BEATITUDES: THOSE WHO MOURN

(Message by Tanny Keng)

1. The Beatitudes

a) In Matthew 5:1-12, the term "beatitude" means a state of great blessedness, or a saying that expresses that state. Blessedness is more than happiness.

b) These beatitudes lay down certain conditions in which God will give us his blessing and peace — an abiding joy not subject to the changing fortunes of this world. Blessedness is bestowed by God intentionally and purposefully, and it is sought from God in the same manner.

c) We must seek blessedness. It won't just “happen.”

2. Those Who Mourn

Matthew 5:4
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." (Matthew 5:4).

a) There are many things that may give the righteous cause for grief and mourning. Jesus himself was "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief" (Isaiah 53:3). One might go further and say that without some grief and trouble we cannot know deep joy. Through enduring trouble and heartaches we learn peace and come closer to God. "Through much tribulation we must enter the kingdom" (Acts 14:22). "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience" (James 1:2-3).


The End ...

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