Matthew 5

In the sermon on the mount, Christ goes to a high point place to speak with the multitudes that followed him. After he has won there confidence, he bade them to follow him by teaching them the kingdom of heaven or the "Beatitudes" Jesus had been teaching, preaching, and healing for some months before the sermon on the mount. MB 2.5

Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Isaiah 66:2; 2 Corinthians 6:10, 8:9; Luke 18:13; Ecclesiastes 4:13-14 Revelation 3:17. The poor in spirit are described below:

Those who know that they cannot possibly save themselves, or of themselves do any righteous action, are the ones who appreciate the help that Christ can bestow. They are the poor in spirit, whom He declares to be blessed. . MB 7.1

The kingdom of heaven is not this world. Romans 14:17. Jesus has numerous parables of the kingdom of heaven. In Daniel 7:14, Jesus moves from the holy place to the most holy place to meet with the Father to receive a kingdom. Luke 19:12. During that time Jesus is judging those who profess to believe in Him. Luke 19:22

Christ was opening to men the spiritual kingdom of His love, His grace, His righteousness. The ensign of the Messiah's reign is distinguished by the likeness of the Son of man. His subjects are the poor in spirit, the meek, the persecuted for righteousness’ sake. The kingdom of heaven is theirs. Though not yet fully accomplished, the work is begun in them which will make them "meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light." Colossians 1:12. . MB 8.1

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Once you recognize your need of Christ you will mourn. "The mourning here brought to view is true heart sorrow for sin. Jesus says, "I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me." John 12:32.. MB 9.2"

Isaiah 61:2-3; 57:18-19 God wants us to mourn so He can not only comfort us, but to also give us joy. We must see our need and the goodness of God and repent, this leads us to God Romans 2:5; James 4:9-10. Trials are God’s workmen, not to afflict us willingly Lamentations 3:33 that we might be partakers of his s holiness Hebrews 12:10. It is to remove the impurities and roughness from our character.

When tribulation come we think it’s an enemy and all our strength is spent trying to fight it and receive no comfort.

Yesterday, 5-9-22 the Lord definitely helped me. A decision needed to be made regrading my Dad about putting a tube in his stomach for feeding. I desperately cried out to Him and He answered. I told the Lord I am hearing to many voices, please help me to hears yours and He came through. I said to my siblings "We have made a lot of decisions for Dad and I think Dad is asking us to please let me make this one." All the siblings agree, Cleve wanted to allow Dad to make that decision and after seeking you Lord, Dad should make that decision as well. Thank you for your help Lord, 🙏 Jesus wants me to look to him when in sorrow. I should also sympathize with Jesus with the woe and sorrow in this world. Isaiah 63:9. It is through suffering that Jesus obtained the ministry of consolation 2 Corinthians 1:5. The Lord has special grace for the mourner. God is the God of all comfort 2 Corinthians 1:3,4

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 11:29; Psalm 25:9; 37:11; Zephaniah 2:3; 1 Peter 3:4

Meekness toward God is that disposition of spirit in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting.

Far better would it be for us to suffer under false accusation than to inflict upon ourselves the torture of retaliation upon our enemies. The spirit of hatred and revenge originated with Satan, and can bring only evil to him who cherishes it. Lowliness of heart, that meekness which is the fruit of abiding in Christ, is the true secret of blessing. "He will beautify the meek with salvation." Psalm 149:4. . MB 17.1

Because of the meekness when suffering for Christ, the promise is that they shall inherit the earth Psalm 37:11. Because we look forward to a new heavens and a new earth 2 Peter 3:13

Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Psalm 63:1, 2; Psalm 107:9; Isaiah 41:17; Isaiah 55:1; John 6:35

As we need food to sustain our physical strength, so do we need Christ, the Bread from heaven, to sustain spiritual life and impart strength to work the works of God. As the body is continually receiving the nourishment that sustains life and vigor, so the soul must be constantly communing with Christ, submitting to Him and depending wholly upon Him. . MB 19.1

We must have a hunger and thirst for righteousness until we see Jesus. Revelation 7:15-17. This is what we must seek Matthew 6:33; Isaiah 51:1, 5-8. This has a connection to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit Isaiah 45:8; Hosea 10:12

Matthew 5:7 (KJV) Blessed [are] the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Psalm 37:26; 2 Samuel 22:26; Proverbs 11:17; 14:21; Micah 6:8; James 2:13

The merciful are those who manifest compassion to the poor, the suffering, and the oppressed.. MB 22.4

Showing mercy is demonstrating God’s love. In the most holy place of the sanctuary God’s dwelling is above the mercy seat. Under the mercy seat is the law. Luke 18:22-35. Because of Jesus we are receiving mercy. While He is still doing the role of High Priest, this world can still receive God’s mercy. He is plenteous in mercy Psalm 86:5; 130:7

Psalm 25:10 (KJV)
All the paths of the LORD [are] mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.

Psalm 37:21 (KJV)
The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.

Psalm 109:16 (KJV)
Because that he remembered not to shew mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man, that he might even slay the broken in heart.

Romans 11:31 (KJV)
Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.

Matthew 5:8 (KJV) Blessed [are] the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 1 Chronicles 29:19; Acts 15:9; Titus 1:15; James 4:8; Proverbs 22:11

But the words of Jesus, "Blessed are the pure in heart," have a deeper meaning—not merely pure in the sense in which the world understands purity, free from that which is sensual, pure from lust, but true in the hidden purposes and motives of the soul, free from pride and self-seeking, humble, unselfish, childlike. MB 25.1 In one who is learning of Jesus, there will be manifest a growing distaste for careless manners, unseemly language, and coarse thought. When Christ abides in the heart, there will be purity and refinement of thought and manner. MB 24.3

There is a preparation that needs to be done in order to live in the sight of an holy God without high priest in the sanctuary, through the time of trouble. EW 71 the preparation is being hewed by the prophets and purify our souls by obeying the truth.

Th heart of God is pure, so that when He speaks He is speaking from the heart. Every word of God is pure... and tried. Proverbs 30:5; Psalm 12:6 So when God spoke his commands, He was speaking from the heart which is pure. ...the commandments of the Lord is pure..Psalm 19:8. This is why we must take time to examine ourselves by looking at Jesus and his law. We think we are alright Proverbs 30:12. As God’s people we will be tried and purified Daniel 12:10 and after the trial the Lord bring us forth as pure gold Job 23:10 and love out of a pure heart 1 Timothy 1:5 and staying away from sin 1 Timothy 5:22; 2 Timothy 2:22; Titus 1:15 and to purify our souls in obeying the truth 1 Peter 1:22 and let us have Jesus in our hearts , for we shall see him as he is and with this hope, we can know He will purify us 1 John 3:2, 3.

Matthew 5:9 (KJV) Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Romans 12:18; Hebrews 12:14; Psalm 120:6, 7; Proverbs 12:20; Isaiah 32:17; 52:7; James 3:17-18; Psalm 37:37; 119:165

Christ's followers are sent to the world with the message of peace. Whoever, by the quiet, unconscious influence of a holy life, shall reveal the love of Christ; whoever, by word or deed, shall lead another to renounce sin and yield his heart to God, is a peacemaker. . MB 28.1 Malachi 2:4-6

Psalm 85:10 (KJV)
Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed [each other].

Psalm 120:7 (KJV)
I [am for] peace: but when I speak, they [are] for war.

Isaiah 26:3 (KJV)
Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee.

Isaiah 48:18 (KJV)
O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:

Isaiah 48:22 (KJV)
[There is] no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked.

Matthew 5:10 (KJV) Blessed [are] they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 2 Timothy 3:12; Acts 14:22; GC39

Jesus Christ is made unto us righteousness 1 Corinthians 1:30. In other words, Blessed are they which are persecuted for Jesus’ sake... Matthew 10:22-23. It is best to suffer for Christ sake doing right, than to suffer for doing wrong without Christ. 1 Peter 4:13-16

Persecution and reproach await all who are imbued with the Spirit of Christ. The character of the persecution changes with the times, but the principle—the spirit that underlies it—is the same that has slain the chosen of the Lord ever since the days of Abel. . MB 29.2

Those who love their Redeemer will rejoice at every opportunity of sharing with Him humiliation and reproach. The love they bear their Lord makes suffering for His sake sweet. . MB 30.1

Through trials and persecution, the glory—character—of God is revealed in His chosen ones. The church of God, hated and persecuted by the world, are educated and disciplined in the school of Christ. They walk in narrow paths on earth; they are purified in the furnace of affliction. They follow Christ through sore conflicts; they endure self-denial and experience bitter disappointments; but their painful experience teaches them the guilt and woe of sin, and they look upon it with abhorrence. MB 31.1

God permits the wicked to prosper and to reveal their enmity against Him, that when they shall have filled up the measure of their iniquity all may see His justice and mercy in their utter destruction. The day of His vengeance hastens, when all who have transgressed His law and oppressed His people will meet the just recompense of their deeds; when every act of cruelty or injustice toward God's faithful ones will be punished as though done to Christ Himself. . GC 48.2

Matthew 5:11 (KJV) Blessed are ye, when [men] shall revile you, and persecute [you], and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Luke 6:22; 1 Peter 4:14; 1 Peter 2:21-23

When you have stood for truth and demonstrated it and men still revile you for Christ sake, God is saying you are blessed.

There was never one who walked among men more cruelly slandered than the Son of man. He was derided and mocked because of His unswerving obedience to the principles of God's holy law. They hated Him without a cause. Yet He stood calmly before His enemies, declaring that reproach is a part of the Christian's legacy, counseling His followers how to meet the arrows of malice, bidding them not to faint under persecution. . MB 32.1

When the third angel has reached its fulfillment, God will have a people who will not faint under persecution Revelation 14:12. Jesus has set an example for us. Hebrews 12:3-4; 13:12-13

Matthew 5:12 (KJV) Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great [is] your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

This is the experience God’s wants us to have. There is a special connection with Jesus when we suffer for his sake. There is nothing that Jesus has not been through that we have. He has been through worst than us and He was completely innocent. Acts 9:16

Hebrews 12:3 (KJV) For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Matthew 5:13 (KJV) Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Mark 9:50

The savor of the salt represents the vital power of the Christian—the love of Jesus in the heart, the righteousness of Christ pervading the life. The love of Christ is diffusive and aggressive. If it is dwelling in us, it will flow out to others. We shall come close to them till their hearts are warmed by our unselfish interest and love. The sincere believers diffuse vital energy, which is penetrating and imparts new moral power to the souls for whom they labor. It is not the power of the man himself, but the power of the Holy Spirit that does the transforming work. . MB 36.2

When love fills the heart, it will flow out to others, not because of favors received from them, but because love is the principle of action. Love modifies the character, governs the impulses, subdues enmity, and ennobles the affections. This love is as broad as the universe, and is in harmony with that of the angel workers. Cherished in the heart, it sweetens the entire life and sheds its blessing upon all around. It is this, and this only, that can make us the salt of the earth. . MB 37.1-MB 38.1

Salt represents the love of Jesus in the heart. Christ must dwell within in order to share His love. If we lose His love we have no salt to preserve others or use the gospel influence upon others. Love is God and Jesus want us to have salt which represents Hs righteousness and love to preserve others from being corrupted. Salt preserve food from being corrupted. DA439.2; DA 306.3

Matthew 5:14 (KJV) Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 2 Corinthians 4:6; John 1:4-9; Psalm 36:9; 56:13; Isaiah 49:6; Mark 4:21-22; Luke 11:33-36; 1 Peter 2:12

Jesus is the light of the world John 8:12. God is light 1 John 1:5 and there is no darkness in Him. In John 8:12, Jesus says, if we follow Him we do not walk in darkness. Since Jesus is the light of the world, when we allow the Holy Spirit to use us, we become the light of life. Because we bear witness of the Light John1:8. We are bearing record of who God is. The Pharisees did not believe what Jesus was saying was true vs 13. Because they judge after the flesh. John 7:24; 12:46. A perfect example is John the Baptist, Jesus says in John 5:35 that John was a burning and a shining light and he bare witness unto the truth vs 33. Be prepared to be placed on a stand to shine for Christ wherever He places you.

We know light is Jesus and He is asking us to walk in that light, which is Him. Light is also truth because Jesus is truth. When we hear truth we must walk in that truth. Ephesians 5:8, 14. On the contrast, darkness is error and not understanding truth Psalm 82:5 and from the power of Satan Acts 26:18. 1 John 2:10. But we must be careful. We think that we are in the light and try to do it our own way, without God. Isaiah 50:10, 11

Light is also associated with glory Isaiah 60:1, 2 This is the ultimate point of the Loud Cry in Revelation 18. The Lord leads us step by step Proverbs 4:18 and as we grow in Him, He will brings us to that certain point to walk as He walk 1 John 1:7 and lead us to the full measure of Christ. We don’t know when that point is. The point is to stay and look unto Christ.

Lastly, prophecy is also a light 2 Peter 1:19. It’s like driving at night with your headlights on, so you can see what is ahead. We should take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in our hearts. How do you give glory to God? The first angel says fear God and give glory to him. By allowing Jesus to use you to perform good works. Glory is light.

In Matthew 5:16, light is good works, which leads to glorifying God the Father.

John 10:32 (KJV) Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?

Acts 9:36 (KJV)
Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

Ephesians 2:10 (KJV)
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

1 Timothy 5:10 (KJV)
Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.

Titus 2:7 (KJV)
In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine [shewing] uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

Titus 3:8 (KJV)
[This is] a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

Matthew 5:17 (KJV) Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. Luke 24:44; Matthew 11:13; Matthew 7:12;

The law is the Books of Moses and the prophets which consist the rest of the Old Testament. Jesus came to fulfilled or accomplish the law by living a life that is righteous before God. Man has broken the law, but Jesus came to magnify the law and make it honorable Isaiah 42:21. Or to reveal the character of the law which is a transcript of who God is. This is what he told John the Baptist at the Jordan. Matthew 3:15, ...to fulfil all righteousness. Romans 10:4 (KJV) For Christ [is] the (fulfillment) end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

Speaking of the law, Jesus said, "I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill." He here used the word "fulfill" in the same sense as when He declared to John the Baptist His purpose to "fulfill all righteousness" (Matthew 3:15); that is, to fill up the measure of the law's requirement, to give an example of perfect conformity to the will of God. . MB 48.3

Christ has met the demands of the law, He obeyed it perfectly and fulfilled its type and prophecies. Not one jot or tittle shall pass from the law. The law will never be done away with. Psalm 111:7, 8; John 12:50

Deuteronomy 5:29 (KJV)
O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!

Deuteronomy 6:25 (KJV)
And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us.

Psalm 119:151 (KJV)
Thou [art] near, O LORD; and all thy commandments [are] truth.

Righteousness is also the law. Psalm 119:172 and Christ is the righteousness of the law. Matthew 5:19-20 Christ says, if we teach others to break the law, we will not be in heaven. Our righteousness must exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, which I shall righteousness by works.

How do we exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisee? MB 53.2 Luke 11:44; Luke 12:1 we can’t be hypocrites. Luke 16:14-15, we should not justify ourselves before men. Luke 20:46-47 we should not love pride. Luke 18:10-14, we should not compare ourselves to other sinners. Isaiah 50:11, we should not walk in what we think is light. Matthew 23:3, do not say and don’t do. In Matthew 23:17, Jesus called them fools, a fool in the Old Testament designate an apostate Psalm 53:1; Proverbs 28:26 MB57.2

While the law is holy, the Jews could not attain righteousness by their own efforts to keep the law. The disciples of Christ must obtain righteousness of a different character from that of the Pharisees, if they would enter the kingdom of heaven. God offered them, in His Son, the perfect righteousness of the law. If they would open their hearts fully to receive Christ, then the very life of God, His love, would dwell in them, transforming them into His own likeness; and thus through God's free gift they would possess the righteousness which the law requires. But the Pharisees rejected Christ; "being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness" (Romans 10:3), they would not submit themselves unto the righteousness of God. . MB 54.2