Dylan
“despise”-means to undervalue
Are you constantly worrying about the things of this
world.
• Biblical Ill.-Daniel’s first allegiance was to his God.
• Illustration: Tom Lester,farm boy from Laurel, MS
who put Christ first even in the parts he took in
Hollywood…Petticoat Junction…Green Acres
THIRD-YOU WILL HAVE THE RIGHT
AMBITION
• Matt.6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His
righteousness…”
• Example: Chuck Colson and Watergate and now
reaches thousands in his books and Prison Fellowship
• “kingdom of God”-the rule of God in your life
• Jesus can never be second and you find deep
satisfaction and fulfillment in life.
• Illustration: Tom Landry-even though he was on a
world champion football team-he never was satisfied
WHAT IS RIGHTEOUSNESS?
IMPARTED RIGHTEOUSNESS
-Our righteousness is as filthy rags
-Jesus becomes our righteousness. I Cor.1:30
Romans 1:16-17 “gospel of Christ…for therein is the
righteousness of God revealed..”
IMPUTED RIGHTEOUSNESS
-This is the righteousness of Christ expressed through
us because we have Him living in us.
-This is letting Christ live a righteous life through us by
the power of the Holy Spirit. Gal.2:20 /Eph.5:18
HOW DO WE HUNGER AND
THIRST?
• By Feeding on God’s Word
• By Daily being filled by the Holy Spirit
• By Walking daily in dependency upon
Christ as your new life…walking by faith
“He that believeth on me, as the scripture
hath said, out of his belly (inner man) shall
flow rivers of living water.’ Jn. 7:38
Lesson Five
Following Jesus
101
Blessed Are The Merciful
“The Boomerang Beatitude”
By
Dr. Ray Henry
The Boomerang Beatitude-Mercy
• Boomerangs can go far out(150ft) and return
• Mercy (Eleemon)=Not merely an expression of
mercy but one who has this attribute because
God indwells.
• An old word for mercy institutions were called
“eleemosynary” institutions.
• Publican- “God be merciful to me a sinner”
• Canaanite mother whose daughter was vexed
by an evil spirit.. “Have mercy on me, O Lord…”
Matt.15:22
The Principle of Proportionate Return
• If you are critical, criticism will return to you
• Example:Dr.Schuller’s advice to women whose
husband was always critical.
• Give a little, get back a little; Give a lot, get back a
lot……..
• Matt. 7:2 “the measure you give is the measure you get”
• Matt.6:15 “If you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither
will Father forgive your trespasses”
• Gal.6:7- “whatever a man sows, that will he also reap”
The Meaning of Merciful
A. THE DEFINITION OF MERCY
1.Grace and Mercy- God in His grace gives me what
I do not deserve. God in His Mercy does not give
me what I deserve.
2.Sinners are saved because of God’s Mercy.
3.Definition of Mercy=“to alleviate the consequences
of sin.”
4.Others say mercy is the “ability to feel with
someone.” Heb. 4:15-16
5.Mercy-literally means “to withhold judgment”
Scripture Verses on Mercy
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•
•
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Lam.3:22 “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed.”
Ps. 23:6 “surely goodness and mercy shall follow
Ps 85:10 “mercy and truth aqree met together..”
Micah 7:18 “who is God like unto thee, that pardoned iniquity, and passed
by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not his
anger forever, because he delighteth in mercy.”
• Hab. 3:2 “in wrath remember mercy”
• Hosea 6:6/Matt.9:13 “ I desire mercy, not sacrifice”
• Romans 9:15 “I will have mercy upon whomever I will have mercy..”
• II Cor. 1:3 “the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort”
• James 3:17 “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then
peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits.”
• Col. 3:12 “put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and
beloved, bowels of mercies.”
• Heb.4:16 “let us come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain
mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
BIBLICAL EXAMPLES-MERCY
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•
•
•
ABRAHAM AND LOT
JOSEPH AND HIS BROTHERS
DAVID WITH KING SAUL
JESUS AND WOMAN CAUGHT IN
ADULTTERY
• GREATEST EXAMPLE-JESUS ON THE
CROSS
Characteristics of A Pure Heart
• A pure heart means an undivided
heart.
• A pure heart trusts only in the Lord.
• A pure heart does not lust after sinful
relationships.
• A pure heart does not focus on earthly
riches for riches sake.
Characteristics of A Merciful Person
•
Parable of the Good Samaritan-Lk 10:37
•
Not just an emotional response. It is not just pity, but pity plus action
•
HE IS KIND IN CRITCISM AND JUDGMENT
.
1. Judge not, that you be not judged” Mt.7:1 2. Ill. Lady and
Cookies 3. James 1:19 .. “slow to speak, slow to wrath” 4.Get the
beam of self-righteousness out first
HE IS READY TO FORGIVE 1. “If you not forgive
men their trespasses,neither will you father forgive your trespasses.”
2. Ill. Sir Perciful Lowell-astronomer-saw own blood vessels, not
canals on moon.
HE GIVES HIMSELF TO MEET NEEDS OF
PERSON- 1.Example-Good Samaritan. 2.I Jn 3:18
Three Reasons Not To Judge
1. I EXPOSE MYSELF TO
JUDGMENT
2. WE RAISE THE STANDARD OF
MY OWN JUDGMENT
3. WE ARE INCAPABLE
Modern Day Example
Mother Teresa
• Felt a call to Christian work
• Went to convent in Calcutta, India
• Left convent to go minister to the dying on the streets of
Calcutta
• She had nothing-given an empty Hindu temple-started
Sisters of charity
• Today she helps over 10,000 people in 28 clinics worldwide
• Asked if she was happy “Nothing makes you happier than
when you really reach out in mercy to someone who is
really badly hurt.”
• “Blessed (happy) are the merciful, for they shall obtain
mercy.” Matt.5:7
Lesson Six
Following Jesus
101
Blessed Are The Pure In Heart
By
Dr. Ray Henry
Pure In Heart
• Biblical psychology is not always scientifically precise.
• The heart in the Bible is not the organ in the body.
• The Greek word for hear is Kardia
(From which we get cardiologist; electrocardiograph; cardiac..)
• In some places heart refers to the whole person. (Acts 14:17;
James 5:5; Luke 21:34; Romans 8:27)
• In other places it refers to emotions. John 14:1/Neh.2:2
• In other places it refers to the intellect. Mk 2:8
• In other places it refers to the will or volition.
• Dan.1:8 “Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile
himself”
• Quote: “The heart simply means the inner man with many
functions.” W. Wiersbe
The Heart is Key To Christian Life
• The heart is where salvation is experienced.
Rom.10:9
• The heart is the center for Christian living.
A. Do the will of God from the heart. Eph. 6:6
B. The Pharisees were concerned with outward show
and formality. Matt.15:8
C. The heart is the source of all trouble.
D. God looks on the heart. I Sam 13:14/ 16:7
E. David’s heart was single, not sinless.
Hearts Can Be Changed
• Our hearts produce evil thoughts. Mt.15:19
• The first to seeing God is admitting our
hearts need changing. Jerm.24:7
• God gave Saul a new heart. I Sam.10:9
• Being born-again is partaking of the new
divine nature that changes us on the
inside. John 3:1-7 and II Pet. 1:4
• When we trusted in Jesus, He sets a seal
on our hearts. II Cor.1:22
What Is A “Pure” Heart?
•
•
•
•
•
The word for pure in Greek= katharos
Two Basic Meaning:
1.Clean as to pure from defilement; not contamiated
2.Unmixed as to sincere-no ulterior motive
A cathartic is an agent used by doctor for the cleansing of the
physical system.
• Example: Nathaniel was a man “without guile” Jn 1:47
“no deceit; double motive)
• Example: Jesus “neither was guile found in his mouth” I
Pet.2:22
• Example:David had a single motive; his heart was fixed
to please the Lord. Ps.57:5,7, 11
• “David did not have a sinless heart, but he did have a
single heart”
W. Wiersbe
Qualifications for A Pure Heart
• Must be Conscious of the Presence of God
– Our Work Must Be Sincere
– Example: Annias & Sapphira
– Our Work Must be Secret (as to the Lord,not show)Matt.6:5-6,16
– Example: Revival in Mobile-young girls tears
• Must be Content with Praise from the Father
– Example: Missionary Couple returning
– Song; “Thanks”
THE PURE- SEE GOD
• Seeing God is one of the Highest Blessing
A. Moses- “I beseech thee, show me thy glory”
Exod.33:18
B. David- “As the hart panteth after the water
brooks, so my soul panteth after thee…when
shall I come and appear before God” Ps 42
C. Phillip- “Show us the Father, and it is enough
for us.” Jn.14:8
Can God Be Seen?
• God to Moses- “Thou canst not see my face, for there shall no
man see my face and live” Exod.33:20
• Paul in the third Heaven- “who only hath immortality,
dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom
no man hath seen, nor can see.” I Tim.6:16
• Perhaps we can only see God by a vision or revelation:
• ISAIAH HAD A VISION OF THE LORD- ISA.6
• JOB HAD A VISION- JOB 42:5-6
• JOHN HAD A REVELATION OF GOD ON THE ISLE OF
PATMUS – REV.1:13-18 and REV.22:4 (Heavens servants can
see His Face)
SEEING GOD – THE MEANING
• When the heart is pure, our eyes are open to the
vision of God wherever He may appear.
• Jesus is promising us a vision of God in the here
and now.
• “The Christ-filled man recognizes the hidden perfections
and purposes of the Creator and Redeemer working in
and through all things, evil and good, and will fix his
“pure eye” on that. The One who originally made all
things “good” is still at work in all to consummate His
Final stated purpose, to “gather together in one all things
in Christ…” N.Grubb TOUCHING THE INVISIBLE
SEEING GOD- THE MEANING
• “I cannot keep calling things “the permissive will of God.”
God does more than permit. He does not stand by and
allow a thing to happen. He ordains it…We are to first
see Christ only in ourselves through grace. Then we see
Christ only in all men, either shutting them up in their
unbelief that he may have mercy on them(Rom.11:32) or
Christ being formed in those who have obtained mercy.
Finally we see Him only in all things.”
• “Faith sees differently. Faith sees Jesus in them..Faith
sees Jesus resolving problems or providing needs. Do
we see need or God supplying need?”
• N. Grubb GOD UNLIMITED
WHERE DO YOU SEE GOD?
•
WE SEE GOD IN CIRCUMSTANCES
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–
–
–
•
Rom.8:28
I Thes. 5:18
II Cor. 2:14
Illustration: Raymond Edman
WE SEE GOD IN CREATION
–
–
Ps.19:1
Ps.29:10
WE SEE GOD IN OTHERS
Jesus was a magnet for sinners. Why? His attitude towards sinners was to regard
him as a prodigal son or a lost sheep. Lk.15
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WE SEE GOD IN THE MARCH OF EVENTS IN THE WORLD
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Ps.105 and 106 Saw God in History or His People
“History is His Story.” Dr. A.T. Pierson
Jesus birth was a fulfillment of His Plan and His flight to Egypt and his growing up in
Nazareth and His death-all God’s plan.
TO SEE GOD IS TO SEE HIS GLORY IN ALL THINGS.
LESSON SEVEN
Following Jesus
101
Blessed Are The Peacemakers
By
Dr. Ray Henry
Review of Beatitudes
• Poor In Spirit – One who is conscious of his absolute
poverty of spirit and need of God.
• Mourn- One who recognizes his spiritual bankruptcy and
responds in repentance.
• Meek- One who reigns over his own spirit(Power under
control) whom God gives everything.
• Hunger and Thirst- An intense desire for God and
righteousness results in fulfillment.
• Merciful- As one forgives and withholds judgment on
others it comes back to him.
• Pure in Heart- When our eyes are single they recognize
God in His Kingdom working in others, circumstnaces,
events and all of life.
The Peacemakers
• The Bible opens in peace and ends in peace.
• Peace is much more than an absence of war.
There is peace in a cemetery.
• Shalom= a Jewish greeting that contains a
desire for all the goodness that God can give, a
total well-being be bestowed.
• In over 3000 years of recorded history there has
been only 8% years of peace.
• Over 8000 peace treaties have been broken.
The Source of Peace
• Six times in NT, he is called the “God of Peace.”
God is the source of peace.
• He is the God of Peace as to:
– As to HIS NATURE-God is at perfect peace with
Himself. “Jehovah-shalom-the Lord is our peace.”
Judges 6:24
– As to His Will- God’s thoughts toward us are for
peace and purpose, not judgment.
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the
Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an
expected end.” Jerm.29:11
Jesus Christ is God’s Peacemaker
• His Birth-The angels announce “peace on
earth and good will toward men.” Lk.2
• Jesus made peace by His Death on
Cross-Eph.2:14-17
• Jesus bequeathed peace to disciples.
Jn.14:27
• The Holy Spirit supplies the peace in our
hearts as He is in control. Gal.5:22
The Enemy of Peace is Sin
• There is war in our hearts and with others
because of selfish desires and sin. Jam. 4
• Trouble comes when a Christian gets out of the
will of God.
• Example: Abraham- goes to Egypt during famine…..NO
PEACE
• Example:Lot- pitched his tent to Sodom…NO PEACE
• Example:Jonah- ran the wrong way…NO PEACE
• A Believer living in sin and rebellion causes trouble.
• “The work of righteousness shall be peace.” Isa.32:17
The Minister of Peace-Christians
• Having received peace with God through Christ, we are
to become peacemakers.
• We are no longer at war with God, self or others.
Rom.5:1 and Phil.4:7
• The Peace of God is to rule in our hearts-be the umpire
in our lives. Col.3:15
• This peacemaking begins by controlling anger. Hatred
begins with anger. Do you desire to win the argument or
win the brother. Matt.5:25 and Prov.18:19 and Prov.16:32
• Leave vengence to God, learn to win over enemies by
doing good to them. Rom.12:19-21
The Blessing of Peace-Godliness
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“the
peacemakers, shall be called the children of God.”
Matt.5:9
God the Father is the great peacemaker.
Children are like their parents. We resemble our Father
in Heaven when we are peacemakers.
Hatred cannot conquer hatred. Only love can conquer
hatred.
When the world sees us love them like Christ, we reflect
the Father and His Glory to them by the help of the Holy
Spirit.
• Rom.8:14.. “for as many are led by the Spirit of God, they are the
sons of God.”
• John 13:34-35..”By this shall all men know that you are my disciples,
if you have love for one another.”
HOW DO I HAVE A PEACEABLE
SPIRIT?
• FIRST-PUT AWAY ALL ENVY – James 3:16117 Envy and jealousy fears that others may get
what we have.
• SECOND- PUT AWAY ALL STRIFE- Strife is
seeking to get others to join in on our bitterness.
I Cor.3:3
• THIRD- PUT AWAY ALL BITTERNESS -In trials,
you either become bitter or better.
– Trials produce perseverance- James 1:2-3
- Trials drive us to depend on the Lord- II Cor.1:8-9
- Trials bring maturity attained no other way. Jam 1:4
HOW DO WE BECOME
PEACEMAKERS
• FIRST- REFUSE TO LISTEN TO GOSSIP
OR EVIL TALK- “The wisdom from above
is pure, then peaceable.” Jam.3;17
• SECOND- WORDS MUST BE SPOKEN
IN LOVE AND KINDNESS- Prov.15:1
• THIRD- WE MUST SEEK TO BE FREE
OF OFFENSE TOWARDS GOD AND
MAN – Acts 24:16 / Rom.12:17-21