Oct. 24th, 2004: Joe
Bartemus, Pastor of Adult Education, continued the preaching of the Beatitudes,
addressing the sixth Beatitude (Matt. 5:8). Pastor Bartemus started his sermon
with a brief overview of all the Beatitudes to compliment the structure Kimber
laid before the congregation last week. He stated that the first four
beatitudes revealed the hearts of those living in the kingdom of God, while the
last four described their ethic.
1.
Joe mentioned that Jesus’ goal of the
Beatitudes was not to make a new group of Pharisees who follow “8 Blesseds”
rather than 10 Commandments.
a.
If this is the case, then how are we
to view living by the Beatitudes?
b.
How do we become a people that live in
the flow of godliness rather than merely perform a checklist of rules?
2.
Pastor Bartemus stated, “The key to
kingdom living is Jesus Christ.”
a.
At the beginning of each day, how are
you examining your life so that Christ may be glorified and reflected in you?
b.
What does it look like to rely on
God’s strength? How can you become a person who depends on Him?
3.
“Pure in heart.”
a.
A question of introspection: Have you
laid down other allegiances and affections that get in the way of love for
Christ? What idols (things or people) in your life are fighting to take the
place of Christ?
b.
How does one have a single allegiance
to Jesus in all areas of life? What does a “single allegiance to Jesus” look
like in one’s everyday life?
4.
“…For they shall see God.”
a.
Why do you come to church?
b.
Do you come to church to see God? How
do you see God at church? In your flock
group?
5.
Pastor Bartemus provided some examples
of purity of heart through three Old Testament examples: Psalm 24:3-4, Joseph
(Gen. 39), and Daniel (Dan. 6).
a.
Joe defined purity as having no hidden
agenda or façade. In your relationships, how do you strive to be open and
vulnerable? What does it take to become a person who doesn’t wear a mask?
b.
Pastor Joe described purity as an
innocent child. What should childlike
faith look like in a mature adult (Mt. 18:1-4)? Does one have to be naïve in
order to be innocent and pure (Mt. 10:16; Phil. 4:8)?
c.
From Joseph’s example, we see that
when we choose to sin, we are really saying, “Seeing God isn’t that big of a
deal.” Let that sink in for a bit…What areas of your life are your currently
choosing to turn your back on God? What repenting needs to be done in order to
claim forgiveness and renew your relationship with God (1 Jn. 1:9)?