A Sermon of Attitudes (pt. 5)

The characteristics of the beatitudes helps one approach God by having a humble, sorrowful, meek, and hungering heart for righteousness. The blessings of such character is seen in salvation. The first four beatitudes help one in coming to Christ.

The Christian heart will then want to give and do for others. Mercy will flow from God: “The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth” (Exodus 34:6). Paul refers to God as “the Father of mercies…” (2 Cor. 1:3).  The next four beatitudes show the change that has come about in the individual’s life who has obeyed the Gospel: we become merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, and will withstand any persecution for Christ’s sake.

May we learn that our needs will be met as we show compassion, care, and love for others. Mercy shows forth a desire to provide relief for others in their time of need. Jesus says that the reward for showing mercy is mercy. May the God of Heaven be pleased with attitude of mercy.

~Wayne Rodgers

A Sermon of Attitudes (pt. 2)

Those who are open to truly hearing God’s Word would be considered “poor in spirit.” This seems to be the attitude where one’s walk with God begins. Without this attitude of humility and reverence, one will not likely seek the kingdom nor the righteousness of God (Mt. 6:33). Those who have a sense of their own unworthiness before a holy God are most likely to be “poor in spirit.”

Humility has blessings to be enjoyed by the disciple of Christ. James reminds us of the same thought: “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will lift you up” (Jms. 4:10). Jesus taught that the blessing of this attitude is “the kingdom of heaven” (Mt. 5:3). When we learn to see ourselves as God sees us, we can adjust our attitude so that we might not only enter into the kingdom of heaven through humble obedience, but also be meet for the Master’s use.

-Wayne Rodgers