IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

"blessed Are..."

Date: Mar. 20, 2015

Passage

Matthew 5:1-12  (ESV)

Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.

And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

“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.

Daily Bread

Key Verse: 5:3

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

First, the Beatitudes (1-10). Blessed means happy; not a feeling based on the situation, but a state of well-being in relationship with God. Jesus begins with the poor in spirit-those who recognize they need God's help-receive the kingdom of heaven. Mourning for sin will bring comfort. Meek is not weak; but receives the earth. Longing for God will bring satisfaction. Mercy is reciprocated. Pure hearts will see God. Peacemakers are God's children. Persecution is evidence of kingdom citizenship. This is the character of Jesus, and the description of his kingdom's community. Following King Jesus makes us truly happy.

Second, "...because of me" (11-12). Singling out his disciples, Jesus says they are blessed because persecution identifies them as belonging to him. This is real blessing, bringing rejoicing, and confidence in our great reward.

Prayer: Father, I want to be blessed. Help me to be humble and honest about my need for Jesus.

One Word: Theirs is the kingdom of heaven

Daily Bread

The Lamb Will Triumph

Revelation 17:1-18

Key Verse: 17:14

They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.”

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Intro Daily