What it looks like to be fully alive in Jesus // Ps Sean Stanton
KINGDOM PEOPLE
What it looks like to be fully alive in Jesus.
Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near. Matthew 4:17 (NIV)
Galilee Of The Gentiles
Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and illness among the people… Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed Him. Matthew 4:23, 25 (NIV)
One Greater Than Moses
When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to Him, and He began to teach them. Matthew 5:1-2 (NIV)
You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, because they could not bear what was commanded… But you have come… to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant. Hebrews 12:18–20, 24 (NIV)
Empty Handed: The Surprising Place the Kingdom Begins
What if the very thing you believe disqualifies you from God is where His Kingdom begins?
The Beatitudes — The Upside-Down Kingdom
He said: ’Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3–10 (NIV)
The Cult of Self-Sufficiency
At this very point, Jesus affirms that where our self-sufficiency ends, the Kingdom of God begins.
‣ 1st — Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
‣ 2nd — Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
The Language of Blessing
Baruch: (Covenantal Favour): a decree bestowing power, fruitfulness, and protection for flourishing. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God. Deuteronomy 28:2–6 (NIV)
Ashrei: (Human Alignment): to walk straight, a wisdom map to align your life with God.“Blessed [Ashrei] is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked… but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night… whatever they do prospers.” Psalm 1:1, 3 (NIV)
1. Poor in Spirit — The Blessing of Bankruptcy
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 (NIV)
Woe is me! For I am lost; … for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty. Isaiah 6:5 (ESV)
You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. Matthew 5:3 (MSG)
The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: “God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.” ‘But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner. ‘I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’” Luke 18:11–13 (NIV)
He gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6 (NLT)
As long as you are proud, you cannot know God. A proud man is always looking down on things and people, and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you. — C. S. Lewis
2. Those Who Mourn — Comfort In The Brokenness
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4 (NIV)
How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? Psalm 13:2 (NLT)
The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Ps 34:18 (NIV)
You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. Matthew 5:4 (MSG)
Jesus Unrolls Isaiah’s Scroll
“Blessed are those who mourn…”
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour… to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. Isaiah 61:1–3 (NIV)
Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, ‘Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.’ Lk 4:20–21 (NIV)
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor (as a beggar), so that you through His poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV)
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief… Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.” Isaiah 53:3–4 (ESV)
SELAH: Where has your self-sufficiency run dry? Bring the empty hands, not the full ones. That is where the Kingdom begins.
