QT 9/4/2024 Matt 5:3-12, What do we truly seek?

Matthew 5:3–12 (ESV) — 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

 

NOTE: Another way of saying "blessed are" is to say "it is good that you are." So,

1. It is good you are poor in spirit,
2. It is good that you mourn,
3. It is good that you are meek,
4. It is good that you hunger and thirst for righteousness,
5. It is good that you are merciful,
6. It is good that you are pure in heart,
7. It is good that you are peacemakers,
8. It is good that you are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
9. It is good that others revile you and speak falsely against you,

Rejoice, for so they have treated the prophets before you.

 

Somewhere along the line, we changed Christianity and made it into a middle-class comfortable life promise. It is NOT. It is not this world plus God. It is God alone that should be our desire and focus. We do not live for this world.

 

PONDER:

1. How can we tell what we seek? Look at how we spend our time to know the inner heart.
2. How can we tell what our priorities are? Look at what comes first.

 

PRAYER: Father, I am guilty of seeking the wrong things in life. I once again come back to you. I want you and you first.