Embracing a New Nature Through the Beatitudes

 

Summary

In today's exploration of the Beatitudes from Matthew 5, we delved into the profound implications of living a life aligned with God's standards rather than our own. The Beatitudes, which mean blessings, are not just ethical guidelines but a call to a new nature, free from the curse of the fall. Before the fall, Adam and Eve lived in a state of God-dependence, where God was the sole determiner of good and evil. However, the fall introduced a self-determined morality, leading humanity to a state of confusion and conflict over what is truly good.

We examined the concept of being "pure in heart," which is not about external righteousness or legalistic adherence to rules, but about an inner motivation that seeks God above all else. This purity of heart is about aligning our desires, will, and emotions with God's will, leading to a life that reflects His nature. The Pharisees, despite their outward piety, lacked this purity because their actions were motivated by self-interest rather than a genuine pursuit of God.

Furthermore, we discussed the role of peacemakers, who are called blessed because they reflect the reconciling work of Christ. Peacemaking is not about avoiding conflict but actively seeking reconciliation and unity, even when it is difficult. This mirrors the work of Christ, who reconciled us to God through His sacrifice, offering us a new nature that enables us to live out these Beatitudes.

The Beatitudes challenge us to examine our hearts and motivations. Are we living for ourselves, determining our own standards of good and evil, or are we seeking God's kingdom and His righteousness? The call is to embrace a new nature, one that is marked by humility, purity, and a desire for God above all else. This new nature is not about moral perfection but about a heart transformed by God's grace, leading to a life that reflects His kingdom values.

Key Takeaways:

1. God as the Sole Determiner of Good and Evil: Before the fall, Adam and Eve lived in a state of God-dependence, where God determined what was good. The fall introduced self-determined morality, leading to confusion and conflict. We must return to a God-centered understanding of good and evil. [03:12]

2. Purity of Heart: True purity is not about external righteousness but an inner motivation that seeks God above all else. The Pharisees' outward piety was motivated by self-interest, lacking genuine pursuit of God. We must align our desires, will, and emotions with God's will. [14:10]

3. The Role of Peacemakers: Peacemakers are blessed because they reflect Christ's reconciling work. Peacemaking involves actively seeking reconciliation and unity, even when difficult, mirroring Christ's sacrifice that reconciled us to God. [23:05]

4. The New Nature in Christ: The Beatitudes call us to embrace a new nature, marked by humility, purity, and a desire for God. This new nature is not about moral perfection but a heart transformed by God's grace, reflecting His kingdom values. [32:54]

5. Facing Persecution for Righteousness: Living according to Christ's standards will inevitably lead to persecution. This persecution is a sign of our alignment with God's kingdom, and we are called to rejoice in the face of it, knowing our reward is great in heaven. [33:09]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:49] - Introduction to the Beatitudes
- [01:45] - The Source of Morality
- [02:18] - Life Before the Fall
- [03:12] - God as the Determiner of Good and Evil
- [05:30] - The Fall and Self-Determined Morality
- [06:39] - The Consequences of the Fall
- [08:21] - Society's Struggle with Morality
- [09:15] - God's Proclamation of Good
- [10:38] - Blessed are the Pure in Heart
- [12:35] - Psalm 24 and Purity of Heart
- [14:10] - Inner Motivation and Purity
- [19:00] - The Impure Heart
- [21:06] - The Reward of Seeing God
- [23:05] - Blessed are the Peacemakers
- [26:34] - The Greatest Peacemaker
- [29:41] - Reconciliation Through Christ
- [32:54] - The Call to a New Nature
- [33:09] - Persecution for Righteousness
- [35:57] - Willingness to Suffer for Righteousness
- [39:34] - Invitation to Rest in Christ

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 5:8-10
2. Psalm 24:3-5
3. Colossians 1:21-22

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Observation Questions:

1. What does it mean to be "pure in heart" according to Matthew 5:8, and how does this differ from the Pharisees' understanding of purity? [10:38]

2. How does the sermon describe the role of peacemakers in reflecting Christ's work? What specific actions are associated with peacemaking? [23:05]

3. In the sermon, what is said about the consequences of living according to Christ's standards, particularly in relation to persecution? [33:09]

4. How does Psalm 24:3-5 define the characteristics of those who can stand in God's holy place, and how does this relate to the concept of purity of heart discussed in the sermon? [12:35]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon suggest that self-determined morality leads to confusion and conflict, and what is the proposed solution to this issue? [03:12]

2. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between inner motivation and outward actions in the context of purity of heart? How can this be applied to modern Christian life? [14:10]

3. How does the sermon describe the new nature in Christ, and what are the implications of this new nature for a believer's life? [32:54]

4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that peacemaking is more than just avoiding conflict, and how does this align with the example of Christ? [23:05]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you have been determining good and evil for yourself rather than seeking God's guidance? How can you begin to shift your perspective to align more with God's standards? [03:12]

2. Consider your motivations for your actions. Are there areas where your outward actions do not match your inner desires for God? What steps can you take to align your heart more closely with God's will? [14:10]

3. Think about a current conflict or tension in your life. How can you actively pursue peacemaking in this situation, even if it is difficult? What specific actions can you take to reflect Christ's reconciling work? [23:05]

4. Have you ever faced persecution or criticism for living according to Christ's standards? How did you respond, and what can you learn from that experience to better handle future challenges? [33:09]

5. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle with humility, purity, or a desire for God. What practical steps can you take this week to cultivate a heart transformed by God's grace? [32:54]

6. How can you support others in your community who are striving to live out the Beatitudes? What role can you play in encouraging and uplifting them in their journey? [32:54]

7. Reflect on the concept of a "new nature" in Christ. What does this mean for your daily life, and how can you embrace this new nature more fully in your interactions with others? [32:54]

Devotional

Day 1: Returning to God-Determined Morality
In a world where self-determined morality often leads to confusion and conflict, we are called to return to a God-centered understanding of good and evil. Before the fall, Adam and Eve lived in a state of God-dependence, where God was the sole determiner of what was good. The fall introduced a self-determined morality, leading humanity into a state of confusion and conflict over what is truly good. By aligning ourselves with God's standards, we can find clarity and peace in His divine wisdom. [03:12]

Isaiah 5:20-21 (ESV): "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight!"

Reflection: In what areas of your life have you been relying on your own understanding of good and evil? How can you begin to seek God's wisdom and guidance in these areas today?


Day 2: Seeking Purity of Heart
True purity is not about external righteousness or legalistic adherence to rules, but about an inner motivation that seeks God above all else. The Pharisees, despite their outward piety, lacked this purity because their actions were motivated by self-interest rather than a genuine pursuit of God. We are called to align our desires, will, and emotions with God's will, leading to a life that reflects His nature. This purity of heart is about seeking God with sincerity and allowing His presence to transform us from the inside out. [14:10]

Psalm 51:10-12 (ESV): "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit."

Reflection: What are the motivations behind your actions and decisions? Are they aligned with a genuine pursuit of God, or are they driven by self-interest? How can you invite God to purify your heart today?


Day 3: Embracing the Role of Peacemakers
Peacemakers are blessed because they reflect the reconciling work of Christ. Peacemaking is not about avoiding conflict but actively seeking reconciliation and unity, even when it is difficult. This mirrors the work of Christ, who reconciled us to God through His sacrifice, offering us a new nature that enables us to live out these Beatitudes. As peacemakers, we are called to be agents of reconciliation in our relationships and communities, embodying the love and grace of Christ. [23:05]

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (ESV): "All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation."

Reflection: Is there a relationship in your life that needs reconciliation? How can you take a step towards being a peacemaker in that situation today?


Day 4: Embracing a New Nature in Christ
The Beatitudes call us to embrace a new nature, marked by humility, purity, and a desire for God. This new nature is not about moral perfection but a heart transformed by God's grace, reflecting His kingdom values. By embracing this new nature, we are empowered to live a life that is aligned with God's will and purpose, experiencing the fullness of His blessings. This transformation is a journey of continual growth and surrender to God's work in our lives. [32:54]

Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Reflection: What aspects of your old nature do you need to let go of in order to embrace the new nature in Christ? How can you actively pursue this transformation in your daily life?


Day 5: Rejoicing in Persecution for Righteousness
Living according to Christ's standards will inevitably lead to persecution. This persecution is a sign of our alignment with God's kingdom, and we are called to rejoice in the face of it, knowing our reward is great in heaven. Embracing persecution for righteousness' sake is a testament to our faith and commitment to living out the values of God's kingdom, even when it is challenging. It is an opportunity to demonstrate the strength and resilience that comes from a life rooted in Christ. [33:09]

1 Peter 4:12-14 (ESV): "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you."

Reflection: How do you typically respond to persecution or opposition for your faith? What steps can you take to cultivate a spirit of rejoicing and resilience in the face of such challenges?

Quotes



Before the fall though life was different Adam and Eve weren't consumed with knowing good from wrong, they weren't consumed with just knowing reality they knew God God himself and it talks about God walking in the cool of the day with Adam and Eve life before the fall was Paradise it was God dependent. [00:02:47]

God was the sole determiner of Good and Evil Beauty and disaster, welfare and destruction value and worthlessness it was all God. You ever felt worthless before and just think about that where did you get that feeling from where in society has it been given to you the idea that you might be worthless? [00:03:12]

We are not the determiner of what is good only God can truly determine that and this is what we desperately need for God to Proclaim over our life good just like he did in the creation week we want to hear those those words well done my good and faithful servant. [00:09:15]

Purity of heart is more than just morally upright person who like the Pharisees can follow every letter of the law following legal codes is no indicator of godliness you probably know a person who can do every little thing right you know that person who's the perfectionist but what motivates that perfectionism? [00:13:23]

Purity of heart refers to the inner motivation that that inner self the word heart in the Bible has to do with three realities you could say of the human person the mind the will and the emotions what we believe what we want and what do the heart is the center of all three of those things. [00:14:10]

Pharisee pursuit of the knowledge of Good and Evil is not what purity of heart is it is the pursuit of God himself not goodness, godliness that is purity of heart purity of heart means the outward acts of righteousness match the inward yearning for God. [00:15:05]

Peacemaking is defined by one commentator the work of reconciling two alienated parties or taking two enemies and bringing them into a relationship of unity and Harmony peacemaking as we're going to see later on in this chapter in the rest of the Sermon on the Mount is the one who is first to apologize. [00:23:05]

Peacemaking is hard work and it's not merely avoiding conflict but it's running headlong into it and making reconciliation there's a story about two men who lived in a small village and got into a terrible dispute they couldn't resolve so they T decided to go to the the town elder or Sage. [00:24:24]

The greatest Peacemaker of all time we know is the Lord Jesus Christ we were at war with God himself we dethroned God so to speak in our lives to make us the determiner of good for us this led to ruin and misery but we would rather reain in our hell you think about that. [00:26:34]

The only way that reconciliation is possible is because what the Lord Jesus did for us Jesus lived the life we could never live he lived perfectly he lived life he he lived the law yes but the law properly he lived in light of God not in some self-determination of goodness. [00:27:36]

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account rejoice and be glad for your reward is great in heaven. [00:33:09]

These Beatitudes that we've explored over the last three sermons are are qualities they're markers if you will of a new nature do you possess this new nature are you poor in spirit pure in heart hungering and thirsting for righteousness notice these are indicators not of an external right. [00:36:17]

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Transcript
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