The first four beatitudes deal entirely with inner principles, principles of the heart and mind. They are concerned with the way we see ourselves before God. The next four are outward manifestations of those inward attitudes.

Greek word used here for Blessed is Makarios - blessed, happy, fortunate, blissful, and privileged.

Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.

A common Roman saying called mercy
“The disease of the soul”

Merciful “eleēmones”- beneficial or charitable.
In the Septuagint, the Greek version of the Hebrew bible (Old Testament), the same term is used to translate the Hebrew word “hesed”, one of the most commonly used words to describe God’s character.

The fifth beatitude does not teach that mercy to men brings mercy from men, but that mercy to men brings mercy from God.

Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.

Shall see God- Intimate knowledge of and fellowship with God. This is only reserved for the pure of heart.

Pure “katharoi”- Cleansing from dirt, filth, and contamination.
When applied to our hearts, it is the idea of pure motivation, single-mindedness, undivided devotion, spiritual integrity, and true righteousness to God.

Heart “kardia” is used metaphorically to represent the inner person, the seat of their motives and attitudes, the center and will of that person.

Double-mindedness-
We want to serve the Lord and follow the world at the same time.

Four Points to a Pure Heart:
1. Recognize our own sin/ double-mindedness and asked to be cleansed.
Proverbs 20:9 Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin”?

2. A hunger and consistency in God’s Word. John 15:3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.

3. Obedience to Christ. Galatians 5:16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

4. Faithful in Prayer. Psalm 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.

Peace is birthed out of a pure heart.

Four Points to being a Peacemaker:
1. Our Peace with God is because of God. Romans 5:10 For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!

2. Peacemakers lead others to peace with God.
Acts 10:36 You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.

3. Peacemakers make peace with other peacemakers. Romans 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.

4. Peacemakers find points of agreement with those that are lost. Ephesians 4:15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.

To start with love is a great step forward toward peace with others.

for they will be called children of God

Romans 8:17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.