The Sermon on the Mount #1
Series: Upside Down Kingdom
Date: 2nd January 2022
Passage: Matthew 5:1-12
00:00:00 --> 00:00:05 As with the beginning of any new year, it's worth looking back to look forward.
00:00:06 --> 00:00:08 Are you the sort of person who makes resolutions?
00:00:09 --> 00:00:11 Actually, I'm interested. Hands up if you make resolutions.
00:00:12 --> 00:00:14 Just a few of you. Okay.
00:00:15 --> 00:00:21 Get fit, break some annoying bad habits are the sort of top ones, I think.
00:00:21 --> 00:00:26 And at this time of the year, apparently the big sellers online are exercise machines.
00:00:26 --> 00:00:31 And if you're going to invest in one of those, I'd wait about six months because people give up on them and then you're probably going to get it cheaper.
00:00:33 --> 00:00:36 Dumbbells, weight plates, pull-up bars, basically get fit and healthy.
00:00:37 --> 00:00:45 A six-fold argument has been proposed in favour of preparing New Year's resolutions, regardless of whether you achieve them.
00:00:45 --> 00:00:49 So here's the sort of reason why you might sort of rethink about setting a resolution.
00:00:49 --> 00:00:50 Number one.
00:00:50 --> 00:00:57 Preparing resolutions requires taking stock of the previous year, and that's usually a beneficial thing.
00:00:58 --> 00:00:59 Number two.
00:01:00 --> 00:01:06 Preparing resolutions involves pondering the good for your body, soul, mind and relationships.
00:01:07 --> 00:01:08 And that's always a beneficial thing.
00:01:09 --> 00:01:10 Number three.
00:01:11 --> 00:01:13 In life, there are just three modes to choose from.
00:01:14 --> 00:01:18 Decline, maintenance or improvement.
00:01:18 --> 00:01:21 I don't know which one I'd like to choose.
00:01:21 --> 00:01:25 Any improvements, number four, will benefit those around you.
00:01:25 --> 00:01:29 Setting goals is potentially a kindness to others, actually.
00:01:30 --> 00:01:36 And sure, we may only, 67%, accomplish a mere 75% of our resolutions.
00:01:37 --> 00:01:39 But number five, that's still a pass.
00:01:40 --> 00:01:43 And six, writing resolutions is an expression of hope.
00:01:43 --> 00:01:45 And hope is better than resignation.
00:01:45 --> 00:01:58 As we head into 2022, it's on the back of two years of pandemic, which was preceded by three years of drought, water restrictions, catastrophic bushfires and dust storms.
00:01:58 --> 00:02:02 And these last two years have also included floods and mouse plagues.
00:02:02 --> 00:02:06 I've got family that live on the land in parks, and they've felt the brunt of all this.
00:02:07 --> 00:02:19 In light of all these events that are so far out of our control, it's worth pausing and asking, with life so unpredictable, how now should we live?
00:02:19 --> 00:02:22 I've done the maths.
00:02:22 --> 00:02:35 With 168 hours in a week, and hopefully you get at least eight hours sleep a night if you're lucky, that means we're awake for 112 hours a week.
00:02:35 --> 00:02:42 In that time, there are so many voices vying for our attention, telling us how to live.
00:02:43 --> 00:02:51 If we come to church once a week, or we're viewing online, and we're in a midweek Bible study group, and we read the Bible daily,
00:02:51 --> 00:02:57 I'm pretty sure that will still only add up to maybe three, four, five hours of your waking week,
00:02:58 --> 00:03:01 which is only about 3% or 4% of your week.
00:03:01 --> 00:03:04 So what voice do we listen to?
00:03:05 --> 00:03:15 If we really want to know how to live God's way in God's world, we need to go to the Maker's Manual, listen to God's Word, and look to Jesus.
00:03:16 --> 00:03:20 As we begin a new year, a summer series from the Sermon on the Mount,
00:03:21 --> 00:03:25 this sermon flips the expectations of society upside down,
00:03:25 --> 00:03:30 as Jesus invites us to participate as members of the Kingdom of Heaven.
00:03:30 --> 00:03:33 And that's the right side of history, by the way.
00:03:33 --> 00:03:35 You hear that term a lot these days.
00:03:36 --> 00:03:42 A couple of years ago, someone made a beautiful banner that hung outside their church where everyone could see it.
00:03:42 --> 00:03:47 It depicted a thick, sluggish green caterpillar crawling up a twig,
00:03:47 --> 00:03:51 at the top of which hovered a beautiful, iridescent butterfly.
00:03:51 --> 00:03:56 And the caption based on Ephesians 4 verse 15 was simply,
00:03:56 --> 00:04:06 If a caterpillar could see a butterfly and knew it was possible to be one, it would yearn to change.
00:04:06 --> 00:04:12 How joyful to emerge from a chrysalis, stretch those soggy wings in the warm sun,
00:04:13 --> 00:04:15 and to sort of heights never dreamed of.
00:04:15 --> 00:04:20 And yet the metamorphosis cannot take place without a time of darkness,
00:04:21 --> 00:04:24 and a struggle to be free from all that keeps one earth bound.
00:04:26 --> 00:04:30 Transformational change is what Jesus is talking about in Matthew 5.
00:04:30 --> 00:04:36 Surely, heading into 2022, with some honest self-reflection,
00:04:37 --> 00:04:42 and in comparison to Jesus' life, there is only one conclusion we can come to.
00:04:43 --> 00:04:47 Our New Year's resolution will involve change, to be like Jesus.
00:04:47 --> 00:04:52 The number of books written on the Sermon on the Mount would fill a library.
00:04:53 --> 00:04:57 There is something attractive and compelling that has driven numerous authors
00:04:57 --> 00:05:01 to seek further understanding of this most famous of sermons.
00:05:01 --> 00:05:03 John Stott says of the sermon,
00:05:04 --> 00:05:07 It describes what human life and human community look like
00:05:07 --> 00:05:10 when they come under the gracious rule of God.
00:05:12 --> 00:05:15 The opening address of the Sermon on the Mount is also referred to as the Beatitudes.
00:05:15 --> 00:05:17 Beautiful attitudes.
00:05:19 --> 00:05:22 The statement, blessed, is like an exclamation of congratulations
00:05:22 --> 00:05:26 to those who have the complete attitude of Jesus.
00:05:27 --> 00:05:29 And the author of this gospel, Matthew,
00:05:29 --> 00:05:32 was someone changed and transformed by Jesus.
00:05:33 --> 00:05:36 Matthew would have originally been hated by his fellow Israelites,
00:05:36 --> 00:05:40 as tax collectors were notorious for skimming a little bit off the top for themselves,
00:05:41 --> 00:05:44 and as they sided with the Romans, they were considered traitors.
00:05:44 --> 00:05:49 Change for Matthew began with a simple command from Jesus.
00:05:51 --> 00:05:52 Follow me.
00:05:53 --> 00:05:58 What joy for the despised outcast to be forgiven and accepted by the Son of God.
00:05:59 --> 00:06:02 When Jesus said, follow me, where would this lead him?
00:06:04 --> 00:06:05 He didn't know.
00:06:06 --> 00:06:07 But how now would he live?
00:06:07 --> 00:06:12 Matthew knew that whatever it took, it would involve change.
00:06:14 --> 00:06:19 The Beatitudes listed by Jesus were to his followers as he commenced his public ministry.
00:06:20 --> 00:06:24 How now shall we live in 2022 and beyond?
00:06:25 --> 00:06:29 Jesus teaches us how to live as subjects in the long-awaited kingdom of God,
00:06:29 --> 00:06:34 even though it may make us stand out,
00:06:35 --> 00:06:40 even though it may put us at a disadvantage in our current society and culture.
00:06:41 --> 00:06:45 If we're to be followers of Jesus, we must listen to Jesus' words and obey them.
00:06:46 --> 00:06:48 The Sermon on the Mount is challenging,
00:06:48 --> 00:06:51 as it asks us to make significant changes,
00:06:51 --> 00:06:54 to live opposite to the way the world thinks,
00:06:54 --> 00:06:58 as Jesus calls us to live, for all intents and purposes,
00:06:58 --> 00:07:00 for a completely upside-down kingdom,
00:07:02 --> 00:07:05 and involves the beautiful attitudes of Jesus.
00:07:06 --> 00:07:09 Verse 3, Matthew chapter 5.
00:07:10 --> 00:07:11 Jesus said,
00:07:12 --> 00:07:16 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
00:07:17 --> 00:07:21 In the last few years, they've been pretty full-on.
00:07:21 --> 00:07:24 And if they haven't taken their toll on you,
00:07:24 --> 00:07:25 I'd be really surprised.
00:07:27 --> 00:07:31 Disheartened, dejected, lonely, broken.
00:07:32 --> 00:07:33 Jesus says,
00:07:33 --> 00:07:35 Blessed are those who are poor in spirit.
00:07:35 --> 00:07:36 But why?
00:07:37 --> 00:07:41 Because the poor in spirit know how much they need God
00:07:41 --> 00:07:43 and recognise how much they rely on God.
00:07:44 --> 00:07:48 Instead of self-belief, which the world advocates,
00:07:48 --> 00:07:50 we need to take an upside-down approach.
00:07:50 --> 00:07:54 Which the world doesn't agree with.
00:07:54 --> 00:07:56 We need to depend on God, who is in control.
00:07:58 --> 00:07:59 I've heard it said,
00:08:00 --> 00:08:02 This makes God a crutch to lean on.
00:08:03 --> 00:08:05 Well, the sick need a crutch.
00:08:06 --> 00:08:09 I haven't met one person who is not broken in some way,
00:08:10 --> 00:08:12 carrying some untreated pain,
00:08:13 --> 00:08:15 some kind of unresolved relationship,
00:08:15 --> 00:08:17 or unaddressed guilt.
00:08:18 --> 00:08:21 To all those who are poor in spirit,
00:08:21 --> 00:08:23 Jesus reminds me in Matthew 11,
00:08:24 --> 00:08:27 Come to me, all who are weary and burdened,
00:08:27 --> 00:08:29 and I will give you rest.
00:08:30 --> 00:08:32 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
00:08:32 --> 00:08:34 for I'm gentle and humble in spirit,
00:08:34 --> 00:08:37 and you'll find rest for your souls.
00:08:38 --> 00:08:40 Blessed are the poor in spirit,
00:08:40 --> 00:08:43 for they will call on the name of the Lord Jesus and be saved,
00:08:44 --> 00:08:45 and theirs will be the kingdom of heaven.
00:08:47 --> 00:08:48 Verse 4,
00:08:48 --> 00:08:49 Jesus said,
00:08:50 --> 00:08:51 Blessed are those who mourn,
00:08:52 --> 00:08:53 for they will be comforted.
00:08:55 --> 00:08:57 Cut off from friends and family in lockdown,
00:08:58 --> 00:09:00 unable to attend funerals,
00:09:00 --> 00:09:02 there has been widespread grief,
00:09:03 --> 00:09:05 locally, nationally,
00:09:05 --> 00:09:07 and there's been an outcry globally,
00:09:08 --> 00:09:09 as tears have been shed.
00:09:09 --> 00:09:10 I think the latest counts,
00:09:11 --> 00:09:14 nearly five and a half million deaths just from COVID.
00:09:14 --> 00:09:17 What hope is there without Jesus?
00:09:19 --> 00:09:23 Even Stan Grant made note of this in a recent ABC article.
00:09:23 --> 00:09:26 He begins by acknowledging that growing up,
00:09:26 --> 00:09:27 surrounded by Christian family members,
00:09:28 --> 00:09:29 he felt blessed at Christmas,
00:09:30 --> 00:09:32 as it was a time of prayer and hope.
00:09:32 --> 00:09:35 But as our society is turning its back on the Christian message,
00:09:35 --> 00:09:36 he notes,
00:09:37 --> 00:09:39 Our world is immeasurably poorer
00:09:39 --> 00:09:41 for the loss and derision of faith,
00:09:41 --> 00:09:43 and the substitute of cynicism.
00:09:44 --> 00:09:45 In other words,
00:09:46 --> 00:09:46 this equals,
00:09:47 --> 00:09:49 people are living without hope today.
00:09:50 --> 00:09:51 Blessed are those who mourn,
00:09:52 --> 00:09:53 and turn to Jesus,
00:09:54 --> 00:09:55 for they will be comforted.
00:09:56 --> 00:09:58 We're reminded of Revelation 21,
00:09:58 --> 00:09:59 where Jesus says,
00:10:00 --> 00:10:02 Behold, I am making everything new.
00:10:04 --> 00:10:07 It's a real, tangible, physical place,
00:10:08 --> 00:10:09 where God himself, we read,
00:10:10 --> 00:10:12 will wipe every tear from our eyes.
00:10:12 --> 00:10:14 It's such a beautiful image as a parent
00:10:14 --> 00:10:16 when you wipe the tears from your children's face.
00:10:17 --> 00:10:19 God himself will wipe every tear from our eyes.
00:10:19 --> 00:10:20 There'll be no more death,
00:10:21 --> 00:10:21 or mourning,
00:10:22 --> 00:10:22 or crying,
00:10:22 --> 00:10:23 or pain,
00:10:23 --> 00:10:26 for the old world of things will have passed away.
00:10:27 --> 00:10:28 God promises
00:10:28 --> 00:10:31 He will comfort those who look to the hope of resurrection,
00:10:32 --> 00:10:34 where all things will be made new.
00:10:35 --> 00:10:38 This hope is upside down to the secular view in our society,
00:10:38 --> 00:10:39 where death is final,
00:10:40 --> 00:10:41 and there's nothing beyond.
00:10:43 --> 00:10:45 Blessed are those who mourn,
00:10:45 --> 00:10:47 for they will be comforted.
00:10:48 --> 00:10:49 Verse 5.
00:10:50 --> 00:10:51 Jesus said,
00:10:52 --> 00:10:53 Blessed are the meek,
00:10:53 --> 00:10:55 for they will inherit the earth.
00:10:56 --> 00:10:58 There's a bit of confusion about the word meek,
00:10:58 --> 00:10:59 so I've got a definition here for you.
00:11:00 --> 00:11:01 It means slow to anger,
00:11:02 --> 00:11:03 gentle with others,
00:11:03 --> 00:11:05 someone who is strong,
00:11:05 --> 00:11:08 but chooses to use their strength to help others.
00:11:08 --> 00:11:12 God has a special blessing for those who are humble,
00:11:12 --> 00:11:13 and put others first.
00:11:15 --> 00:11:17 Have you ever noticed how our modern depiction,
00:11:17 --> 00:11:19 one of the modern depictions of Jesus,
00:11:19 --> 00:11:20 is that He was a real softy?
00:11:21 --> 00:11:23 Just a bit wussy, actually.
00:11:23 --> 00:11:26 But a quick clarification on this misrepresentation.
00:11:27 --> 00:11:28 When Jesus saw injustice,
00:11:29 --> 00:11:30 He turned tables.
00:11:31 --> 00:11:33 He really stuck it to the religious elite.
00:11:34 --> 00:11:37 The cross epitomizes meekness.
00:11:37 --> 00:11:40 Which is truly a demonstration of Christ's strength.
00:11:41 --> 00:11:42 What Jesus endured,
00:11:43 --> 00:11:43 the betrayal,
00:11:44 --> 00:11:45 false trial,
00:11:45 --> 00:11:45 the mocking,
00:11:46 --> 00:11:46 the scourging,
00:11:47 --> 00:11:47 the beatings,
00:11:48 --> 00:11:49 ultimately the crucifixion,
00:11:50 --> 00:11:52 if we were there at that time,
00:11:52 --> 00:11:54 just as Peter denied Christ,
00:11:55 --> 00:11:57 if we were put under that sort of pressure,
00:11:57 --> 00:11:58 we would capitulate.
00:11:59 --> 00:12:00 We'd give up.
00:12:04 --> 00:12:05 At any given time,
00:12:05 --> 00:12:07 Jesus could have bailed out.
00:12:08 --> 00:12:12 He had the power and strength to call on the heavenly host.
00:12:12 --> 00:12:13 He could have said,
00:12:13 --> 00:12:14 come and save me.
00:12:14 --> 00:12:15 And by the way,
00:12:15 --> 00:12:17 strike down all these people who are giving me grief.
00:12:19 --> 00:12:19 Instead,
00:12:20 --> 00:12:21 in His meekness,
00:12:21 --> 00:12:23 He faithfully sought God's will
00:12:23 --> 00:12:26 and used His strength to help others.
00:12:27 --> 00:12:28 He died for us,
00:12:29 --> 00:12:32 absorbing God's judgment so that we can be forgiven.
00:12:33 --> 00:12:34 Even declaring of His enemies,
00:12:36 --> 00:12:36 Father,
00:12:36 --> 00:12:37 forgive them,
00:12:37 --> 00:12:38 for they do not know what they do.
00:12:39 --> 00:12:41 How upside down is that?
00:12:41 --> 00:12:43 Laying down your life for others,
00:12:43 --> 00:12:44 not self-promoting,
00:12:44 --> 00:12:47 rather using His strength to help others.
00:12:47 --> 00:12:47 In fact,
00:12:48 --> 00:12:49 the scriptures remind us,
00:12:49 --> 00:12:50 while we're still enemies,
00:12:50 --> 00:12:52 so He's using His strength to help enemies,
00:12:53 --> 00:12:54 Christ died for us.
00:12:55 --> 00:12:56 Blessed are the meek,
00:12:56 --> 00:12:59 for they will use their strength to help others.
00:13:01 --> 00:13:02 Verse 6.
00:13:03 --> 00:13:07 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
00:13:07 --> 00:13:09 for they will be filled.
00:13:09 --> 00:13:14 I've found this one of the most misquoted of the Beatitudes.
00:13:15 --> 00:13:16 It often is quoted as,
00:13:16 --> 00:13:18 blessed are those who hunger and thirst.
00:13:19 --> 00:13:20 And then they stop there.
00:13:22 --> 00:13:24 I'm not sure whether it's a ploy for us to say,
00:13:24 --> 00:13:25 blessed are the poor,
00:13:25 --> 00:13:27 those who are homeless or downtrodden,
00:13:27 --> 00:13:29 because of the state they find themselves in.
00:13:30 --> 00:13:31 And as a result,
00:13:32 --> 00:13:34 there's no obligation for us to help,
00:13:34 --> 00:13:35 because apparently they're blessed.
00:13:35 --> 00:13:39 Or maybe it's because if we leave out,
00:13:39 --> 00:13:41 blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
00:13:42 --> 00:13:43 if we leave that bit out,
00:13:43 --> 00:13:46 then there's no compulsion for us to get our lives sorted with God.
00:13:47 --> 00:13:47 I'm not sure,
00:13:48 --> 00:13:49 but let's read it into its entirety.
00:13:50 --> 00:13:54 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.
00:13:54 --> 00:13:55 In other words,
00:13:56 --> 00:13:58 we're blessed if our greatest desire
00:13:58 --> 00:14:00 is to be right with God
00:14:00 --> 00:14:03 and live our lives worthy of His upside-down kingdom.
00:14:03 --> 00:14:07 God has a special blessing for those
00:14:07 --> 00:14:08 whose greatest desire
00:14:08 --> 00:14:11 is to seek God's will.
00:14:12 --> 00:14:13 God first,
00:14:14 --> 00:14:16 followed by loving, selfless servanthood.
00:14:17 --> 00:14:19 As we put God first and seek His kingdom,
00:14:20 --> 00:14:20 we pray,
00:14:22 --> 00:14:23 Your will be done
00:14:23 --> 00:14:25 on earth as it is in heaven.
00:14:26 --> 00:14:28 The trappings of the world
00:14:28 --> 00:14:30 will just not deliver or satisfy.
00:14:30 --> 00:14:32 I'm reminded here of Jesus' words
00:14:32 --> 00:14:34 in John chapter 6, verse 35,
00:14:34 --> 00:14:35 when Jesus said,
00:14:36 --> 00:14:38 I am the bread of life.
00:14:39 --> 00:14:41 Whoever comes to me will never go hungry,
00:14:42 --> 00:14:44 and whoever believes in me
00:14:44 --> 00:14:45 will never be thirsty.
00:14:47 --> 00:14:49 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
00:14:50 --> 00:14:51 for they will be filled
00:14:51 --> 00:14:53 when they come to Jesus
00:14:53 --> 00:14:55 in repentance and faith.
00:14:56 --> 00:14:57 Verse 7,
00:14:57 --> 00:15:00 Blessed are the merciful,
00:15:00 --> 00:15:02 for they will be shown mercy.
00:15:04 --> 00:15:06 Mercy is the compassion or forgiveness
00:15:06 --> 00:15:08 shown towards someone
00:15:08 --> 00:15:10 whom it is within our power
00:15:10 --> 00:15:12 to punish or harm.
00:15:13 --> 00:15:14 If you notice,
00:15:14 --> 00:15:15 we live in a really unforgiving,
00:15:16 --> 00:15:16 harsh,
00:15:17 --> 00:15:18 ruthless age in history,
00:15:19 --> 00:15:21 polarising political tribalism,
00:15:22 --> 00:15:24 a cancelled culture dividing us,
00:15:24 --> 00:15:26 religious bigots
00:15:26 --> 00:15:28 with the freedom of faith
00:15:28 --> 00:15:30 bill on the table.
00:15:31 --> 00:15:33 God will be kind
00:15:33 --> 00:15:34 and show mercy
00:15:34 --> 00:15:36 to those who show mercy
00:15:36 --> 00:15:38 and kindness to others.
00:15:39 --> 00:15:40 Those who show compassion
00:15:40 --> 00:15:42 who don't close their eyes
00:15:42 --> 00:15:43 to human suffering and pain
00:15:43 --> 00:15:45 and reach out into the world
00:15:45 --> 00:15:46 with Jesus' hands
00:15:46 --> 00:15:48 filled by God's spirit
00:15:48 --> 00:15:49 to be a blessing to others.
00:15:51 --> 00:15:52 Later in the Sermon on the Mount,
00:15:52 --> 00:15:53 Jesus reminds us,
00:15:54 --> 00:15:56 and we know it from
00:15:56 --> 00:15:57 the Lord's Prayer,
00:15:57 --> 00:15:58 which was shared with us
00:15:58 --> 00:15:59 with the kid spot,
00:16:00 --> 00:16:01 but he says this,
00:16:02 --> 00:16:03 For if you forgive other people
00:16:03 --> 00:16:04 when they sin against you,
00:16:04 --> 00:16:05 your heavenly Father
00:16:05 --> 00:16:06 also will forgive you.
00:16:08 --> 00:16:09 But if you do not
00:16:09 --> 00:16:10 forgive others their sins,
00:16:10 --> 00:16:11 your Father
00:16:11 --> 00:16:13 will not forgive your sins.
00:16:14 --> 00:16:16 Blessed are the merciful,
00:16:17 --> 00:16:19 for they will be shown mercy.
00:16:20 --> 00:16:21 Verse 8,
00:16:21 --> 00:16:23 Blessed are the pure in heart,
00:16:23 --> 00:16:25 for they will see God.
00:16:26 --> 00:16:28 God has a special place
00:16:28 --> 00:16:30 for those who have pure thoughts,
00:16:30 --> 00:16:31 words and deeds,
00:16:32 --> 00:16:33 for one day they will see God.
00:16:35 --> 00:16:36 I'm not advocating here
00:16:36 --> 00:16:38 being completely naive or gullible,
00:16:39 --> 00:16:40 but there's some things
00:16:40 --> 00:16:41 it's better not to see
00:16:41 --> 00:16:42 or ever to know about.
00:16:43 --> 00:16:44 We're living in an age
00:16:44 --> 00:16:45 where immorality
00:16:45 --> 00:16:46 is at our fingertips,
00:16:47 --> 00:16:48 where instant gratification,
00:16:48 --> 00:16:50 self-indulgent individualism
00:16:50 --> 00:16:51 is the norm.
00:16:51 --> 00:16:53 We hear the catch cries,
00:16:53 --> 00:16:54 whatever makes you happy,
00:16:55 --> 00:16:57 as long as it's not hurting anyone,
00:16:58 --> 00:17:00 or if it feels good,
00:17:00 --> 00:17:01 do it.
00:17:02 --> 00:17:04 In Proverbs 4 verse 23,
00:17:04 --> 00:17:04 we're reminded,
00:17:05 --> 00:17:06 Above all else,
00:17:07 --> 00:17:08 guard your heart,
00:17:08 --> 00:17:10 for everything you do
00:17:10 --> 00:17:11 flows from it.
00:17:11 --> 00:17:14 We need to take care,
00:17:14 --> 00:17:15 be self-controlled.
00:17:16 --> 00:17:17 What's in our heart
00:17:17 --> 00:17:19 flows out into how we live.
00:17:19 --> 00:17:21 It actually shapes our thoughts,
00:17:22 --> 00:17:22 our actions,
00:17:23 --> 00:17:24 our habits,
00:17:24 --> 00:17:25 and our character.
00:17:26 --> 00:17:28 So blessed are the pure in heart,
00:17:28 --> 00:17:30 those who have a heart for God
00:17:30 --> 00:17:31 and for others,
00:17:31 --> 00:17:33 for they will see God.
00:17:35 --> 00:17:35 Verse 9,
00:17:36 --> 00:17:38 Blessed are the peacemakers,
00:17:38 --> 00:17:39 for they will be called
00:17:39 --> 00:17:40 children of God.
00:17:42 --> 00:17:43 Those who try to bring peace
00:17:43 --> 00:17:44 to a situation
00:17:44 --> 00:17:45 will be God's children,
00:17:46 --> 00:17:47 they'll be called God's children.
00:17:48 --> 00:17:49 Peacemakers in Matthew
00:17:49 --> 00:17:50 is closely related
00:17:50 --> 00:17:51 to love of neighbour,
00:17:52 --> 00:17:53 and so we're to make peace
00:17:53 --> 00:17:55 and to be peace-loving,
00:17:55 --> 00:17:56 forgiving others
00:17:56 --> 00:17:57 and showing kindness,
00:17:58 --> 00:17:59 even if they're our enemies.
00:18:00 --> 00:18:01 In contrast,
00:18:01 --> 00:18:02 the world is vengeful,
00:18:03 --> 00:18:04 stirring up trouble,
00:18:05 --> 00:18:06 causing fights and dissension,
00:18:07 --> 00:18:07 holding grudges,
00:18:07 --> 00:18:09 bitterness and resentment,
00:18:09 --> 00:18:10 factional,
00:18:11 --> 00:18:11 warring.
00:18:11 --> 00:18:12 In fact,
00:18:12 --> 00:18:13 when we watch movies
00:18:13 --> 00:18:14 and the villain gets it in the end,
00:18:14 --> 00:18:15 we kind of cheer
00:18:15 --> 00:18:17 and there's a bit of a hooray.
00:18:18 --> 00:18:19 Do you know someone
00:18:19 --> 00:18:20 who is always causing a drama?
00:18:22 --> 00:18:24 God's upside-down kingdom
00:18:24 --> 00:18:26 is marked by peacemakers.
00:18:27 --> 00:18:28 Congratulations to those
00:18:28 --> 00:18:30 who make peace.
00:18:31 --> 00:18:32 Verse 10,
00:18:33 --> 00:18:34 Blessed are those
00:18:34 --> 00:18:35 who are persecuted
00:18:35 --> 00:18:36 because of righteousness,
00:18:36 --> 00:18:38 for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
00:18:40 --> 00:18:41 This is counterintuitive
00:18:41 --> 00:18:42 and sounds masochistic,
00:18:43 --> 00:18:44 but God has a special blessing
00:18:44 --> 00:18:45 for those
00:18:45 --> 00:18:46 who are insulted
00:18:46 --> 00:18:48 or persecuted for Jesus.
00:18:49 --> 00:18:49 Heaven is theirs.
00:18:50 --> 00:18:52 While we don't like
00:18:52 --> 00:18:52 being persecuted,
00:18:53 --> 00:18:54 we will suffer
00:18:54 --> 00:18:55 if we identify
00:18:55 --> 00:18:56 as being Christian
00:18:56 --> 00:18:57 and as followers of Jesus.
00:18:58 --> 00:18:59 And in this,
00:18:59 --> 00:19:00 we're to be rejoicing
00:19:00 --> 00:19:02 because we're being faithful
00:19:02 --> 00:19:03 and our reward
00:19:03 --> 00:19:04 will be in heaven.
00:19:04 --> 00:19:06 Now, there's a whole other sermon here
00:19:06 --> 00:19:08 and I'd actually like to explore
00:19:08 --> 00:19:10 this a bit more next week.
00:19:10 --> 00:19:11 So stay tuned.
00:19:12 --> 00:19:13 And it's going to be a bit heavy.
00:19:14 --> 00:19:16 The Sermon on the Mount
00:19:16 --> 00:19:16 is all about
00:19:16 --> 00:19:19 the complete attitude of Jesus.
00:19:20 --> 00:19:21 And I heard this story recently
00:19:21 --> 00:19:22 and it involves
00:19:22 --> 00:19:23 a baseball illustration.
00:19:23 --> 00:19:24 So I'm hoping
00:19:24 --> 00:19:25 you understand baseball.
00:19:25 --> 00:19:26 Basically, there's nine innings
00:19:26 --> 00:19:28 and one innings
00:19:28 --> 00:19:29 is when three people get out
00:19:29 --> 00:19:30 and the other team,
00:19:30 --> 00:19:30 three out.
00:19:30 --> 00:19:31 I'm hoping you've got
00:19:31 --> 00:19:32 a bit of an idea of the game.
00:19:33 --> 00:19:34 So in Brooklyn, New York,
00:19:35 --> 00:19:36 excuse me,
00:19:36 --> 00:19:38 Cush is a school
00:19:38 --> 00:19:39 that caters to children
00:19:39 --> 00:19:40 with developmental
00:19:40 --> 00:19:41 and learning disabilities.
00:19:42 --> 00:19:44 At a Cush fundraising dinner,
00:19:44 --> 00:19:45 the father of a child
00:19:45 --> 00:19:47 delivered a speech
00:19:47 --> 00:19:48 that would never be forgotten
00:19:48 --> 00:19:49 by all who attended.
00:19:50 --> 00:19:51 After praising the school
00:19:51 --> 00:19:52 and its dedicated staff,
00:19:53 --> 00:19:53 he cried out,
00:19:54 --> 00:19:55 where is the perfection
00:19:55 --> 00:19:57 in my son's shire?
00:19:57 --> 00:19:59 Everything God does
00:19:59 --> 00:20:00 is done with perfection,
00:20:00 --> 00:20:01 but my child cannot
00:20:01 --> 00:20:02 understand things
00:20:02 --> 00:20:03 as other children do.
00:20:04 --> 00:20:05 Where is God's perfection?
00:20:06 --> 00:20:07 The audience was shocked
00:20:07 --> 00:20:08 by the question,
00:20:09 --> 00:20:11 pained by the father's anguish
00:20:11 --> 00:20:13 instilled by the piercing query.
00:20:14 --> 00:20:15 I believe,
00:20:15 --> 00:20:16 the father answered,
00:20:16 --> 00:20:18 that when God brings
00:20:18 --> 00:20:18 a child like this
00:20:18 --> 00:20:19 into the world,
00:20:19 --> 00:20:21 the perfection that he seeks
00:20:21 --> 00:20:22 is the way people react
00:20:22 --> 00:20:23 to this child.
00:20:24 --> 00:20:25 He then told the following story
00:20:25 --> 00:20:26 about his son,
00:20:26 --> 00:20:27 Shire.
00:20:27 --> 00:20:29 One afternoon,
00:20:29 --> 00:20:30 Shire and his father
00:20:30 --> 00:20:31 walked past a park
00:20:31 --> 00:20:33 where some boys Shire knew
00:20:33 --> 00:20:34 were playing baseball.
00:20:35 --> 00:20:35 Shire asked,
00:20:36 --> 00:20:37 do you think they'll let me play?
00:20:38 --> 00:20:39 And Shire's father knew
00:20:39 --> 00:20:41 that his son was not all athletic
00:20:41 --> 00:20:43 and that most boys
00:20:43 --> 00:20:44 would not want him
00:20:44 --> 00:20:45 on their team.
00:20:46 --> 00:20:47 But Shire's father understood
00:20:47 --> 00:20:47 that if his son
00:20:47 --> 00:20:48 was chosen to play,
00:20:48 --> 00:20:49 it would give him
00:20:49 --> 00:20:50 a comfortable sense of belonging.
00:20:51 --> 00:20:52 Shire's father approached
00:20:52 --> 00:20:54 one of the boys in the field
00:20:54 --> 00:20:55 and asked if Shire could play.
00:20:55 --> 00:20:56 And the boy looked around
00:20:56 --> 00:20:57 for guidance
00:20:57 --> 00:20:58 from his teammates
00:20:58 --> 00:21:00 and getting none,
00:21:01 --> 00:21:01 he took matters
00:21:01 --> 00:21:02 into his own hands
00:21:02 --> 00:21:03 and said,
00:21:03 --> 00:21:05 we're losing by six runs
00:21:05 --> 00:21:06 and the game is
00:21:06 --> 00:21:07 in the eighth innings,
00:21:08 --> 00:21:09 which is near the end
00:21:09 --> 00:21:09 of the game.
00:21:10 --> 00:21:11 I guess he can be
00:21:11 --> 00:21:11 on our team
00:21:11 --> 00:21:12 and we'll try to put him
00:21:12 --> 00:21:13 into bat in the ninth inning.
00:21:14 --> 00:21:15 So Shire's father
00:21:15 --> 00:21:16 was ecstatic.
00:21:16 --> 00:21:17 As Shire smiled broadly,
00:21:18 --> 00:21:18 Shire was told
00:21:18 --> 00:21:19 to put on a glove
00:21:19 --> 00:21:19 and go out
00:21:19 --> 00:21:21 and play short center field.
00:21:22 --> 00:21:23 In the bottom
00:21:23 --> 00:21:23 of the eighth inning,
00:21:23 --> 00:21:25 Shire's team scored
00:21:25 --> 00:21:25 a few runs
00:21:25 --> 00:21:26 but were still behind
00:21:26 --> 00:21:27 by three.
00:21:27 --> 00:21:28 In the bottom
00:21:28 --> 00:21:29 of the ninth inning,
00:21:30 --> 00:21:31 Shire's team scored again
00:21:31 --> 00:21:33 and now with two outs
00:21:33 --> 00:21:34 and the bases loaded
00:21:34 --> 00:21:35 with the potential
00:21:35 --> 00:21:37 winning run on base,
00:21:38 --> 00:21:38 Shire was scheduled
00:21:38 --> 00:21:39 to bat.
00:21:40 --> 00:21:41 Would the team
00:21:41 --> 00:21:41 actually let Shire
00:21:41 --> 00:21:42 bat at this junction
00:21:42 --> 00:21:43 and give away
00:21:43 --> 00:21:44 the chance to win the game?
00:21:45 --> 00:21:46 Surprisingly,
00:21:47 --> 00:21:48 Shire was given the bat.
00:21:48 --> 00:21:50 Everyone knew it
00:21:50 --> 00:21:51 was all but impossible
00:21:51 --> 00:21:52 because Shire
00:21:52 --> 00:21:52 didn't even know
00:21:52 --> 00:21:54 how to hold the bat properly,
00:21:55 --> 00:21:56 let alone hit with it.
00:21:56 --> 00:21:56 However,
00:21:56 --> 00:21:57 as Shire stepped up
00:21:57 --> 00:21:58 to the plate,
00:21:58 --> 00:21:59 the pitcher moved
00:21:59 --> 00:22:00 a few steps
00:22:00 --> 00:22:01 to lob the ball
00:22:01 --> 00:22:02 in softly
00:22:02 --> 00:22:03 to Shire
00:22:03 --> 00:22:04 so he could have
00:22:04 --> 00:22:04 a swing at it
00:22:04 --> 00:22:05 and make contact.
00:22:06 --> 00:22:07 But he missed.
00:22:08 --> 00:22:09 The first pitch
00:22:09 --> 00:22:10 went past him
00:22:10 --> 00:22:11 as he clumsily swung
00:22:11 --> 00:22:13 and one of Shire's
00:22:13 --> 00:22:14 teammates came out
00:22:14 --> 00:22:15 and helped him
00:22:15 --> 00:22:16 hold the bat
00:22:16 --> 00:22:17 as they faced
00:22:17 --> 00:22:17 the pitcher
00:22:17 --> 00:22:18 who then took
00:22:18 --> 00:22:19 another step forward
00:22:19 --> 00:22:21 to toss the ball
00:22:21 --> 00:22:22 softly towards Shire.
00:22:23 --> 00:22:24 As the pitch came in,
00:22:24 --> 00:22:25 Shire and his teammates
00:22:25 --> 00:22:26 swung at the ball
00:22:26 --> 00:22:27 and together
00:22:27 --> 00:22:28 they hit a slow
00:22:28 --> 00:22:29 ground ball
00:22:29 --> 00:22:29 straight back
00:22:29 --> 00:22:30 to the pitcher.
00:22:31 --> 00:22:32 The pitcher picked
00:22:32 --> 00:22:33 up the ball
00:22:33 --> 00:22:33 and he could have
00:22:33 --> 00:22:34 easily thrown it
00:22:34 --> 00:22:35 to first base
00:22:35 --> 00:22:35 and he would have
00:22:35 --> 00:22:36 been out.
00:22:37 --> 00:22:38 But the pitcher
00:22:38 --> 00:22:39 took the ball
00:22:39 --> 00:22:39 and he threw it
00:22:39 --> 00:22:40 in a high arc
00:22:40 --> 00:22:41 over into the
00:22:41 --> 00:22:41 outfield.
00:22:42 --> 00:22:43 Everyone started
00:22:43 --> 00:22:43 yelling,
00:22:43 --> 00:22:44 Shire, run to
00:22:44 --> 00:22:44 first base.
00:22:45 --> 00:22:47 Never in his life
00:22:47 --> 00:22:47 had Shire run
00:22:47 --> 00:22:48 to first base.
00:22:49 --> 00:22:50 He scampered
00:22:50 --> 00:22:50 down the baseline
00:22:50 --> 00:22:51 wide-eyed
00:22:51 --> 00:22:52 and startled.
00:22:52 --> 00:22:53 By the time
00:22:53 --> 00:22:53 he reached first base
00:22:53 --> 00:22:54 the right fielder
00:22:54 --> 00:22:55 had the ball
00:22:55 --> 00:22:56 and wasn't sure
00:22:56 --> 00:22:57 what to do with it
00:22:57 --> 00:22:58 but cottoned on
00:22:58 --> 00:22:58 pretty quick
00:22:58 --> 00:22:59 and he threw it
00:22:59 --> 00:23:00 over the third
00:23:00 --> 00:23:01 baseman's head
00:23:01 --> 00:23:02 and they said,
00:23:02 --> 00:23:03 run to second,
00:23:03 --> 00:23:04 Shire, run to second.
00:23:05 --> 00:23:06 He ran to second.
00:23:06 --> 00:23:07 By this stage
00:23:07 --> 00:23:08 it ran to third
00:23:08 --> 00:23:09 and finally
00:23:09 --> 00:23:10 both teams
00:23:10 --> 00:23:11 run for home
00:23:11 --> 00:23:11 and they were
00:23:11 --> 00:23:12 cheering him on.
00:23:13 --> 00:23:14 As Shire ran
00:23:14 --> 00:23:14 from home
00:23:14 --> 00:23:15 18 boys
00:23:15 --> 00:23:15 lifted him
00:23:15 --> 00:23:16 on their shoulders
00:23:16 --> 00:23:16 and made him
00:23:16 --> 00:23:17 the hero
00:23:17 --> 00:23:18 as he'd just
00:23:18 --> 00:23:20 made his first
00:23:20 --> 00:23:20 home run
00:23:20 --> 00:23:22 and won the game
00:23:22 --> 00:23:22 for his team.
00:23:24 --> 00:23:24 That day,
00:23:25 --> 00:23:25 said the father
00:23:25 --> 00:23:26 with tears
00:23:26 --> 00:23:27 rolling down
00:23:27 --> 00:23:28 his face,
00:23:29 --> 00:23:30 those 18 boys
00:23:30 --> 00:23:32 knew God's
00:23:32 --> 00:23:32 perfection
00:23:32 --> 00:23:34 as they did
00:23:34 --> 00:23:35 what Jesus
00:23:35 --> 00:23:36 would have done.
00:23:36 --> 00:23:37 blessed
00:23:37 --> 00:23:38 are the meek
00:23:38 --> 00:23:39 they'll use
00:23:39 --> 00:23:40 their strength
00:23:40 --> 00:23:41 to help others.
00:23:42 --> 00:23:43 Like those boys
00:23:43 --> 00:23:44 needing their strength
00:23:44 --> 00:23:44 to help others,
00:23:45 --> 00:23:46 blessing and
00:23:46 --> 00:23:46 congratulations
00:23:46 --> 00:23:47 go to those
00:23:47 --> 00:23:48 who have the
00:23:48 --> 00:23:49 complete attitude
00:23:49 --> 00:23:50 of Jesus.
00:23:51 --> 00:23:52 We can't have
00:23:52 --> 00:23:52 one
00:23:52 --> 00:23:53 or a couple
00:23:53 --> 00:23:54 where to have
00:23:54 --> 00:23:55 the whole package
00:23:55 --> 00:23:56 listed in the
00:23:56 --> 00:23:56 Sermon on the Mount.
00:23:57 --> 00:23:58 The demands
00:23:58 --> 00:23:58 on us to be
00:23:58 --> 00:23:59 kind of blessed
00:23:59 --> 00:24:02 and fortunate
00:24:02 --> 00:24:03 are high.
00:24:04 --> 00:24:05 If we think of it
00:24:05 --> 00:24:05 like a checklist,
00:24:06 --> 00:24:06 oh yeah,
00:24:06 --> 00:24:07 I was meek today
00:24:07 --> 00:24:08 or I've been
00:24:08 --> 00:24:08 a peacemaker,
00:24:09 --> 00:24:10 I've shown some
00:24:10 --> 00:24:11 mercy or I've
00:24:11 --> 00:24:12 been pure in heart,
00:24:13 --> 00:24:14 tick,
00:24:14 --> 00:24:15 I've done all that,
00:24:16 --> 00:24:17 we could easily
00:24:17 --> 00:24:17 be discouraged
00:24:17 --> 00:24:18 because actually
00:24:18 --> 00:24:20 we don't get there
00:24:20 --> 00:24:20 all the time
00:24:20 --> 00:24:21 and our puny
00:24:21 --> 00:24:22 attempts to change
00:24:22 --> 00:24:24 can often be fought
00:24:24 --> 00:24:25 with setbacks
00:24:25 --> 00:24:25 and failures
00:24:25 --> 00:24:27 and could result
00:24:27 --> 00:24:27 in us actually
00:24:27 --> 00:24:28 giving up.
00:24:28 --> 00:24:30 The Sermon on the Mount
00:24:30 --> 00:24:32 sets out an
00:24:32 --> 00:24:33 impossible righteousness,
00:24:34 --> 00:24:35 a standard
00:24:35 --> 00:24:36 that only Jesus
00:24:36 --> 00:24:36 fulfilled.
00:24:37 --> 00:24:38 It cannot be a
00:24:38 --> 00:24:39 checklist of things
00:24:39 --> 00:24:40 to do,
00:24:40 --> 00:24:41 but a reminder
00:24:41 --> 00:24:41 of Jesus'
00:24:41 --> 00:24:42 righteousness
00:24:42 --> 00:24:43 where we need
00:24:43 --> 00:24:44 to place our
00:24:44 --> 00:24:46 trust in God
00:24:46 --> 00:24:47 and in his
00:24:47 --> 00:24:48 calling to be
00:24:48 --> 00:24:49 like Jesus.
00:24:51 --> 00:24:52 In a society
00:24:52 --> 00:24:53 wandering further
00:24:53 --> 00:24:54 from God,
00:24:54 --> 00:24:55 demanding our
00:24:55 --> 00:24:55 allegiance,
00:24:56 --> 00:24:57 whose blessing
00:24:57 --> 00:24:58 do we seek?
00:24:58 --> 00:24:59 Whose voice
00:24:59 --> 00:25:00 will we listen
00:25:00 --> 00:25:00 to?
00:25:01 --> 00:25:02 Does God's
00:25:02 --> 00:25:03 blessing mean
00:25:03 --> 00:25:04 more to us
00:25:04 --> 00:25:05 than the approval
00:25:05 --> 00:25:06 of our culture
00:25:06 --> 00:25:07 or even our
00:25:07 --> 00:25:08 loved ones?
00:25:08 --> 00:25:09 How now
00:25:09 --> 00:25:10 should we live
00:25:10 --> 00:25:11 in 2022?
00:25:12 --> 00:25:13 We have choices
00:25:13 --> 00:25:14 to make this
00:25:14 --> 00:25:14 new year
00:25:14 --> 00:25:15 and each
00:25:15 --> 00:25:16 and every
00:25:16 --> 00:25:16 day of our
00:25:16 --> 00:25:17 lives,
00:25:17 --> 00:25:18 how we react,
00:25:18 --> 00:25:19 how we respond,
00:25:20 --> 00:25:21 how we step
00:25:21 --> 00:25:21 out,
00:25:21 --> 00:25:22 how we initiate.
00:25:23 --> 00:25:24 Like caterpillars
00:25:24 --> 00:25:25 longing to be
00:25:25 --> 00:25:25 butterflies,
00:25:26 --> 00:25:27 blessed are those
00:25:27 --> 00:25:28 who walk in the
00:25:28 --> 00:25:28 steps of Jesus
00:25:28 --> 00:25:29 and emulate
00:25:29 --> 00:25:30 his behaviour.
00:25:32 --> 00:25:33 Remembering being
00:25:33 --> 00:25:33 like Jesus
00:25:33 --> 00:25:34 doesn't save us,
00:25:35 --> 00:25:36 but as we place
00:25:36 --> 00:25:37 our faith and
00:25:37 --> 00:25:37 confidence and
00:25:37 --> 00:25:38 trust in Jesus,
00:25:39 --> 00:25:40 as we've been
00:25:40 --> 00:25:41 shown mercy
00:25:41 --> 00:25:42 and are saved
00:25:42 --> 00:25:42 by grace,
00:25:42 --> 00:25:43 we are then
00:25:43 --> 00:25:45 blessed to do
00:25:45 --> 00:25:45 the good works
00:25:45 --> 00:25:46 that God has
00:25:46 --> 00:25:47 prepared in advance
00:25:47 --> 00:25:48 for us to do.
00:25:50 --> 00:25:51 Blessed are those
00:25:51 --> 00:25:52 whose resolution
00:25:52 --> 00:25:53 is to seek
00:25:53 --> 00:25:54 God's upside
00:25:54 --> 00:25:54 down kingdom
00:25:54 --> 00:25:56 and in God's
00:25:56 --> 00:25:57 strength,
00:25:57 --> 00:25:58 spirit filled,
00:25:59 --> 00:25:59 display the
00:25:59 --> 00:26:00 beautiful attitudes
00:26:00 --> 00:26:01 of Jesus
00:26:01 --> 00:26:02 as they are
00:26:02 --> 00:26:03 being transformed
00:26:03 --> 00:26:04 into the likeness
00:26:04 --> 00:26:05 of Christ.
00:26:06 --> 00:26:07 Let's pray.
00:26:08 --> 00:26:09 Heavenly Father,
00:26:09 --> 00:26:10 we just thank you
00:26:10 --> 00:26:11 that you've revealed
00:26:11 --> 00:26:12 yourself to us
00:26:12 --> 00:26:13 fully through your
00:26:13 --> 00:26:13 word,
00:26:14 --> 00:26:14 through your
00:26:14 --> 00:26:15 creation and
00:26:15 --> 00:26:16 through Jesus.
00:26:16 --> 00:26:17 Your word became
00:26:17 --> 00:26:19 flesh and Lord,
00:26:19 --> 00:26:20 as he lived
00:26:20 --> 00:26:20 amongst us
00:26:20 --> 00:26:22 and endured
00:26:22 --> 00:26:22 what we endured
00:26:22 --> 00:26:23 and walked in
00:26:23 --> 00:26:24 our shoes,
00:26:25 --> 00:26:25 he showed us
00:26:25 --> 00:26:26 how to really
00:26:26 --> 00:26:27 live and to
00:26:27 --> 00:26:27 live life.
00:26:28 --> 00:26:29 Just pray now
00:26:29 --> 00:26:29 for each and
00:26:29 --> 00:26:30 every one of us
00:26:30 --> 00:26:30 that we choose
00:26:30 --> 00:26:32 life and we
00:26:32 --> 00:26:32 choose this year
00:26:32 --> 00:26:33 to walk in
00:26:33 --> 00:26:34 Jesus' steps,
00:26:34 --> 00:26:35 to honour you
00:26:35 --> 00:26:36 and to reflect
00:26:36 --> 00:26:36 those beautiful
00:26:36 --> 00:26:38 attitudes in
00:26:38 --> 00:26:38 all we do and
00:26:38 --> 00:26:38 say.
00:26:39 --> 00:26:40 In Jesus' name
00:26:40 --> 00:26:40 we pray.
00:26:41 --> 00:26:41 Amen.