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The Beatitudes Lesson 11
Introduction:
1. According to Matthew 5:3-12, Jesus presented "the Beatitudes" as He began His Sermon on the Mount. 2. In the Beatitudes,: a. Jesus revealed some special blessings that are available to His followers b. Jesus gave His requirements for receiving these blessings. 3. This lesson is a study of the 6th Beatitude -- "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God" (Matthew 5:8). Discussion: I. LET US FIRST DEFINE 2 KEY TERMS: "HEART" AND "PURE" A. Heart: the inner being, the center of our thoughts and affections B. Pure: free from corrupt desire, free from sin and guilt II. HAVING A PURE HEART HAS ALWAYS BEEN IMPORTANT TO GOD A. The importance of having a pure heart is stressed in Psalm 24:3-4; Proverbs 4:23. B. God knows the condition of our hearts (Psalm 44:21; Proverbs 21:2b; Acts 1:24). C. The condition of our hearts will affect our words and actions (Matthew 12:34-37; 15:18-19). D. Religion that is not accompanied by a pure heart is hypocritical (Matthew 23:25-28). E. Now that we understand the importance of having a pure heart, let us turn our attention to . . . III. HOW THE HEART IS PURIFIED A. God is the One who makes the heart pure (Psalm 51:10). B. God purifies our hearts when we obey the Gospel. 1. 1 Peter 1:22-23; John 3:3, 5 2. Romans 6:17-18, 3-4 IV. HOW THE HEART IS KEPT PURE A. God's Word must be hidden in the heart (Psalm 119:11). B. God must be invited to search the heart regularly (Psalm 139:23-24). C. Christ must be allowed to dwell in the heart (Ephesians 3:17a). D. The heart must not become hardened (Hebrews 3:12-13). E. Thinking on the right things is essential (Proverbs 23:7; Philippians 4:8). Conclusion: 1. In this Beatitude, Jesus showed that we must have pure hearts to see God. 2. Looking forward to seeing the Lord should motivate us to be purified (1 John 3:2-3). | ||