What is a Christian made of?

1
What is a Christian made of?

• It can rightly be said that the beatitudes
  describe the component parts of the
  Christian's heart. (Mt 51-12)

2
What is a Christian made of?

• (Matthew 51-12 NKJV) And seeing the
  multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He
  was seated His disciples came to Him. 2 Then He
  opened His mouth and taught them, saying 3
  Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is
  the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who
  mourn, For they shall be comforted.

3
What is a Christian made of?

• 5 Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit
  the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and
  thirst for righteousness, For they shall be
  filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, For they
  shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in
  heart, For they shall see God. 9 Blessed are
  the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of
  God.

4
What is a Christian made of?

• 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for
  righteousness sake, For theirs is the kingdom of
  heaven. 11 Blessed are you when they revile
  and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil
  against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice
  and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward
  in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets
  who were before you.

5
What is a Christian made of?

• These are not independent proverbs describing
  eight different people.

6
What is a Christian made of?

• These are not independent proverbs describing
  eight different people.
• "The beatitudes speak exclusively of spiritual
  qualities. The historic concerns of men -
  material wealth, social status and worldly wisdom
  - do not simply receive little attention, they
  receive none at all." - Paul Earnhart

7
What is a Christian made of?

• These are not independent proverbs describing
  eight different people.
• "The beatitudes speak exclusively of spiritual
  qualities. The historic concerns of men -
  material wealth, social status and worldly wisdom
  - do not simply receive little attention, they
  receive none at all." - Paul Earnhart
• Where does happiness come from?

8
What is a Christian made of?

• The word "blessed" is from Madarios and means
  happy. It has to do with one's state of mind. It
  is the state of wellbeing contentment with joy
  peace and tranquility.

9
What is a Christian made of?

• The word "blessed" is from Madarios and means
  happy. It has to do with one's state of mind. It
  is the state of wellbeing contentment with joy
  peace and tranquility.
• How can I be happy? All seek an answer. Most seek
  it in wrong way.

10
What is a Christian made of?

• The word "blessed" is from Madarios and means
  happy. It has to do with one's state of mind. It
  is the state of wellbeing contentment with joy
  peace and tranquility.
• How can I be happy? All seek an answer. Most seek
  it in wrong way.
• Many are under the delusion that happiness
  depends upon what one has. This is not true. (Lk.
  1215)

11
What is a Christian made of?

• (Luke 1215 NKJV) And He said to them, Take
  heed and beware of covetousness, for ones life
  does not consist in the abundance of the things
  he possesses.

12
What is a Christian made of?

• In the beatitudes Jesus teaches that happiness
  depends upon one's attitude.

13
What is a Christian made of?

• In the beatitudes Jesus teaches that happiness
  depends upon one's attitude.
• Will you test your heart and consider the meaning
  of real Christianity?

14
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• What is the Christian's attitude toward himself
  in the presence of God? (Mt 53)

15
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• (Matthew 53 NKJV) Blessed are the poor in
  spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

16
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• The word used here (ptochos), may be translated
  "abject poverty." It reflects one who is
  virtually destitute, or in "imminent danger of
  real starvation.

17
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• The word is used to describe the widow with the
  two mites. (Mk 1242-44)

18
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• (Mark 1242-44 NKJV) Then one poor widow came
  and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans.
  43 So He called His disciples to Himself and
  said to them, Assuredly, I say to you that this
  poor widow has put in more than all those who
  have given to the treasury 44 for they all
  put in out of their abundance, but she out of her
  poverty put in all that she had, her whole
  livelihood.

19
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• It described Lazarus who had to beg. (Lk
  1620-21)

20
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• (Luke 1620-21 NKJV) But there was a certain
  beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid
  at his gate, 21 desiring to be fed with the
  crumbs which fell from the rich mans table.
  Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

21
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• It described Jesus in his earthly state as
  compared to heaven! (2 Cor 89)

22
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• (2 Corinthians 89 NKJV) For you know the grace
  of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was
  rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you
  through His poverty might become rich.

23
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• Here Jesus is describing poverty of spirit.

24
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• Here Jesus is describing poverty of spirit.
• We must see our need of and dependence upon God.
  (Jn 155)

25
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• Here Jesus is describing poverty of spirit.
• We must see our need of and dependence upon God.
  (Jn 155)
• (John 155 NKJV) I am

26
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• (John 155 NKJV) I am the vine, you are the
  branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him,
  bears much fruit for without Me you can do
  nothing.

27
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• Only when we see our deep poverty and believe it
  will God be able to guide us. (Jer 1023)

28
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• (Jeremiah 1023 NKJV) O LORD, I know the way of
  man is not in himself It is not in man who walks
  to direct his own steps.

29
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• This is the first step in pleasing God! (Psa
  5117)

30
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• (Psalms 5117 NKJV) The sacrifices of God are a
  broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart
  These, O God, You will not despise.

31
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• When we have this kind of spirit we will realize
  that we cannot impress God! This will keep us
  from the sin of pride. (Isa 646)

32
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• (Isaiah 646 NKJV) But we are all like an
  unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are
  like filthy rags We all fade as a leaf, And our
  iniquities, like the wind, Have taken us away.

33
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• Consider the example of the Canaanite woman! (Mt
  1521-28)

34
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• (Matthew 1521-28 NKJV) Then Jesus went out
  from there and departed to the region of Tyre and
  Sidon. 22 And behold, a woman of Canaan came
  from that region and cried out to Him, saying,
  Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My
  daughter is severely demon-possessed.

35
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• 23 But He answered her not a word. And His
  disciples came and urged Him, saying, Send her
  away, for she cries out after us. 24 But He
  answered and said, I was not sent except to the
  lost sheep of the house of Israel.

36
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• 25 Then she came and worshiped Him, saying,
  Lord, help me! 26 But He answered and said,
  It is not good to take the childrens bread and
  throw it to the little dogs. 27 And she said,
  Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the
  crumbs which fall from their masters table.

37
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• 28 Then Jesus answered and said to her, O
  woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as
  you desire. And her daughter was healed from
  that very hour.

38
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• Things that do not constitute "poor in spirit.

39
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• Things that do not constitute "poor in spirit.
• Poor in profession - Glorying in one's poverty
  does not demonstrate humility!

40
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• Poor spirited - "The weak, the nervous, the
  non-courageous, or simply moral cowards who
  succumb to temptation and compromise with evil."
  - Jimmy Tuten

41
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• Poor spirited - "The weak, the nervous, the
  non-courageous, or simply moral cowards who
  succumb to temptation and compromise with evil."
  - Jimmy Tuten
• The recluse - Those who withdraw or quit in
  difficult times are self consumed.

42
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• Poor spirited - "The weak, the nervous, the
  non-courageous, or simply moral cowards who
  succumb to temptation and compromise with evil."
  - Jimmy Tuten
• The recluse - Those who withdraw or quit in
  difficult times are self consumed.
• The poor in circumstance - This is not what the
  Lord described!

43
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• Consider the differences between pride and
  humility.

44
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• Consider the differences between pride and
  humility.
• In relation to knowledge

45
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• Consider the differences between pride and
  humility.
• In relation to knowledge
• Pride causes a know-it-all attitude with
  arrogance and prejudice.

46
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• Consider the differences between pride and
  humility.
• In relation to knowledge
• Pride causes a know-it-all attitude with
  arrogance and prejudice.
• Humility recognizes how little one knows and sees
  the need of continually seeking truth and
  learning. (1 Cor 81-2)

47
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• (1 Corinthians 81-2 NKJV) Now concerning
  things offered to idols We know that we all have
  knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.
  2 And if anyone thinks that he knows anything,
  he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.

48
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• What made king Solomon great? (1 Kgs 35-9)

49
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• (1 Kings 35-9 NKJV) At Gibeon the LORD
  appeared to Solomon in a dream by night and God
  said, Ask! What shall I give you? 6 And
  Solomon said You have shown great mercy to Your
  servant David my father, because he walked before
  You in truth, in righteousness, and in
  uprightness of heart with You You have continued
  this great kindness for him, and You have given
  him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this
  day.

50
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• 7 Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your
  servant king instead of my father David, but I am
  a little child I do not know how to go out or
  come in. 8 And Your servant is in the midst of
  Your people whom You have chosen, a great people,
  too numerous to be numbered or counted.

51
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• 9 Therefore give to Your servant an
  understanding heart to judge Your people, that I
  may discern between good and evil. For who is
  able to judge this great people of Yours?

52
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• In relation to self and others

53
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• In relation to self and others
• Pride causes self-inflation, the desire to be the
  center of attention.

54
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• In relation to self and others
• Pride causes self-inflation, the desire to be the
  center of attention.
• Humility learns to be content in poverty without
  feelings of humiliation.

55
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• Pride wants to serve rather than to serve. (Lk
  2224-26 1 Pt 55)

56
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• (Luke 2224-26 NKJV) Now there was also a
  dispute among them, as to which of them should be
  considered the greatest. 25 And He said to
  them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise
  lordship over them, and those who exercise
  authority over them are called benefactors.

57
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• 26 But not so among you on the contrary, he
  who is greatest among you, let him be as the
  younger, and he who governs as he who serves.

58
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• (1 Peter 55 NKJV) Likewise you younger people,
  submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you
  be submissive to one another, and be clothed with
  humility, for God resists the proud, But gives
  grace to the humble.

59
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• In relation to God

60
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• In relation to God
• Pride feels self-sufficient. He does not need God.

61
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• In relation to God
• Pride feels self-sufficient. He does not need
  God.
• Pride feels no gratitude to God and is thus weak
  on prayer.

62
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• In relation to God
• Pride feels self-sufficient. He does not need
  God.
• Pride feels no gratitude to God and is thus weak
  on prayer.
• Pride throws one off guard and leads to ruin.
  (Prov 1618 2923)

63
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• (Proverbs 1618 NKJV) Pride goes before
  destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.

64
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• (Proverbs 2923 NKJV) A mans pride will bring
  him low, But the humble in spirit will retain
  honor.

65
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• This humility leads to the kingdom of heaven! (Mt
  53)

66
The wellspring of all Christian character - the
poor in spirit

• (Micah 53 NKJV) Therefore He shall give them
  up, Until the time that she who is in labor has
  given birth Then the remnant of His brethren
  Shall return to the children of Israel.

67
The opportunity of grief - those that mourn. (Mt
54)

• The beatitudes go against everything our society
  thinks!

68
The opportunity of grief - those that mourn. (Mt
54)

• The beatitudes go against everything our society
  thinks!
• "These are largely paradoxical statements. A more
  unlikely formula for success could hardly be
  imagined. They assaulted every maximum of
  conventional wisdom and left the hearer startled
  and perplexed." - Paul Earnhart

69
The opportunity of grief - those that mourn. (Mt
54)

• The word mourn (pentheo) means "to bewail,
  lament, mourn for.

70
The opportunity of grief - those that mourn. (Mt
54)

• This word described the tears of righteous. (Lk
  621)

71
The opportunity of grief - those that mourn. (Mt
54)

• (Luke 621 NKJV) - Blessed are you who hunger
  now, For you shall be filled. Blessed are you who
  weep now, For you shall laugh.

72
The opportunity of grief - those that mourn. (Mt
54)

• How do we become happy through mourning?

73
The opportunity of grief - those that mourn. (Mt
54)

• When we mourn over our sins. We know we have
  offended God! (2 Cor 710 Psa 512-4,17 Joel
  212-13)

74
The opportunity of grief - those that mourn. (Mt
54)

• (Psalms 512-4 NKJV) - Wash me thoroughly from
  my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin. 3 For
  I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is
  always before me. 4 Against You, You only, have
  I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight That
  You may be found just when You speak, And
  blameless when You judge.

75
The opportunity of grief - those that mourn. (Mt
54)

• (Psalms 5117 NKJV) - The sacrifices of God are
  a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart
  These, O God, You will not despise.

76
The opportunity of grief - those that mourn. (Mt
54)

• (Joel 212-13 NKJV) Now, therefore, says the
  LORD, Turn to Me with all your heart, With
  fasting, with weeping, and with mourning. 13
  So rend your heart, and not your garments Return
  to the LORD your God, For He is gracious and
  merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness
  And He relents from doing harm.

77
The opportunity of grief - those that mourn. (Mt
54)

• (2 Corinthians 710 NKJV) For godly sorrow
  produces repentance leading to salvation, not to
  be regretted but the sorrow of the world
  produces death.

78
The opportunity of grief - those that mourn. (Mt
54)

• When was the last time you grieved over your
  sins? Sadly pride has caused many to become hard
  hearted. (Jas 48-10)

79
The opportunity of grief - those that mourn. (Mt
54)

• (James 48-10 NKJV) Draw near to God and He
  will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you
  sinners and purify your hearts, you
  double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let
  your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy
  to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of
  the Lord, and He will lift you up.

80
The opportunity of grief - those that mourn. (Mt
54)

• We should also mourn for and with others. (Jn
  1133-35 Rom 1215)

81
The opportunity of grief - those that mourn. (Mt
54)

• (John 1133-35 NKJV) Therefore, when Jesus saw
  her weeping, and the Jews who came with her
  weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was
  troubled. 34 And He said, Where have you laid
  him? They said to Him, Lord, come and see.
  35 Jesus wept.

82
The opportunity of grief - those that mourn. (Mt
54)

• (Romans 1215 NKJV) Rejoice with those who
  rejoice, and weep with those who weep.

83
The opportunity of grief - those that mourn. (Mt
54)

• "A religion that is coldly ritualistic, that does
  not feel and mourn, is not the religion of
  Christ." - Joe Corley

84
The opportunity of grief - those that mourn. (Mt
54)

• "A religion that is coldly ritualistic, that does
  not feel and mourn, is not the religion of
  Christ." - Joe Corley
• Mourners who do not find happiness.

85
The opportunity of grief - those that mourn. (Mt
54)

• "A religion that is coldly ritualistic, that does
  not feel and mourn, is not the religion of
  Christ." - Joe Corley
• Mourners who do not find happiness.
• Those who are pessimists who continually wine and
  murmur.

86
The opportunity of grief - those that mourn. (Mt
54)

• "A religion that is coldly ritualistic, that does
  not feel and mourn, is not the religion of
  Christ." - Joe Corley
• Mourners who do not find happiness.
• Those who are pessimists who continually wine and
  murmur.
• Those who in self-pity wear their feelings on
  their sleeves.

87
The opportunity of grief - those that mourn. (Mt
54)

• Those who have injured pride. The egotist feels
  no sorrow for the wrong he does or the hurt of
  others. He always looks at himself.

88
The opportunity of grief - those that mourn. (Mt
54)

• Those who have injured pride. The egotist feels
  no sorrow for the wrong he does or the hurt of
  others. He always looks at himself.
• Those who morn over material loss or frustrated
  ambition.

89
The opportunity of grief - those that mourn. (Mt
54)

• Those who have injured pride. The egotist feels
  no sorrow for the wrong he does or the hurt of
  others. He always looks at himself.
• Those who morn over material loss or frustrated
  ambition.
• Those who morn only at the consequences and
  effects of their sin. (2 Cor 710)

90
The opportunity of grief - those that mourn. (Mt
54)

• Those who have injured pride. The egotist feels
  no sorrow for the wrong he does or the hurt of
  others. He always looks at himself.
• Those who morn over material loss or frustrated
  ambition.
• Those who morn only at the consequences and
  effects of their sin. (2 Cor 710)
• The blessings of God's comfort.

91
The opportunity of grief - those that mourn. (Mt
54)

• "The right kind of mourning actually enshrines
  our lives -- draws us closer to God and
  thus brings us comfort." - Joe Corley

92
The opportunity of grief - those that mourn. (Mt
54)

• "The right kind of mourning actually enshrines
  our lives -- draws us closer to God and
  thus brings us comfort." - Joe Corley
• Will you know the joy of forgiveness, the joy of
  service and the comfort of heaven? (Ps 321-2
  305 Rev 213-4)

93
The opportunity of grief - those that mourn. (Mt
54)

• (Psalms 305 NKJV) For His anger is but for a
  moment, His favor is for life Weeping may endure
  for a night, But joy comes in the morning.

94
The opportunity of grief - those that mourn. (Mt
54)

• (Psalms 321-2 NKJV) Blessed is he whose
  transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered.
  2 Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not
  impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no
  deceit.

95
The opportunity of grief - those that mourn. (Mt
54)

• (Revelation 213-4 NKJV) And I heard a loud
  voice from heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle
  of God is with men, and He will dwell with them,
  and they shall be His people. God Himself will be
  with them and be their God. 4 And God will
  wipe away every tear from their eyes there shall
  be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There
  shall be no more pain, for the former things have
  passed away.

96
The opportunity of grief - those that mourn. (Mt
54)

• Have you begun the Christian life?

97
The opportunity of grief - those that mourn. (Mt
54)

• Have you begun the Christian life?
• These two steps are the essential beginning of
  every Christian. (Acts 236-38)

98
The opportunity of grief - those that mourn. (Mt
54)

• (Acts 236-38 NKJV) Therefore let all the
  house of Israel know assuredly that God has made
  this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and
  Christ. 37 Now when they heard this, they were
  cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest
  of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we
  do?

99
The opportunity of grief - those that mourn. (Mt
54)

• 38 Then Peter said to them, Repent, and let
  every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus
  Christ for the remission of sins and you shall
  receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

100
The opportunity of grief - those that mourn. (Mt
54)

• We must see the bad news before we ever could
  appreciate the good news. (Rom 116, 18)

101
The opportunity of grief - those that mourn. (Mt
54)

• (Romans 116-18 NKJV) For I am not ashamed of
  the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God
  to salvation for everyone who believes, for the
  Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it
  the righteousness of God is revealed from faith
  to faith as it is written, The just shall live
  by faith.

102
The opportunity of grief - those that mourn. (Mt
54)

• 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven
  against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of
  men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,