Christian Living 9 Study Notes

CHRISTIAN LIVING 9

Prepared by: Ms. Hachiel B. Dumipig, LPT
Made with GAMMA

Lesson Objectives

At the end of the lesson, the students will be able to:

  • Explain the meaning of the First Beatitude:

    • "Blessed are the poor in spirit" using their own words.

  • Show appreciation for humility and trust in God as values taught in the First Beatitude.

  • Create a drawing that illustrates a real-life example of being "Poor in Spirit".

First Beatitude

Content:

  • Text of the Beatitude:

    • "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Understanding Beatitude

  • Definition and Origin:

    • The term "beatitude" does not appear in scripture directly.

    • It derives from the Latin word 'beatitudo,' which translates to:

    • Blessedness

    • Happiness

    • Felicity

    • The first usage noted in the Latin Vulgate translation, specifically in Romans 4:6&9, which refers back to Psalm 32.

    • It conveys a state of blessedness that is conferred by God upon man.

Biblical Context of Beatitudes

  • Sermon on the Mount:

    • Found in Matthew 5:1-12 and Luke 5:20-26.

    • Represents a scriptural principle outlining God’s promises (e.g., Genesis 12, Matthew 24:46).

    • Reflects God's blessing as understood by the Psalmist (e.g., Psalm 32) and through God's dealings with Israel (e.g., Deuteronomy 28).

Context of the Sermon on the Mount

  • Key Influence:

    • Jesus' ministry was focused on teaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God (Heaven).

    • Reinforcement that He did not come to destroy the law or the prophets but to fulfill them (Matthew 5:17).

    • The teachings were addressed primarily to the marginalized (e.g., "poor in spirit" and those who mourn) rather than the rich, educated, or powerful.

    • Reference from Luke 4:18-19 is derived from Isaiah 61.

    • The 'sermon' serves more than just to outline a moral code; it is a practical guide that tests obedience (John 15:14) and addresses the need to restrain and discipline the natural man (Matthew 7:24).

Reaction of the Audience

  • Upon conclusion of His teachings:

    • Audience's Reaction: "And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine…" (Matthew 7:28).

    • The astonishment was attributed to Jesus teaching with authority, unlike the scribes, who taught with uncertainty and adherence to tradition (Matthew 7:29).

  • Teaching Styles:

    • Scribes:

    • Uncertain, following tradition, tender, and formal.

    • Jesus:

    • Clear, authoritative, and unhesitating, embodying knowledge of God's words. (References: Luke 4:32 & John 7:16).

    • No man was able to answer Him thereafter (Matthew 22:46).

Understanding the Blessings of Matthew 5

  • States of Being (Blessed):

    • Poor in spirit

    • Those who mourn

    • The meek

    • Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness

    • The merciful

    • The pure in heart

    • The peacemakers

    • Those persecuted for righteousness' sake

    • Men who are reviled and persecuted

  • Rewards for Each State:

    • For the poor in spirit: the kingdom of heaven.

    • For those who mourn: comforted.

    • For the meek: will inherit the earth.

    • For those who hunger and thirst after righteousness: filled.

    • For the merciful: will obtain mercy.

    • For the pure in heart: will see God.

    • For the peacemakers: called children of God.

    • For the persecuted for righteousness' sake: they will receive the kingdom of heaven.

    • Great is the reward in heaven (cf. 1 Peter 1:4 & Matthew 16:27).

Additional Teachings from Luke 6

  • Parallels with Matthew 5 Blessings:

    • Blessed are ye poor

    • Blessed are ye that hunger now

    • Blessed are ye that weep now

    • Blessed are ye when men shall hate you

    • Rejoice ye in that day

  • Opposites from Luke 6 Teachings:

    • Woe unto you that are rich (contrasting the poor)

    • Woe unto you that are full (contrasting those who hunger and thirst)

    • Woe unto you that laugh now (contrasting those who weep/mourn)

    • Woe unto you, when all men speak well of you (contrasting those who are reviled).

"Blessed are the Poor in Spirit"

  • Interpretation of "Poor in Spirit":

    • The Greek word translated 'spirit' is 'pneumati', signifying breath or human spirit.

    • Question posed: In what manner is the human spirit regarded as poor?

    • Reference verse: "To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word." (Isaiah 66:2)

    • Definitions:

      • Spirit ('ruwach'): Breath

      • Poor ('awniy'): Afflicted

      • Contrite ('nakeh'): Maimed

    • Contrast with the rich: "Woe unto you that are rich…" (where rich means 'plousios', indicating lacking nothing).

    • The state of the rich is contrasted with those who have received their consolation (where consolation = 'paraklesis' meaning comfort, solace; cf 2 Corinthians 1:4-7).

Summary

The teachings derived from the analysis of the First Beatitude provide a deep insight into the characteristics aligned with true spiritual poverty, where individuals acknowledge their need for God, cultivate humility, and thereby become recipients of God’s kingdom and blessings.