Blessed are the Pure in Heart

Introduction:
Why does Mt. 5:8 appear where it does? It has been said that this verse contains one of the greatest utterances in Scripture. Some say that 5:6 is the key to the beatitudes. The first three deal with our needs (poor in spirit; mourning for sin; and meekness.) Hungering/thirsting after righteousness provides the way to satisfy those needs. The three that follow show the result of the satisfaction: (one will become merciful; he will be pure in heart; and will become a peacemaker.)

I. A Heart Exam:
    A. Dealing with the very core of our religion.
    B. Notice: He did not say ____________; he said “heart!”
        1. Christianity more of the heart than the head! More than mental understanding….
        2. Not all intellectualism. Not all about doctrinal matters—though they are important!
    C. Notice: He did not say _____________; he said “heart!”
        1. The premium is not on our external conduct—but the contents of our heart!
    D. What is meant by the word “heart?”
        1. It is the very center of our ___________________.
        2. It = the combination of the ___________; the ____________; and the ___________.
    E. Jesus emphasized that the heart is always the seat of man’s troubles.
        1. Mk. 7:21-23—what comes from within your heart?

II. What does it mean to be _____________?
    A. To be w/o __________________. See Psa. 86:11
    B. To be w/o __________________. See Rev. 21:27; 22:14
        1. Involves one being like ___________ - 1 Pet. 2:22
        2. Involves living for the glory of ___________.
            a) See Heb. 12:14; 1 Jhn. 1:5-6
    C. In the spiritual world one cannot mix:
        1. ____________/__________________
        2. _________________/___________________

III. The pure in heart will see God.
A. We have a _____________ of God here on earth.
B. We shall see God in ______________. 1 Jhn. 3:2; Rev. 5:13-14;11:16-19

IV. How can our hearts become ___________?
    A. Withdraw from the world? Become monks? Certainly not!
    B. Read Psa. 51:10. ___________ alone can do it! He is doing it! Eph. 3:20
    C. We also have a responsibility to take action! Can’t be passive!
        1. Js. 4:8—draw near to ____________ and He will draw near to you.
        2. Col. 3:2—set your mind on things __________ and not on the things that on the _________.

Conclusion:
    A. Imagine….we will see God!
    B. The happiest, most contented people…..those who are pure in heart! Does this describe you?
    C. See 1 Jhn. 3:2-3
    D. Can you say now that you’ll make it to heaven & see God?



Blessed are the Pure in Heart Introduction: Why does Mt. 5:8 appear where it does? It has been said that this verse contains one of the greatest utterances in Scripture. Some say that 5:6 is the key to the beatitudes. The first three deal with our needs (poor in spirit; mourning for sin; and meekness.) Hungering/thirsting after righteousness provides the way to satisfy those needs. The three that follow show the result of the satisfaction: (one will become merciful; he will be pure in heart; and will become a peacemaker.) I. A Heart Exam: A. Dealing with the very core of our religion. B. Notice: He did not say ____________; he said “heart!” 1. Christianity more of the heart than the head! More than mental understanding…. 2. Not all intellectualism. Not all about doctrinal matters—though they are important! C. Notice: He did not say _____________; he said “heart!” 1. The premium is not on our external conduct—but the contents of our heart! D. What is meant by the word “heart?” 1. It is the very center of our ___________________. 2. It = the combination of the ___________; the ____________; and the ___________. E. Jesus emphasized that the heart is always the seat of man’s troubles. 1. Mk. 7:21-23—what comes from within your heart? II. What does it mean to be _____________? A. To be w/o __________________. See Psa. 86:11 B. To be w/o __________________. See Rev. 21:27; 22:14 1. Involves one being like ___________ - 1 Pet. 2:22 2. Involves living for the glory of ___________. a) See Heb. 12:14; 1 Jhn. 1:5-6 C. In the spiritual world one cannot mix: 1. ____________/__________________ 2. _________________/___________________ III. The pure in heart will see God. A. We have a _____________ of God here on earth. B. We shall see God in ______________. 1 Jhn. 3:2; Rev. 5:13-14;11:16-19 IV. How can our hearts become ___________? A. Withdraw from the world? Become monks? Certainly not! B. Read Psa. 51:10. ___________ alone can do it! He is doing it! Eph. 3:20 C. We also have a responsibility to take action! Can’t be passive! 1. Js. 4:8—draw near to ____________ and He will draw near to you. 2. Col. 3:2—set your mind on things __________ and not on the things that on the _________. Conclusion: A. Imagine….we will see God! B. The happiest, most contented people…..those who are pure in heart! Does this describe you? C. See 1 Jhn. 3:2-3 D. Can you say now that you’ll make it to heaven & see God?