The Beatitudes "Blessed Are the Pure in Heart" Matthew 5:8 The Beatitudes should be seen as a discipleship manual. He is saying living in my upside-down kingdom you will be blessed/happy when you are: - Poor in Spirit (kingdom/heaven is yours) - Mourn (they will be comforted) - Humble (they will inherit the earth) - Hunger and thirst for righteousness (they will be filled) - Merciful (they will be shown mercy) Matthew 5:8 As followers of Jesus we are called to live pure lives. - There is “purity” that is provided for us in salvation. Psalm 24:2-6 - Jesus is speaking of the “purity” that is provided for us in sanctification. - We are commanded to “be holy” as He is Holy. 1 Peter 1:15-16 - Holy is the Hebrew word qadowsh and the Greek word hagios - it means to “be set apart” or “to be completely pure” “Pure” is the Greek word kathairō (it means:) - to be clean or pure. - free from sin or guilt. - blameless / innocent / unstained / nothing false. - that which is not forbidden. (O.T. Law—Leviticus) As followers of Jesus we are called to live pure through the transformation of our heart. - Jesus clearly puts the focus on the heart—not the outward works of the law. - Our “heart” (Grk. kardia) means the “seat and center of all life.” (Physical and Spiritual) - In Matthew 15 Jesus condemns the Pharisees for placing tradition (the law) over truth. - The Pharisees believed purity was found in ritual (outward acts). v. 1-2 Jesus’ disciples didn’t follow the ritual washing of hands. - Jesus taught that purity is found in relationship (inward transformation). v.7ff “honor with lips—but their heart is far from me”. Matthew 15:15-20 - We should seek to daily live in purity from a heart that has been transformed by our relationship with Jesus. Proverbs 4:23 “above all else guard your heart, for out of it flow all the issues of life.” Psalm 119:9-11 As followers of Jesus, who seek to live pure in heart, we will see God! - The word “see” (Grk. opsontai) has a very interesting meaning: - It can mean to see with our physical eyes. - One day we will see Him with our eyes! - Jesus is talking about us “Seeing God” through experience. . We are able to perceive spiritual things—the things of God! . We are able to know the intimacy of God! - Happy and Blessed disciples who are pure in heart: . see God in His created world— The Heavens and The Earth . see God in His written revelation— The Bible . see God in His visible Bride— The Church . see God in His unseen nature— His Attributes Next Steps: - Let us seek to live holy and pure—not from legalism! - Let us be pure in heart—from a love and devotion to Our Great God! - Each day pray “give me a pure heart so I can see you today!”