Sunday Northfield VT – 02/17/2013

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Speakers:

• Steven Atherton
• Carrie Cannon

Scriptures used:

• 2 Chronicles 7:14
• Matthew 5:1-13
• John 15:5
• Proverbs 3:5-6
• Numbers 12:3

Subject:

• This sermon looks at the admonition to God’s people set forth in II Chronicles 7:14 from the perspective of the Be Attitudes set forth in Matthew 5:1-13.
• Humility and its relationship to prayer.
• Turning from our wicked ways (i.e. turning from our Don’t Be Attitudes).
• Use the Be Attitudes as a prayer list.
• Blessed are the “poor in spirit” – pray to become “poor in spirit”.  And, contrary to Gustavo Guttierez and the Liberation Theologians who teach that the poor are simple, righteous and good in contrast to evil rich people.  Poor in spirit relates to a person who has given up their own will (i.e. died to themselves) and instead lives for another.  The example used was of a “spirited horse” (i.e. a wild mustang) and how it is determined to do its own thing and will not be subject unto any other vs. the horse that is “poor in spirit” which is pleased to be doing its master’s will.
• Blessed are the “meek” – pray to become “meek”.  Meek is not outwardly towards others, but inwardly towards the Lord.  That is why Moses was referred to as “meek” above all men on the earth.  A meek person understands that he can do no good thing but by the Lord as it says over in John 15:5.  Therefore that person is driven to seek the Lord so that he can do something good.  Also referenced Proverbs 3:5-6 concerning trusting in the Lord with all thine heart and leaning not unto thine own understanding, acknowledge Him in all thy ways and He shall direct the paths of thy feet.
• Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness.  If you recognize that you have no righteousness of your own, then you will hunger and thirst after God’s righteousness.  If you think you are righteous then what is there to hunger and thirst after.
• Blessed are the merciful.  Is your heart inclined to mercy or judgment?  If you recognize your own need for mercy, then it is much easier to be merciful to others.  If you think you are right and not in danger of the judgment then it is very hard to be merciful unto others.
• Blessed are the peacemakers refers to those who bring the Gospel of peace that brings peace between man and God.  Blessed are they that mourn…. Blessed are the pure in heart…. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake…. Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely.
• All of the above Be Attitudes are what is required for you to be “salty” as verse 13 addressed.
• Salt holds back corruption.  It is quite evident that the world is growing more corrupt, demonstrating that we are not salty enough.  Let’s use the Be Attitudes as a prayer checklist, recognizing that adopting the Be Attitudes means that we have to get shed of our Don’t Be Attitudes – a turn of events that our flesh is not going to like.