Sermon on the Mount Pt. 1

I'm preparing to facilitate a Bible study on the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 5-7 this fall. It is a familiar passage in a sense that segments of it are verses that I have memorized. The Lord's prayer is part of this sermon a long with  many familiar or frequently quoted verses.However in my recollection I have  never studied it through as an adult.   When I was a teenager. My father preached through this sermon, but I must admit, I wasn't paying attention like I should.
I do remember, during that time my dad was preaching through that passage, he and  I took a ride together.  While driving my dad worked with me on quoting the Beattitudes. He would quote one and then have me quote it along with him and then we would add a new one to the previous verses. This is a precious memory to me.

This time as I am studying through the Beattitudes I'm looking for more than just memorization.  
What do these verses really mean? Who are the poor in spirit, the mourners, the meek (gentle), the ones that hunger and thirst for righteousness?  What about these folks who are merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, and those that are persecuted for righteousness' sake?

After reading and cross referencing, here is my "renaming"  or paraphrasing of the beattitude phrases.

Matthew 5: 1-11 NASB

When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. 2 He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit (humble), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn (grieve over their own sin), for they shall be comforted.

5 “Blessed are the gentle (strength in control or emptied of one self), for they shall inherit the earth.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (crave right-mindedness), for they shall be satisfied.

7 “Blessed are the merciful (compassionate), for they shall receive mercy.

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart (striving for holiness), for they shall see God.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers (intercessors/mediators-not just a peacekeeper but a peacemaker) , for they shall be called sons of God.

10 “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness  (face torment for the sake of Christ), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

(emphasis mine)

How long has it been since you read through the Sermon on the Mount?  I challenge you to take some time and read through it and study it at a deeper level. 

Blessings!

John Piper Quote

So our pastor is preaching through the book of Luke.  A few Sundays ago, our text was Luke 20:41-47.  I am still reading the sermon as it was so rich an exposition of the passage. In sharing our pastor referred to a new book by John Piper entitled,   "A Peculiar Glory". In this book Piper used some influence from the great Jonathan Edwards.

This quote that was shared goes like this:

"What makes Christ glorious, as Edwards put it, is 'an admirable conjunction of diverse excellencies.'  For example, echoing Edwards, we admire Christ for his transcendence, but even more because the transcendence of His greatness is mixed with submission to God. We marvel at Him because His uncompromising justice is tempered with mercy.  His majesty is sweetened by meekness. In His equality with God, He has a deep reverence for God. Though He is worthy of all good, He was patient to suffer evil.  His sovereign dominion over the world was clothed with a spirit of obedience and submission. He baffled the proud scribes with His wisdom but was simple enough to be loved by children. He could still the storm with a word but would not strike the Samaritans with lightning or take Himself down from the cross."  -p 224

When we really see Him for who He is...how can we not bow down and worship?!

What is a theologian?

My name is Mary.  I am a 40 something wife, mom, grammy, sister, and daughter.  I wanted to start a blog to give me a place to collect my thoughts on who God is and His Word-, the Bible.  What is a theologian?  The google definition says, "a person who engages or is an expert in theology." 
I am not an expert, but I am one who engages in theology.  So what is theology? 
Dictionary.com says it is, 

"the field of study and analysis that treats of God and of God's attributes and
 relations to the universe; study of divine things or religious truth; divinity."

These are things that interest me. I want to have Biblical literacy. I don't want just that though, I want to know HIM and let HIM change me through His Word. 

I think to pick one verse of scripture and say it is my favorite is something that I cannot do, however during different seasons on my life, I do lean to different passages for mental feasting.  Right now, I'm loving Romans 12.  I love all of Romans; but verse two of chapter twelve is particularly on my mind. 

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."

How is my mind renewed?  Through the Word. I read it. I study it. I learn more about who God is, and how I need to be changed to be more like HIM. 

I hope that anyone who reads through my musings will be challenged to know HIM; to read and study scripture to be renewed in their minds. 
Blessings!