Blessed are the Pure in Heart

Part 6 on series on Beatitudes

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Introduction:

A.     What does Mt. 5:8 appear where it does?

1.       It been said that this verse contains one of the greatest utterances in Scripture.

2.       Volumes been written about this verse.

B.     Some said that 5:6 is the key to the beatitudes.

1.       first 3 deal w/our needs:

a)     5:3 – poor in spirit

b)     5:4 – mourning for sin

c)      5:5 – meek

2.       5:6 – provides they way to satisfy those needs.

3.       the others that follow show the result of the satisfaction.

a)     one will b/c merciful

b)     He = pure in heart

c)      He b/c a peacemaker.

C.    Eldred Stevens: there is a more striking correspondence:

1.       poor in spirit become merciful

2.       the mourning are those who turn to him for purity

3.       the meek are those who become peacemakers.

D.    With that being said – let’s examine the terms of the text…

 

I.  A Heart Exam:

A.     This is the core of true religion.

1.       Jesus dealt w/heart issues – many religious people interested only in outward appearance.  Ignore the weightier matters.

B.     Note:  He did not say “head” he said “Heart.”

1.      Christianity more of the heart than the head.

2.      more than mental understanding and agreement w/certain prepositions.

3.      Christianity is not all intellectualism.  Not all about doctrinal matters.

4.      Not to say that doctrine unimportant.

C.    Note…Jesus did not say “conduct” he said “heart.”

1.      He did not put the premium on conduct, behavior, ethics – all of which are externals.

2.      He wants to know first…what is the condition of our heart?

D.    What meant by the bible word “heart?”

1.      it means the very center of personality.

2.      it is the combination of the intellect; the emotions; and the will.  It is the total man.

E.     Bible emphasizes that the heart is always the seat of man’s troubles.

1.      Jesus:  Mk. 7:21-23.

2.      Education doesn’t make a good man.  Health doesn’t make a good man; money doesn’t make a good man…

a)     it is his heart…..what comes from w/in.

 

II.  What does it mean to be pure?

A.     To be w/o hypocrisy.

1.      we must wholeheartedly serve God.

a)     so many have divided hearts.

b)     Psa. 86:11

2.      Jesus:  it = impossible to serve two masters.

3.      This = battle we must all face.

B.     Most importantly….it means “to be w/o defilement.”

1.      Rev. 21:27; 22:14

2.      involves one striving to be like Jesus.  1 Pet. 2:22

3.      involves living for the glory of God – desiring to know Him – to serve Him.

a)     only then who are like that will see Him.

b)     Heb. 12:14; 1 Jhn. 1:5-6

C.    In spiritual world one cannot mix:

1.      light/darkness

2.      righteousness/unrighteousness

3.      Jesus & our own selfish wants/desires.

 

III.  Pure in heart shall see God.

A.     What meant by this?

1.      we have a vision of God here on earth.

a)     see him in nature.

b)     In his providence – the evidence of history.

B.     We shall see God in eternity.

1.      what we see now – nothing compared to what we will see.

2.      pure in heart will see Him face to face.

a)     1 Jhn. 3:2

b)     Rev. 5:13-14; 11:16-19

 

IV.  How can our hearts become pure?

A.     W/draw from the world?  Become monks?  Certainly not!

B.     Answer found in David’s prayer – Psa. 51:10

1.      He alone can do it.

2.      He is doing it! Eph. 3:20

C.    Does not mean that we need to be passive about this . We responsible too!

1.      Js. 4:8

2.      Col. 3:1-5

Conclusion:

A.     Imagine….we are going to see God.

B.     Who are the happiest/most contented people?

1.      those who are purest/cleanest

2.      those not besieged by the pangs of conscience.

3.      those who b/c at peace w/God.

C.    Conclude w/this reading: 1 Jhn. 3:2-3

D.    Can you say now that you’ll make it to heaven & see God?

1.      If not, why not?

2.      I N V I T A T I O N