I. Intro:

•  A. I hope that your year has started off well.
•  B. I also hope that you have enjoyed the devotionals we are doing this year.
•  C. As we begin this new year we do so looking at the Sermon on the Mount.
•  D. That is led off by the Beatitudes.

II. The Setting of the Sermon

•  A. Matthew 4:23-25
•  B. Luke 6:12-19
•  C. The crowd came to hear Jesus. His message was about the Kingdom – Matt 4:17
•  D. The Kingdom the people will hear about is different from any kingdom they’ve seen.

III. It Starts with Attitude

• A. Jesus begins to speak about life in the Kingdom by focusing on the proper attitude.
• B. Each starts with “Blessed”, sometimes translated happy.  We are overjoyed at the outcome of the Beatitudes and blessed to become more like Jesus.
• C. What a contrast from the Old Law & the religious ideas of the day.
• D. Also what a contrast from what the world promotes!

IV. The Beatitudes

• A. Poor In Spirit – The humble-Those who know their place in relation to God.
• B. Mourn – Those who feel Godly sorrow for their sins.
• C. Meek – Those with a quiet, gentle spirit with confidence not arrogance.
• D. Hunger & Thirst – Those who never have enough of God.
• E. Merciful – Those who understand their own need of mercy and extend that to others.
• F. Pure In Heart – Those who don’t want to be defiled by the world.
• G. Peacemakers – Those who share the message of Jesus and follow His example. Not quarrelsome.
• H. Persecuted – Those who suffer for righteousness.
• I. Each carries its own reward. That reward comes from God who looks at the heart. He begins by changing us from the inside out.

V. Conclusion

• A. Our challenge is to take on these Beatitudes.
• B. When we do we are Blessed.
• C. We must take steps to improve in these areas.
• D. It’s a Great place to start 2016.