BEATITUDES - LESSON 4

Matthew 5:8-9 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Purity often indicates absolute freedom from any defects or impairments;freedom from any impurity; freedom from being adulterated. Refined metal is generally classified by its purity and freedom from dross. However, when used to describe a godly Christian characteristic, such as a pure heart or pure mind, it cannot carry the meaning of perfection. To be sincere in heart and mind is probably a better translation since absolute purity can never be attained. Sincerity means to be free from deceit or hypocrisy. Honesty, truthfulness, genuineness, and faithfulness all describe a person that is sincere.

The opposite of a pure and sincere heart is found in the Jewish scribes and Pharisees. Jesus proclaimed them to be hypocrites because they pretended to be holy only from their outward appearance. Jesus compares them to clean cups and platters that are filled with unrighteousness. He said they were like unto whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. From the outside they appeared to be righteous, but within they were full of hypocrisy and iniquity (See Matt. 23:25-28). It is faith (Acts 15:9), and obedience to the truths found in God's word (1 Peter 1:22-23), that purifies the heart, and, by which one is found sincere in Christian conduct.

The blessing of the pure in heart is that they shall see God, not with the natural eye, but with spiritual vision, by faith. It is within the man or woman having a pure heart that God will dwell (See John 14:23). It is through a sincere and pure heart that a Christian is able to draw nigh to God. And when this happens, God will draw nigh to you. Therefore, James continues, cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded; the devil will flee from you, and God will abide with you (See James 4:7-8). It cannot be said more plainly or more beautifully than the Psalmist, David, who wrote, Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord, or who shall stand in His holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully (Psalm 24:3-4).

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Paul told the Christians at Rome, If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men (Rom. 12:18). This tells us that at times it may be impossible to live peaceably with another, but Christians must never be the reason this condition exists. For two individuals to live in peace requires the effort of both parties. The Hebrew writer confirms this by instructing Christians to follow (or seek) peace with all men (Heb. 12:14a). In each of these instances the inspired writer tells us to make peace between ourselves and other people. Although this is good in the sight of God, the lesson text tells us it is not sufficient. To be a peacemaker, Christians must promote and teach peace - to actively encourage peace, not only between ourselves and others, but also among others that have disagreements, quarrels, and disharmony between themselves.

There exists a godly course of action that Christians should follow after ...which make for peace and edification (See. Rom. 14:19). That course, Paul told young Timothy, included seeking God's word and following after righteousness, faith, charity, (and) peace (2 Tim. 2:22a). Without peace, that is, where envy and strive exists, there is confusion and every evil work. The path to peace can only be found in the wisdom of God, wisdom that is from above. Godly wisdom is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. Godly wisdom, when sown, results in the fruit of righteousness (See James 3:17-18). When peacemakers gather this fruit and re-sow itsseed, confusion and evil works cease and peace among mankind is the final harvest.

Christians that become peacemakers shall be called the children of God. Indeed, God desires peace among all people of the world. He is the Author of peace (1 Cor. 14:33), (T)herefore be followers of God, as dear children, and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor (Eph. 5:1-2). Christians are God's children; they are to be obedient children; they are to emulate this godly trait by becoming and remaining peacemakers within the kingdom of His Son, the church of Christ.