Matthew 5:10

Matthew 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of 
heaven.

As if being blessed with the kingdom of heaven weren’t enough one might venture to ask the question, is there any earthly benefit to being persecuted for righteousness’ sake, is there any way to speed up the process and get something from our trials here on earth? Let’s take a look at what some other verses tell us about suffering and persecution… Romans 5:3-5 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. Yes, there are definitely benefits to persecutions, and we are not only supposed to get through them, but to glory in them and count them all joy, what a seemingly counterintuitive mindset to take. But we are not to take glory for ourselves because we are able to grow through the pain; rather we are to glorify God in our persecutions. 1st Peter 4:12-16 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. 1st Peter 3:13-15 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; So here we see that we have earthly benefits to persecutions, however, we must not forget to look at the heavenly perspective. 2nd Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,

Application- To not be afraid of threats, nor be troubled.” But instead to sanctify the Lord God in my heart, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks a reason for the hope that is in me, with meekness and fear; 

Matthew 5:9

Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for the shall be called sons of God.      

Peace is not the same as passivity, a passive heart can easily be filled with hate, with envy, with all sorts of evil, the peace talked about here could well be described as; the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is. Being a peacemaker doesn’t mean keeping the peace at all costs, peace does not coexist with sin, and Jesus showed us this when being running out the moneychangers from God’s temple. Isaiah 57:20-21 But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. “There is no peace,” Says my God, “for the wicked.” Peace is not a compromising with sin, but rather having a right relationship with God. The work that Christ did here on earth, the death he died on the cross, the resurrection after 3 days, these were all done so that we could have peace with God. Ephesians 6:15 and having your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace. Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good thing, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

Application- To daily put on the armor of God, and to continually remember that to be a peacemaker I have to be constantly filled with by the Holy Spirit whose fruit is peace.

Matthew 5:8

Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Titus 1:15 To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled.

Psalm 18:26 With the pure You will show Yourself pure; and with the devious You will show Yourself shrewd.

God is still there when a man is defiled and unbelieving, but that man cannot comprehend purity and thus cannot see God.

Purity is not a one-time deal, but rather a continuous process, and it’s more than just what you do with your actions but a matter of what’s in your heart.

John 13:10 Jesus said to him, “He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.”

If it was David never would have been able to return to a right relationship with God, you all know the story of David and Bathsheba, let’s look at how David sought to return to purity…

Psalm 51:6 Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.

Psalm 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart—these, O God, You will not despise.

As the lyrics to the rap song ‘Responsibility’ Say, “Real men make mistakes and they own up to them quickly…And they do it 'cause He did it, motivated by the King (talking about responsibility)…” I think these lyrics do well in summing up the how and why of what David is talking about.

Application-To remember that Purity is not a one-time deal and you’re done, that we are called to be pure in heart, God desires truth in our inward parts and wants us to be humble enough to be real with him. To put in to practice owning quickly up to the mistakes that I make, and not doing it in a blame shifting type of manner.

Matthew 5:7

Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

Merciful is an adjective that implies that this is not just supposed to be a trait that we use as it becomes convenient but that it’s supposed to be a part of who we are. The simple definations for grace and mercy that I always heard growing up were that grace was getting what we don’t deserve, and that mercy is not getting what we do deserve.  Merriam Websters definition of Mercy describes it this way-Compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power. This promise that Jesus gives here that the merciful will receive mercy is not anything new, it’s an echo of what was written in several places in the Old Testament. 2^nd Samuel 22:26 and Psalms 18:25 With the merciful You will show Yourself merciful; with a blameless man You will show Yourself blameless. Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? And if it’s not enough that He’s also given us an incentive for being merciful in Proverbs. Proverbs 11:17 The merciful man does good for his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh. Mercy is also a spiritual gift that some are given, and in Romans 12:8 we are shown an important step in the application of the gift. He who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. I’ve been given the spiritual gift of mercy and feel that Romans 12:8 is especially important for me to remember in that mercy should be given cheerfully and not begrudgingly.

Application-I will memorize Micah 6:8 and Proverbs 11:17 and Romans 12:8 in order to do as Romans 12:2 says And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. How better to renew or minds than by memorizing what God commands of us? I will also pray that God gives me wisdom on when and how to correctly apply mercy.

Matthew 5:6

Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.

Do we hunger and thirst after righteousness, do we long to figure out what God commands us to do and long to find out how to then do what he says? Or do we settle for a little bit of sin is fine, living life for ourselves is fine, righteousness is best on Sundays? When I began to truly start hungering and thirsting after righteousness, when I began to desire to be filled enough that it made changes in the way I lived, the more I gave my life to God the more he filled me. I had been addicted to pornography from the time I was 11 years, but in April 2010 I took my first steps in giving that to him and becoming open about it and willing to share the struggle with the goal of getting rid of it. In May 2011 I left for Potters field ranch, following what I thought may or may not be God’s prodding. At this point I was wanting to be righteous, but not wanting to be real with God. June 6^th Monday morning, I felt God leading me to do a week long fast, this was the first time I would say that I felt I knew with a clarity what God was leading me to do. This was also the first fast that I can remember having done. I was longing for righteousness, and now I was starting to do something about it, Thursday I felt God telling me to get engaged, another time he talked to me with clarity. So like the fast I again followed what I thought he was telling me to do. Flash forward a month, after the wedding is postponed I again decided to follow God, and started praying regularly which up to this point praying on my own time by myself was new to me. After church one week I walked forward to the front of the church to ask God to deal with my pride, yet again stepping out in an effort to be truly righteous and since then, he has been dealing with it many ways. Already as the summer had been progressing God had taken my depression from me, and had begun to fill me. Flash forward, I’m in Montana, in pain but longing to be practical in my pursuit of righteousness, in reading the bible and studying it regularly, in praying and fasting regularly, in putting in to practice his words like… Colossians 3:13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. And guess what, the closer I walk with him, the more I hunger and thirst after his righteousness, the more I’m filled. I oftentimes, ask him to show me his will and forget that he’s already revealed so much of it to me, forgetting to look for filling in his righteousness, and instead settling for a form of “righteousness” that satisfies and glorifies myself. Oh that God would keep me close to him despite my failings.

Application-We are given many commandments as to what righteousness is supposed to look like, both by Jesus in the Gospels, and in the writings of Paul, Peter, and the other New Testament authors. I will begin to compile them and each night meditate on one and ask God to illuminate to me how I can practically apply and ingrain it into my life.

Matthew 5:5

Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Meek: Greek (Prautes)

In its use in Scripture, in which it has a fuller, deeper significance than in nonscriptural Greek writings, it consists not in a person's "outward behaviour only; nor yet in his relations to his fellow-men; as little in his mere natural disposition. Rather it is an inwrought grace of the soul; and the exercises of it are first and chiefly towards God. It is that temper of spirit in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting; it is closely linked with the word tapeinophrosune [humility], and follows directly upon it, Eph 4:2; Col 3:12. it is only the humble heart which is also the meek, and which, as such, does not fight against God and more or less struggle and contend with Him. This meekness, however, being first of all a meekness before God, is also such in the face of men, even of evil men, out of a sense that these, with the insults and injuries which they may inflict, are permitted and employed by Him for the chastening and purifying of His elect". In Gal 5:23 it is associated with enkrateia, "self-control."

The meaning of prautes "is not readily expressed in English, for the terms meekness, mildness, commonly used, suggest weakness and timidity to a greater or less extent, whereas prautes does nothing of the kind. Nevertheless, it is difficult to find a rendering less open to objection than 'meekness'; 'gentleness' has been suggested, but as prautes describes a condition of mind and heart, and as 'gentleness' is appropriate rather to actions. It must be clearly understood, therefore, that the meekness manifested by the Lord and commended to the believer is the fruit of power. The common assumption is that when a man is meek it is because he cannot help himself; but the Lord was 'meek' because he had the infinite resources of God at His command. Described negatively, meekness is the opposite to self-assertiveness and self-interest; it is equanimity of spirit that is neither elated nor cast down, simply because it is not occupied with self at all.

This is the definition given of the word meek in the blue letter bible, and though it’s long I think it’s necessary to have an understanding of what is being talked about when the meek are blessed in this passage. They shall inherit the earth. I personally think it would be cool to be rewarded for my actions with this promise.

Application-When I’m stronger or smarter or better at something than someone else I will consider why I’m doing that thing the way I am, whether it be out of a need to show off or just because it’s what needs done. If it’s showboating I’ll let the Holy Spirit use this verse to correct my mindset to a one of meekness. 2^nd Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

Matthew 5:4

Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

This verse speaks to me of a prior commitment or person that someone gave enough of their heart to that when it was gone the loss was mourned, not just overlooked and tucked away. It speaks also of a vulnerability in be willing to honestly mourn the loss. To be at this point of breaking, this point of mourning hurts, it hurts a lot. Is it really better to have loved and lost than to never love at all, is it really better to mourn than to live life guarded and not be at such a risk for that kind of pain? I think the words of Jesus here in this verse answer well that question… Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. I personally struggle with truly attaching myself to anyone or anything, I try and stay guarded that way when I leave for the next thing or the next place I won’t have to mourn any loses. Another thing that I struggle with is preparing for the next thing and/or keeping my mind preoccupied with figuring out what’s next, thinking if only this or if only that, I try and finish half-heartedly rather than do my best at the here and now for fear of not finishing or not getting to the next thing quick enough. I know finishing is important but what do you gain if you have to redo something for want of it being done right in the first place? What would it look like though if I were to put this quote truly into practice? “Wherever you are, be all there! Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.” -Jim Elliot-

Application- I pray that God will open my heart up to be able to live out this quote “Wherever you are at, be all there! Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God” 

Matthew 5:3

Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who are humble in spirit, those who recognize what a wretched spiritual state that they are in, surviving by begging God to meet their spiritual needs, those who know that they are in great need of God. The poor in spirit realize the dire state that they are in, that without outside help they have no hope. They are fully dependent on God and in this dependence are given the promise of the kingdom of heaven.

Application- I pray that God will show me how desperate my need for him really is, and remind me each day of the blessing promised to those humble in spirit.  

Titus 1:4-5

Titus 1:4-5 To Titus, a true son in our common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior. For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you-

Our common faith… These words strike me, it doesn’t matter what language you speak, what age, what gender, what race you are, when you believe in the Salvation that God offers through Jesus Christ, you share something in common with people from around the world. Paul here is writing this letter to Titus in order to help him set in order the things that were lacking in Crete and to appoint elders, he’ll go on to explain what kind of elders in the next few verses. Because ours is a common faith it transcends cultural barriers and carries a culture of its own 1^st Corinthians 1:18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. As Christians there are characteristics that we are called to have that are independent of culture, Titus 2:12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age, Titus 3:2 to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. We can provoke our Christian family to these good works no matter where we are, these and all of the other traits that Paul details for us are necessary no matter where you live or what language you speak.

Application-To be culturally sensitive and continue to make an effort to learn more about the culture, but also challenge those I’m working for and with to live godly lives, in specific areas, such as being considerate of others, sharing, peacemaking, etc…

Titus 1:3

Titus 1:3 but has in due time manifested His word through preaching, which was committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior;

God in his perfect timing revealed to us the hope of eternal life in the Bible, in the death and resurrection of his son Jesus, gave us a path to follow and a path to lead others on. He commanded it be taught and shared with others, not just kept to Paul or any one of the apostles, but instead put in place a plan for it to be shared. God has given us the greatest gift of hope and not only wants us to enjoy it but wants to give everyone the opportunity to enjoy it and also gives us the opportunity to be his vessels to accomplish his plans. Isn’t it fascinating that God would want to use any of us personally to be his hands and his feet, and yet this very thing has been entrusted to us.

Application-Share what I learn with those around me and with those I have a voice to speak into their lives, through face to face conversation, facebook, blogging, etc…

Titus 1:2

Titus 1:2 in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began,

If you knew that in a month from now that you would be going on a vacation and that you would have the ability to do as many fun things as you planned for, and that if you made no plans that you would still be going just with nothing to do, what would you do? If you were wise and serious about wanting to have a good trip than you would live like it and take the time and energy to plan for the trip. Likewise if you knew that God had promised heaven for you when you die, and that you had an opportunity to store up treasures there and bring others with you, would you live like that were a fact? To those who have been saved God has indeed made that very promise of heaven… Do you and I live like there’s more to life than the here and now? Where does our focus lie, on ourselves and the here and now, or on using our time, talents and resources on preparing ourselves and others for the eternal life we’ve been promised?

Application-When I make big decisions, such as where to move or what to do for a job, consider whether the choice is solely to pass the time or to use my time, talents and resources to further God’s kingdom.

Titus 1:1

Titus 1:1 Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ; according to the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness,

Paul is writing this book for the purpose of building up the faith of the elect, a group that isn’t specified here. He’s writing in order to build up the knowledge of their truth, a specific truth, not just any old truth but one that leads to godliness. ‘Ephesians 6:4 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,’ Without truth the rest of the armor of God would have no anchor, without truth we would have no anchor. God is a God of truth and Paul is writing to help lead the elect to that knowledge of the truth which leads to godliness. What is your faith based on?

Application-Seek and search out the truth of God, and consistently evaluate whether I’m following in his truth, whether I’m living a life that illuminates Christ. 

Psalm 69:5

Psalm 69:5 O God, You know my foolishness; and my sins are not hidden from You.

Here David is asking for help from God despite of his foolishness and despite of his sin, he has the wisdom to realize that God knows his shortcomings, which were numerous, and yet asks for help anyways. No man is perfect, everyone fails and falls, God doesn’t find out about our sin and then get mad and kick us out of the game, he already knows about our sin and loves us enough to want to bring us out of it, loves us for who we really are. We can act like we’re perfect, like we have no sins, but even in the unlikely chance that people really wouldn’t be aware, God still knows. Why not come to God and humbly admit when we fail, especially if the only thing that we might lose is our pride?

Application- To be quick to come to God and repent when I’ve failed, remembering that I have a God who loves me through my foolishness and sins. 

Psalm 69:16

Psalm 69:16 Hear me, O Lord, for Your lovingkindness is good; turn to me according to the multitude of Your tender mercies.

God is not only the author of life, not only the creator, He cares about us. He’s a God of Love, of tender mercies, it amazes me that he would truly be merciful and loving to a sinner like me. Amazing that an all-powerful God would listen to me, and not only that but that he does it lovingly. Wow!

Application- Do a study of stories and verses in the bible that mention God’s love.

Psalm 107:9

Psalm 107:9 For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.

Do we long for God, does our soul really long for him, or perhaps do we only long to be filled without having to go humbly to our savior and ask for his help, without having to have a relationship with our savior? I was hungry and longing for something, for years I had this longing, but I didn’t want to admit to anybody that I needed anything, I didn’t want to be dependent on anyone, including my God. I tried to feel this void through many things, just not by developing a relationship with God, praying was something that I only did out of ritual, I feared that if I opened myself to God that he wouldn’t satisfy and fill me, that I would be just as lacking. This summer as I began to draw near to God, he began to satisfy my soul and through the midst of some rough trials he proved the truth of this promise, showing me the reality of his trustworthiness. Phillipians 4:8-9 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Application- God promises to satisfy the longing soul and fill the hungry soul with goodness, I will memorize this verse so that when I feel that void I can look back and recall where I’m supposed to look for filling.

Psalm 107:28

Psalm 107:28 Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brings them out of their distresses.

As we read through psalm 107 we see that as those who are in their darkness hour, their greatest time of need, that when they cry out to God for help, God reaches out and brings them out of their distresses. Yet even when we aren’t in times of dire need, God still watches over us, he still cares for us, still loves us. As you also see when you go through the chapter are the consistent exhortations to give thanks for what God’s done and to exalt his name Psalms 107:31-32 Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! Let them exalt Him also in the assembly of the people, and praise Him in the company of the elders. If the focus is on us it’s a quick and easy path to the place where we don’t notice what God has done for us or think that we deserve it and that He did what He did because He owed it to us. The wise however will remember the lovingkindness of the Lord, will remember to thank Him, praise Him and exalt Him for it.

Application- I will thank God for His lovingkindness each day, and thank him for specific things that He’s done for me.