Beatitudes

Growing up in the church, I was well aware of the beatitudes. They are the study focus for many ages, as are the Lord's Prayer, Psalm 23, the Ten Commandments. etc. But as I recently began rereading the book of Matthew, I came upon them again in chapter 5. Yes, I've read them countless times and studied them here and there during my life, but do I truly understand them? Can I apply them to my life? Or does the familiarity of this passage cause me to unintentionally gloss over them, instead of taking out my shovel and seriously digging into the depths of their significance? 

Well what does anyone in the 21st century do when they have a question? You got it, head straight for google. I prepared myself to sift through several duds before finding something of quality...however, the first hit was just what I wanted. It was a sermon series by John Piper, a collection of 8 to be exact. He breaks down the well-known passages and studies each beatitude individually in depth.

I have not yet read all the sermons, but have finished they first 3 and they were excellent. I'd recommend them if you are also curious about diving deeper into these familiar verses, instead of just remaining at the status quo in your understanding. You can read or listen to them here:

The Beatitudes Sermon Series by John Piper

Also, if you have another commentary or resource on the beatitudes you enjoy, I'd love for you to share it to this post!



Matthew 5:3-12 (NIV)
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs in the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.