Living as Saints: Embracing God's Radical Blessedness

Devotional

Day 1: The Beatitudes: Living as the Blessed in God’s Kingdom

Jesus’ words in the Beatitudes reveal a radical vision of blessedness that stands in stark contrast to the world’s values. Those who are poor in spirit, who mourn, who are meek, and who hunger and thirst for righteousness are called blessed—not because of their circumstances, but because they belong to the kingdom of heaven and are recipients of God’s grace. This blessedness is not earned by good deeds or spiritual achievements, but is a gift given to those who trust in Christ. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to embrace these “how-to-be” attitudes, living out our faith with humility, mercy, and a longing for God’s justice, knowing that God’s promises are for us now and forever. [16:06]

Matthew 5:3-12 (ESV)
“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.
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, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Reflection: Which Beatitude do you most struggle to embody, and what is one practical step you can take today to live out that “how-to-be” attitude in your relationships or community?

Day 2: Baptism: God’s Irrevocable Promise and Our Lifelong Response

Baptism is God’s gracious act of welcoming us into the communion of saints, marking us as beloved and promising us blessings that can never be taken away. Yet, this gift is not meant to be ignored or left dormant; it calls for a lifelong response of faith, growth, and participation in the life of the church. Whether baptized as a child or as an adult, each person is invited to continually say “yes” to God’s promise, to be nurtured in faith through worship, learning, and service, and to remember that God’s claim on us is the foundation of our identity and hope. [18:53]

Romans 6:3-4 (ESV)
“Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”

Reflection: How can you intentionally remember and live out your baptismal identity today, especially in a situation where you might be tempted to forget God’s claim on you?

Day 3: Grace and Forgiveness: New Life Is Always Possible

No matter how often we have failed or how large our offenses, God’s grace in Christ offers us forgiveness and the chance for new life. The assurance of God’s mercy means that our past mistakes—broken relationships, regrets, or seasons of wandering—do not define us. Repentance opens the door to restoration, and God’s promises are fulfilled in the lives of those who trust in Him. As recipients of such abundant grace, we are called to reflect this truth in our attitudes toward others, extending mercy and forgiveness as we have received. [22:47]

1 John 1:8-9 (ESV)
“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Reflection: Is there a past failure or regret that you need to bring before God today, trusting in His forgiveness and allowing Him to begin a new work in your life?

Day 4: Meekness, Mercy, and Peacemaking: The Way of Christ

Followers of Jesus are called to be meek and merciful, not vindictive or intent on revenge. True strength is found in humility and the willingness to seek peace, even when wronged or misunderstood. Instead of escalating arguments or holding grudges, we are invited to be peacemakers—those who end conflict with words of apology and forgiveness, modeling the attitude of Christ who did not retaliate but showed undeserved kindness. This way of living brings peace not only with others, but also within ourselves, as we rest in God’s acceptance and love. [24:05]

James 3:17-18 (ESV)
“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”

Reflection: Think of a recent conflict or tension—how can you take a step toward peace and mercy today, even if it means humbling yourself or offering forgiveness first?

Day 5: The Communion of Saints: Living and Reaching Out as God’s People

As members of the communion of saints, we are united with all believers—past, present, and future—in a worshiping, caring, and learning community. This identity calls us to reach out to all people, imitating Christ’s undeserved kindness and seeking to serve those on the margins of society. Our faith is not a private possession but a gift to be shared, as we strive to do unto others as we would have them do unto us. In every season of life, we are called to say “yes” to God’s claim on us, living out our faith in tangible acts of love and service. [26:32]

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Reflection: Who is someone outside your usual circle whom you can reach out to with Christ’s kindness this week, and what specific action can you take to show them they are beloved by God?

Sermon Summary

Today, as we gather on All Saints Sunday, we remember those who have gone before us into God’s eternal presence and reflect on what it means to live as saints in the world today. The Beatitudes from Matthew’s Gospel remind us that God’s definition of blessedness is radically different from the world’s. Jesus calls “blessed” those who are poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, the merciful, the peacemakers, and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. These are not the people the world typically celebrates, but in God’s kingdom, they are honored and cherished.

Our baptism marks us as members of the communion of saints, a promise from God that is irrevocable. Yet, this gift is not something to be ignored or taken for granted. It is meant to shape our lives, to draw us into deeper faith, and to form in us the “how-to-be” attitudes that Jesus describes. From childhood through adulthood, we are called to grow in faith, to be spiritually nourished, and to live out our calling as God’s beloved people.

Being a saint is not about perfection or boasting in our own goodness. Rather, it is about recognizing our need for God’s grace, living as spiritual beggars who hunger for righteousness, and trusting in the forgiveness and new life that Christ offers. No matter our failures or how far we may have wandered, God’s grace is abundant and always available. This grace transforms us, making us merciful, meek, and eager to seek peace rather than conflict.

Following Jesus may sometimes bring misunderstanding or even ridicule, but we are called to rejoice even in suffering, knowing that we are walking in the footsteps of Christ and the saints who have gone before us. Our blessedness is not just a future hope but a present reality, rooted in God’s claim on our lives. Each day, we are invited to say “yes” to God, to imitate Christ’s kindness, and to reach out in love to all people as a worshiping, caring, and learning community.

Key Takeaways

1. The Beatitudes reveal that God’s idea of blessedness is often the opposite of what the world values. True blessedness is found not in wealth, power, or comfort, but in humility, mercy, and a deep longing for God’s righteousness. This challenges us to re-examine our own attitudes and priorities in light of Christ’s teaching. [18:03]
2. Baptism is God’s irrevocable promise that we belong to the communion of saints, but it is also an invitation to a lifelong journey of faith. We are called to continually grow, to be spiritually nourished, and to let God’s promise shape our daily lives, regardless of our age or stage in faith. [20:03]
3. Living as saints means recognizing our spiritual poverty and our need for God’s grace. We do not boast in our own achievements but come before God as beggars, trusting in forgiveness and new life. This humility opens us to receive God’s blessings and to extend grace to others. [22:07]
4. The grace we receive from God is meant to be reflected in our relationships. We are called to be meek and merciful, to seek peace rather than revenge, and to end conflict with words of reconciliation. This is not weakness, but the strength of Christ at work in us, enabling us to love as he loved. [24:05]
5. Suffering for the sake of Christ is not a sign of failure but of faithfulness. When we face ridicule or hardship because of our commitment to Jesus, we are invited to rejoice, knowing that we share in the legacy of the saints and that God’s peace is with us even in adversity. [25:13]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:31] - Announcements and Upcoming Events
[02:37] - Outdoor Communion and In-Person Worship Plans
[03:55] - Confession and Forgiveness
[09:40] - Opening Prayer and Psalm
[16:06] - Reading of the Beatitudes
[17:09] - What Are the Beatitudes?
[18:03] - God’s Attitude vs. The World’s
[18:53] - The Gift and Responsibility of Baptism
[20:03] - Lifelong Growth in Faith
[21:03] - The Faith of a Saint
[22:07] - Humility and Spiritual Poverty
[22:47] - Grace, Forgiveness, and New Life
[24:05] - Meekness, Mercy, and Peacemaking
[25:13] - Rejoicing in Suffering and the Legacy of the Saints
[26:32] - Living the “How-to-be” Attitude
[33:03] - Prayers for the Church and the World
[37:48] - Offering and Musical Reflection
[40:36] - Closing Prayers and The Lord’s Prayer
[41:17] - Blessing and Sending
[46:37] - Dismissal and Farewell

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 5:1-12 (ESV) – The Beatitudes —
> 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.
>
> “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, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Observation Questions

According to Jesus in the Beatitudes, who does he call “blessed”? How does this list compare to the people the world usually celebrates? [16:06]
The sermon says that baptism marks us as members of the communion of saints and is a promise from God. What does the pastor say about how this promise should affect our lives? [18:53]
What does the pastor mean when he says we are “spiritual beggars who hunger and thirst for God’s righteousness”? [22:07]
How does the sermon describe the way followers of Jesus are to respond when they face ridicule or suffering for their faith? [25:13]

Interpretation Questions

The Beatitudes describe people who are poor in spirit, mourn, are meek, and hunger for righteousness as “blessed.” Why do you think Jesus calls these people blessed, even though their situations don’t seem desirable? [16:06]
The pastor says that being a saint is not about perfection, but about recognizing our need for God’s grace. How does this understanding change the way someone might view their own failures or shortcomings? [22:07]
The sermon talks about God’s grace being “abundant and always available.” How might this truth affect the way someone treats others, especially those who have hurt them or are difficult to love? [24:05]
When the pastor says that our blessedness is not just a future hope but a present reality, what does that mean for how we live day to day? [25:13]

Application Questions

The Beatitudes challenge us to value humility, mercy, and a longing for God’s righteousness over wealth, power, or comfort. In what areas of your life do you feel pressure to live by the world’s definition of “blessed”? How can you shift your focus this week? [18:03]
The sermon says baptism is an invitation to a lifelong journey of faith, not just a one-time event. What is one way you can intentionally grow in your faith or be spiritually nourished this month? [20:03]
The pastor describes being a saint as coming before God as a “spiritual beggar.” Is there an area in your life where you need to admit your need for God’s grace right now? What would it look like to bring that to God in prayer? [22:07]
The sermon encourages us to be meek, merciful, and peacemakers, even when it’s hard. Think of a recent conflict or argument you’ve had. What would it look like to be a peacemaker in that situation? Is there someone you need to seek forgiveness from or offer forgiveness to? [24:05]
The pastor says that following Jesus may bring misunderstanding or ridicule, but we are called to rejoice even in suffering. Have you ever experienced pushback or misunderstanding because of your faith? How did you respond, and what might you do differently next time? [25:13]
The sermon talks about saying “yes” to God each day and imitating Christ’s kindness. What is one specific act of kindness or service you can do this week to reflect God’s love to someone in your life? [26:32]
The pastor reminds us that God’s grace is always available, no matter how far we have wandered. Is there a part of your story where you have experienced God’s forgiveness and new life? How can sharing that story encourage someone else? [22:47]

Sermon Clips

Because we are blessed by our baptism into Christ, we strive to be like Jesus and to show undeserved kindness to others, beginning with our family and with our friends, but also to those who are poor and those who are living on the margins of society. [00:21:03] (20 seconds) #KindnessBeginsAtHome

We who are rich in things should realize that our earthly wealth is short-lived. Jesus urges us to shut door up heavenly treasure. He's speaking again to his disciples. Amen. He's speaking to those who live by faith, those who are blessed. He's speaking about the faith of a saint, the faith of someone just like you. [00:21:23] (29 seconds) #HeavenlyTreasureFocus

Jesus says that those who are saved by grace through faith are poor in spirit. That's the way his followers think about themselves before God. Followers of Jesus don't boast and point to all of the great things they've done. God is gracious, but not because we've tried to be so good. [00:21:53] (26 seconds) #PoorInSpiritHumility

No, before God, we are spiritual beggars who hunger and thirst for God's righteousness. We are beggars. We are mourners. We are hungry. We don't sound like a very happy bunch, do we? Yet Jesus assures us that the kingdom of heaven is ours because we will be comforted. God's promises will be fulfilled. [00:22:18] (32 seconds) #ComfortForTheBroken

``And of course, Jesus is speaking about the forgiveness in the new life that he has won for us and for all people. No matter how often we have failed or how large the offense, repentance and forgiveness and new life are always possible. That failed marriage, that DWI, those years you turned away from faith in God, all is forgiven. Your life can change beginning right here and now. [00:22:49] (45 seconds) #ForgivenessAndNewLife

Instead of being confrontational, instead of escalating arguments, we seek to end them. Blessed are the peacemakers, if you have the last word in an argument, let that last word be, I'm sorry if I have offended you, please forgive me. [00:24:05] (25 seconds) #PeacemakersLastWord

And when that ridicule comes, the reaction Jesus commends is, again, not what we would expect. He tells us to be joyful. In fact, he says we should be glad when we have to suffer for sharing the love of Christ. Because it shows that we're following in his footsteps and in the footsteps of all the saints who have gone before us. [00:24:49] (25 seconds) #PeaceWithGodAndSelf

Martin Luther talks about faith as the yes of the heart. And we don't say yes to God just once. It's a continual yes. As daily, we remember that God has claimed us. God has put his mark on us in baptism. [00:25:58] (20 seconds) #ClaimedAndBlessed

It's being able to say, yes, Lord, whatever life's circumstances, even if I am poor or hungry or grieving, in you I am blessed. Because you have claimed me. And because you have claimed me, I will strive to imitate your undeserved kindness and do unto others as I would have them do unto me. [00:26:17] (30 seconds) #HowToBeAttitude

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