THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER

SERMON ON THE MOUNT
THE BEATITUDES
MT.5.1-9
SEVEN ASPECTS OF CHRISTIAN CHARACTER AND THEIR SEVEN PROMISES
CHRISTIAN CHARACTER
INTRODUCTION
IN SCRIPTURE SEVEN IS THE NUMBER FOR COMPLETENESS. THIS SERMON ON THE MOUNT GIVES THE  COMPLETE MAKEUP OF THE CHRISTIANS CHARACTER. IT ALSO LISTS THE BLESSINGS THAT GOD WILL BESTOW UPON HIS FAITHFUL. THESE BLESSINGS COME FROM CHRIST IT IS HIS DECLARATION OF BLESSEDNESS FOR ALL WHO BELIEVE IN HIM AND RECEIVE HIM. ABRAHAM WAS GIVEN THE PROMISE THAT IN HIM ALL THE FAMILIES OF THE EARTH WOULD BE BLESSED(GE.12.3). YET WHEN WE LEAVE THE OLD TESTAMENT IT ENDS WITH A  THREATENED CURSE (MA.4.6).  WHEN WE ENTER THE NEW TESTAMENT WE SEE THE PROMISES GIVEN TO ABRAHAM FULFILLED.
SOME OF THE THINGS ACCOMPLISHED BY THIS SERMON ARE;
1.) IT REMOVES THE DISCOURAGEMENTS OF THE WEAK AND THE POOR.  NOT ONLY THE RICH AND THE COMFORTABLE WILL SHARE THE BLESSEDNESS OF HIS KINGDOM.
2.) IT MAKES A MOCKERY OF THE BLIND AND CARNAL WORLD. BECAUSE IN THIS WORLD PEOPLE BELIEVE THAT THOSE THAT ARE RICH, GREAT, AND HONORABLE ARE BLESSED. PEOPLE BELIEVE THAT THOSE THAT SPEND THEIR YEARS IN THE PLEASURES OF SIN, EATING THE FAT AND DRINKING THE SWEET ARE TRULY BLESSED. HERE CHRIST SPELLS OUT TRUE BLESSEDNESS.
3.) THIS SERMON SUMS UP THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN GOD AND MAN. IT IS WHAT GOD EXPECTS OF US AND WE EXPECT FROM HIM. IT IS THE FULFILLMENT OF GODS PROMISES.
4.) IT DRAWS US TO CHRIST . THE LAW SHOWED US DEATH IN THAT THE DAY IT WAS GIVEN THREE THOUSAND SOULS PERISHED , BUT THE GOSPEL GIVES LIFE,    ( THE DAY THE HOLY GHOST WAS GIVEN THREE THOUSAND WERE SAVED). IT DETERS US FROM SIN AND SHOWS US THE GOOD TO BE HAD IN JESUS.
THE SERMON IS CONSTRUCTED IN SUCH A WAY THAT A BLESSING IS PRONOUNCED, THIS IS A  BLESSING TO TAKE PLACE NOW. WITH THIS PRESENT BLESSING A FUTURE BLESSING IS PRONOUNCED. HERE ARE THE ASPECTS OF TRUE RIGHTEOUSNESS IE; SPIRITUAL HUNGER,MEEKNESS ETC. HE CALLS ALL THESE BLESSED IN THEMSELVES THEY ARE CONSIDERED GOOD. AND THEN HE  STATES  THEIR FUTURE REWARD. IT SHOWS THE PRESENT AND FUTURE STATE OF HIS KINGDOM. IT IS EASY TO CONTRAST THESE PRINCIPLES WITH THE FALSE TEACHINGS THAT ARE PRESENT TODAY, NOT UNLIKE THE RELIGIOUS BONDAGE AND FALSE HOPE THAT WAS GIVEN IN JESUS' DAY. THIS TRUE RIGHTEOUSNESS COMES FROM A NEW HEART A HEART GIVEN BY CHRIST TO ALL WHO BELIEVE.
 
Matthew 5:3-9 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
I THE POOR IN SPIRIT
    A.) THEIRS IS THE KINGDOM
4Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
II THEY THAT MOURN
    B.) SHALL BE COMFORTED
5Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
III THE MEEK
    C.) INHERITORS OF THE EARTH
6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
IV THEY WHICH DO HUNGER AND THIRST
    D.) THEY SHALL BE FILLED
7Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
V THE MERCIFUL
   E.) THEY SHALL OBTAIN MERCY
8Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
VI THE PURE IN HEART
    F.) THEY SHALL SEE GOD
9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
VII THE PEACEMAKERS
     G.) SHALL BE CALLED THE CHILDREN OF GOD
CHRISTIAN CHARACTER
 
I THE POOR IN SPIRIT
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
1. GODS TRUE PEOPLE ARE TYPICALLY DESCRIBED AS POOR,OPPRESSED AND NEEDY
Psalm 12:5 For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the Lord; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him.
Psalm 40:17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.
Isaiah 41:17 When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.
2.THE BIBLE SPEAKS OF THE POOR OF THIS WORLD ,RICH IN FAITH
2 Cor. 6:10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
James 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
3. THE POOR IN SPIRIT HERE SPOKEN OF ARE THE HUMBLE AND CONTRITE ONES
Psalm 34:18 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Psalm 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
 
Psalm 138:6 Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.
Proverbs 16:19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Isaiah 57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
Isaiah 66:2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.
Micah 7:18 Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.
 
CHRISTIAN CHARACTER
poor in spirit
 
Matthew 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
TO BE POOR IN SPIRIT IN THIS MANNER IS TO ADMIT THAT WE ARE SPIRITUALLY BANKRUPT IT IS TO TAKE A REAL LOOK AT OURSELVES NOT THE IMAGE WEVE CREATED IN OUR MINDS. IT IS THE WAY TO BE REAL WITH GOD.
A. THEIRS IS THE KINGDOM
THE KINGDOM NOW BELONGS TO THEM AND IT WILL BELONG TO THEM
Matthew 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
John 12:25-26 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
26If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
John 14:2-3 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
1 Cor. 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
2 Cor. 5:1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
1 Peter 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
5Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
2 Peter 1:11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
 
CHRISTIAN CHARACTER
Rev. 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
Rev. 22:5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
II THEY THAT MOURN
4Blessed are they that mourn
THE RESULT OF THE REALIZATION OF THEIR SPIRITUAL BANKRUPTCY
Psalm 30:7
Lord, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled.
Psalm 32:3
When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long.
Psalm 38:17
For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me.
Psalm 116:3
The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.
Proverbs 15:13
A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
Isaiah 61:2
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;
Jeremiah 31:9
They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.
B. THEY SHALL BE COMFORTED
Matthew 5:4
for they shall be comforted.
 THOSE WHO MOURN FOR SIN SHALL BE COMFORTED BY GOD NOW AND IN HEAVEN
Isaiah 25:8
He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it.
Isaiah 35:10
And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
CHRISTIAN CHARACTER
they that mourn
Isaiah 60:20
Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the Lord shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.
Rev. 21:4
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Matthew 5:5  Blessed are the meek:
III BLESSED ARE THE MEEK
THESE ARE THOSE THAT ARE HUMBLED BY GOD. THEIR MEEKNESS IS THE OPPOSITE OF PRIDE AND HAUGHTINESS
Psalm 22:26
The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the Lord that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.
Psalm 37:11
But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
Psalm 147:6
The Lord lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground.
Isaiah 11:4
But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
Isaiah 29:19
The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
Matthew 11:29
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Romans 12:19
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
CHRISTIAN CHARACTER
the meek
Titus 3:1-7
Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,  2To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
 
1 Peter 2:19-22
For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.  20For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.  21For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:  22Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
1 Peter 3:4
But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
Matthew 5:5
for they shall inherit the earth.
C. FOR THEY SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH
1 Cor. 3:21-22
Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;  22Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;
Luke 20:36
Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.
 
1 Cor. 6:2-5
Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?  3Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?  4If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.  5I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?
Rev. 7:14-17
And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.  15Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.  16They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.  17For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
 
CHRISTIAN CHARACTER
Matthew 5:6
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness
IV BLESSED ARE THEY WHICH HUNGER AND THIRST AFTER RIGHTEOUSNESS
IT IS TO EXPERIENCE A DEEP DESIRE FOR PERSONAL RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH IS IN ITSELF A PROOF OF SPIRITUAL REBIRTH. TO BE RIGHTEOUS BECOMES OUR DEEPEST LONGING. FOOD AND DRINK ARE ESSENTIAL TO THE PHYSICAL BODY AND ESSENTIAL TO LIFE ITSELF.
 AND SO GOD IS ESSENTIAL TO OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE. A MAN CAN GO WITHOUT FOOD OR WATER ALONG TIME BUT EVENTUALLY HE WILL DIE. SPIRITUAL HUNGER IS A DEEP LONGING, A CRAVING, OUR APPETITE BOTHERS US WITH PAIN, AND WEAKNESS AND WE KNOW WE ARE HUNGRY.
 THIRST IS LIKE HUNGER IN THAT IT TOO IS A DEEP CRAVING, AND IN A DESERT WILDERNESS ONE WILL NOT LAST LONG WITHOUT DRINKING WATER.
1. EXAMPLES OF SPIRITUAL HUNGER
Psalm 42:1
To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah.
As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
Psalm 63:1-2
A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.
O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;  2To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.
Psalm 84:2
My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.
Luke 15:17
And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
2. GOD GAVE ISRAEL MANNA IN THE WILDERNESS
Exodus 16:14-26
And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground.  15And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the Lord hath given you to eat.
16This is the thing which the Lord hath commanded, Gather of it every man according to his eating, an omer for every man, according to the number of your persons; take ye every man for them which are in his tents.  17And the children of Israel did so, and gathered, some more, some less.  18And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating.
 
 
 
 
CHRISTIAN CHARACTER
hunger and thirst
 19And Moses said, Let no man leave of it till the morning.  20Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and stank: and Moses was wroth with them.  21And they gathered it every morning, every man according to his eating: and when the sun waxed hot, it melted.  22And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one man: and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses.  23And he said unto them, This is that which the Lord hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the Lord: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.  24And they laid it up till the morning, as Moses bade: and it did not stink, neither was there any worm therein.  25And Moses said, Eat that to day; for to day is a sabbath unto the Lord: to day ye shall not find it in the field.  26Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is the sabbath, in it there shall be none.
THE MANNA;
~MANNA WAS SUPPLIED SUPERNATURALLY
~IT APPEARED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE FORTY YEARS AND ENDED AFTER FORTY YEARS
~IT WAS NOT KNOWN UNTO MEN UNTIL GOD PROVIDED IT AND HASNT BEEN SEEN SINCE
~IT CAME DOWN FROM HEAVEN BUT NOT ON THE SEVENTH DAY
THE SIXTH DAY MANNA WOUD NOT ROT
3. JESUS IS THE MANNA
John 6:27
Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
John 6:35
And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
John 6:48-58
I am that bread of life.  49Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.  50This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.  51I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.  52The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?  53Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.  54Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.  55For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.  56He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.  57As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.  58This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.
 
 
 
 
 
CHRISTIAN CHARACTER
hunger and thirst
 
4. JESUS WAS THE ROCK OF WATERS
WATER WAS PROVIDED IN THE MIDST OF THE WILDERNESS BY GOD THROUGH THE ROCK. MOSES (THE LAW) SMOTE THE ROCK (JESUS). HE WAS TO GATHER THE PEOPLE AND SPEAK TO THE ROCK. AND SO THE LAW SPEAKS TO POINTS TO CHRIST.
Numbers 20:2-11
And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron.  3And the people chode with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the Lord!  4And why have ye brought up the congregation of the Lord into this wilderness, that we and our cattle should die there?  5And wherefore have ye made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in unto this evil place? it is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink.  6And Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they fell upon their faces: and the glory of the Lord appeared unto them.
7And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,  8Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink.  9And Moses took the rod from before the Lord, as he commanded him.  10And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?  11And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.
      THE WATER SATISFIED ALL WHO WERE THIRSTY  AND SO DOES JESUS
                                    HE GIVES THE LIVING WATER
John 4:10-15
Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.  11The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?  12Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?  13Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:  14But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.  15The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.
John 7:37-38
In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.  38He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
John 19:34
But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.
1 Cor. 10:4
And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
CHRISTIAN CHARACTER
hunger and thirst
 
D. FOR THEY SHALL BE FILLED
THEY SHALL BE COMPLETELY SATISFIED. GOD WILL SATISFY YOUR HUNGER AND THIRST
 
Neh. 9:15
And gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger, and broughtest forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and promisedst them that they should go in to possess the land which thou hadst sworn to give them.
Psalm 34:10
The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.
Psalm 63:5
My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:
Psalm 107:9
For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
Psalm 145:19
He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.
Isaiah 25:6
And in this mountain shall the Lord of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.
 
Isaiah 41:17
When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.
Isaiah 44:3
For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:
Isaiah 49:9-10
That thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Shew yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places.  10They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.
Isaiah 55:1-3
Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.  2Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.  3Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.
 
 
CHRISTIAN CHARACTER
hunger and thirst
Ezekiel 34:29-31
And I will raise up for them a plant of renown, and they shall be no more consumed with hunger in the land, neither bear the shame of the heathen any more.  30Thus shall they know that I the Lord their God am with them, and that they, even the house of Israel, are my people, saith the Lord God.  31And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord God.
Matthew 14:20
And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.
 
 
LIKE THE MANNA , WE GATHER CHRIST, WE GATHER TO OURSELVES AND AT THE EARLIEST OPPORTUNITY. THERE WAS ENOUGH MANNA FOR ALL AND SO IN JESUS THERE IS ALSO COMPLETE SUFFICIENCY BUT UNLIKE THE MANNA THOSE WHO FEED ON CHRIST SHALL NEVER HUNGER. AND ALL WE NEED TO DO IS SPEAK TO HIM AND HE SHALL SATISFY OUR THIRST AND IN US WILL COME A FOUNTAIN OF LIVING WATER.
 
 
 
 
CHRISTIAN CHARACTER
V THE MERCIFUL
Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful
E. THEY SHALL RECEIVE MERCY
for they shall obtain mercy.
Romans 5:8
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 11:30-32
For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:  31Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.  32For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
Titus 3:5
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Hebrews 4:6
Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:
1 Peter 2:10
Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
1 John 4:10
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
JESUS TAUGHT THAT THIS MERCY IS OURS TO SHARE
1. WE ARE TO DO AS HE DID
Matthew 28:19-20
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Mark 16:15
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
John 4:34
Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
John 14:12
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
 
CHRISTIAN CHARACTER
the merciful
John 17:18
As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.
Ephes. 4:32
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Col. 3:13
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
1 Peter 3:8-13
Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:  9Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.  10For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:  11Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.  12For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.  13And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
2. HE SHOWED US HOW TO DEMONSTRATE GODS MERCY
Matthew 5:43-46
Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.  44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;  45That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.  46For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
Matthew 6:14-15
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:  15But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Matthew 18:23-35
Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.  24And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.  25But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.  26The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.  27Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.  28But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.  29And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.  30And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.  31So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.  32Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:  33Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?  34And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.  35So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
 
CHRISTIAN CHARACTER
the merciful
Mark 11:25
And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
Luke 6:35
But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
 
IT IS ONLY NATURAL FOR US TO SHOW THE SAME MERCY TO OTHERS THAT GOD SHOWED US OUR OLD NATURE WAS A NATURE OF VENGEANCE AND STRIFE. WE LOOK FORWARD TO THE MERCY THAT WE CONTINUALLY RECEIVE. WE ARE ABLE TO HOW MUCH GOD HAS FORGIVEN AND CONTINUES TO FORGIVE US, AND IN TURN OUR MERCY OUR ACTIVE COMPASSION IS THE WITNESS OF CHRIST TO THE WORLD. IT IS SOMETHING YOU CANT FAKE IT COMES FROM GODS SPIRIT DWELLING IN YOU.
 
VI THE PURE IN HEART
Blessed are the pure in heart
THE HEART MUST BE PURE . TRUE CHRISTIANITY IS DEPENDENT UPON A PURIFIED HEART, A HEART THAT IS CLEAN. PURITY IS SINGLENESS, NOT MIXED WITH ANYTHING ELSE. PURE MEANS NOT POLLUTED, NOT DEFILED,
1. THE HEART MUST BE PURE
THIS MUST BE DONE BY GOD FOR NO MAN CAN PURIFY HIMSELF, ALL MEN ARE IMPURE BEFORE A RIGHTEOUS GOD.
Psalm 15:2
He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
Psalm 18:26
With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward.
Psalm 24:4
He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
Psalm 51:6
Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Psalm 73:1
A Psalm of Asaph.
Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.
CHRISTIAN CHARACTER
pure
Psalm 119:1
Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.
Proverbs 22:11
He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.
Matthew 23:25-27
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.  26Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.  27Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
2 Cor. 7:1
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Titus 1:15
Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
James 1:27
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
James 4:8
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
1 Peter 1:22
Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
2. GOD DESIRES THIS PURITY
Isaiah 1:16
Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;
Jeremiah 4:14
O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?
Acts 22:16
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
 
 
CHRISTIAN CHARACTER
pure
3. NO MAN CAN JUSTIFY HIMSELF BEFORE GOD (MAKE HIMSELF CLEAN)
Job 9:20
If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.
Psalm 53:1-3
To the chief Musician upon Mahalath, Maschil, A Psalm of David.
The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.  2God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God.  3Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Proverbs 30:12
There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.
Isaiah 64:6
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Jeremiah 2:3
Israel was holiness unto the Lord, and the firstfruits of his increase: all that devour him shall offend; evil shall come upon them, saith the Lord.
Romans 3:23
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
4. GOD PROMISED A MEANS OF PURIFICATION
Psalm 65:3
Iniquities prevail against me: as for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away.
Isaiah 1:18
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Ezekiel 36:25-27
Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.  26A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.  27And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
Zech. 13:1
In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.
 
 
 
CHRISTIAN CHARACTER
pure in heart
Malachi 3:3
And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.
5. THE MEANS OF PURIFICATION IS JESUS
Psalm 119:9
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
Matthew 26:28
For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
John 15:3
Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
John 17:17
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Ephes. 5:26
That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
Hebrews 9:14
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
1 John 1:7
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Rev. 1:5
And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
Rev. 5:9
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
F. THEY SHALL SEE GOD
 for they shall see God
Matthew 5:8-9
.
THIS IS OUR HOPE THAT ONE DAY WE WILL ACTUALLY SEE THE GOD WE HAVE NEVER SEEN. WE WILL SEE HIM AS HE REALLY IS FACE TO FACE. THIS IS A PROMISE GIVEN ONLY TO THOSE WHO ARE PURE IN HEART WHO WOULD DESIRE TO SEE SOMEONE THEY DIDN'T KNOW?
 
 
CHRISTIAN CHARACTER
pure in heart
Job 19:26
And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:
Psalm 17:15
As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.
Isaiah 6:5
Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.
Isaiah 33:17
Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off.
John 17:24
Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
1 Cor. 13:12
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
Hebrews 12:14
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
 
1 John 3:2-3
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.  3And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
Rev. 22:4
And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CHRISTIAN CHARACTER
VI THE PEACEMAKERS
9Blessed are the peacemakers:
THEY ARE THEMSELVES AT PEACE WITH GOD THEY HAVE ENTERED INTO THE PEACE OF CHRIST AND ARE AMBASSADORS OF GODS MESSAGE OF PEACE TO A TROUBLED WORLD. IT IS THOSE WHO PRESERVE PEACE THAT IT THAT KEEP IT FROM BEING BROKEN AND THOSE WHOM SEEK TO RESTORE PEACE WHEN IT IS BROKEN.
1. AWAY FROM GOD WE HAVE NO PEACE
2 Chron. 15:5
And in those times there was no peace to him that went out, nor to him that came in, but great vexations were upon all the inhabitants of the countries.
Psalm 38:8
I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart.
Isaiah 48:22
There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked.
Isaiah 59:8
The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace.
Lament. 5:5
Our necks are under persecution: we labour, and have no rest.
Ezekiel 7:25
Destruction cometh; and they shall seek peace, and there shall be none.
Zech. 8:10
For before these days there was no hire for man, nor any hire for beast; neither was there any peace to him that went out or came in because of the affliction: for I set all men every one against his neighbour.
Romans 3:17
And the way of peace have they not known:
Ephes. 2:12
That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
2. CHRIST CAME MAKING PEACE BETWEEN MAN AND GOD
Psalm 4:8
I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.
Psalm 29:11
The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.
 
CHRISTIAN CHARACTER
peace
Psalm 119:165
Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
Isaiah 26:3
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Isaiah 53:5
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Luke 1:79
To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Luke 2:13-14
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,  14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 16:33
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Acts 10:36
The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
Romans 5:1
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Romans 8:6
For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Ephes. 2:14
For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Philip. 4:7
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Col. 1:20
And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
CHRISTIAN CHARACTER
peace
 
3. WE ARE AMBASSADORS OF PEACE
Psalm 34:14
Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
Proverbs 12:20
Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.
Romans 10:5
For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.
Romans 12:18
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Romans 14:19
Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
1 Cor. 14:33
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
2 Cor. 5:20
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
2 Cor. 13:11
Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
Ephes. 4:3
Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Philip. 2:1-3
If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,  2Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.  3Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
1 Thes. 5:13
And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
Hebrews 12:14
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Hebrews 13:20
Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
CHRISTIAN CHARACTER
peace
James 3:17
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
G. SHALL BE CALLED THE CHILDREN OF GOD
for they shall be called the children of God.
PEACE  GIVEN US THROUGH CHRIST IS REFLECTED THROUGH US . WE HAVE THE LIKENESS OF OUR FATHER. GOD IS REFLECTED IN US. HE IS THE PRINCE OF PEACE ,THE GOD OF PEACE,  WE ARE HIS MESSAGE OF PEACE TO A TROUBLED WORLD. IT IS EVIDENT THAT WE ARE HIS CHILDREN.
Psalm 82:6-7
I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.  7But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.
Matthew 5:45
That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
Matthew 5:48
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Luke 6:35
But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
Luke 20:36
Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.
John 1:12
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Romans 8:16
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
Romans 8:26
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Romans 9:26
And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.
Galatians 4:7
Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
CHRISTIAN CHARACTER
peace
Ephes. 5:1-2
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;  2And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
Philip. 2:15-16
That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;  16Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
1 Peter 1:14-16
As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:  15But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;  16Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
1 John 3:1
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
1 John 3:10
In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
1 John 5:2
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments
 

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