Discipleship
The Beatitudes of a Christ Follower: Mournful
Jun
Intro:
Jesus’ words in the beatitudes are profound and very soul searching. His words cause us to ask ourselves, “Who is a true Christian?” and “Am I one of them?” As we continue to the next beatitude, remember that the order that Christ put them in has significant meaning. These beatitudes can be thought of as a true Christians spiritual anatomy if you will. If they are present, then the conversion is true. If they are not present, then Christ’s words in Matthew 7:21-23 will apply, …Depart from Me… I never knew you…
Blessed are they that Mourn:
When looking at the second beatitude, understand that, without the first beatitude of being ‘poor in spirit’ it will be very difficult to mourn over spiritual things. The mourning that Christ is teaching is a mourning over sin and sins presence within our heart and the hearts of those around us. Christ is not advocating a false depressed mindset here, He is teaching us that once you acknowledge your utter helplessness to rid yourself of sins bondage and that you hold zero righteousness of your own (Poor in Spirit), this will cause you to mourn. In his commentary on Matthew 5:4 William MacDonald says: “Those who mourn are blessed and a day of comfort awaits them. This does not refer to mourning because of the ups and downs of life. It is the sorrow which one experiences because of fellowship with the Lord Jesus. It is an active sharing of the world’s hurt and sin with Jesus. Therefore, it includes, not only sorrow for one’s own sin, but also sorrow because of the world’s appalling condition, it’s rejection of the Savior, and the doom of those who refuse His mercy.”
Scriptures:
Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.“
2 Corinthians 7:10 “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death“
Revelation 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.”
Be Encouraged:
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,if you are mourning with Christ over the presence of sin within yourself, within others, and within the world, know this, Christ calls you blessed and that believers in Him will do all their mourning in this life only. There is coming a day when,” He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away (Rev. 21:4).” Let us improve our relationship with Christ and mourn over the presence of sin. Let us remember that all sin is against God and pray for the Holy Spirits conviction to convict us of any indwelling sin. Let us not be entertained by worldly TV shows or addicted to ungodly activities. Let us be quick to repent and turn to our Savior for washing.
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