It's time to head back to school! No matter your stage of life, it's never too late to learn - and the wisest among us are always learning. Some of Jesus' greatest knowledge for life comes from his mountain-side teaching points we commonly call "The Beatitudes." Many of his lessons are blunt and may make us uncomfortable; but if they are applied, will help us succeed in life - the most important thing we will ever manage.  In this series you will learn how to overcome the things that would hold you back, how to repair relationship, and how to live with satisfaction and joy.

God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,
    for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
God blesses those who are humble,
    for they will inherit the whole earth.
God blesses those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be satisfied.
God blesses those who are merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
    for they will see God.
God blesses those who work for peace,
    for they will be called the children of God.
God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,
    for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.

Matthew 5:3-11

“It depends on…” The first beatitude is the reality choice. Facing up to the fact that I need help. Without God my life is unmanageable. I acknowledge that I can’t control and manage everything in my life, and I need God’s help. He is ready to give it to me.

The Reality Choice

Beatitudes: How to receive the blessings of God.

The original word in the Greek for “Blessed” is “Makarios.”
To be blessed is to be happy. I have to make the right choices. 

One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them. “God blesses those who are poor in spirit and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.”

Matthew 5:1-3

The Reality: Realizing my need for God and humbly depending on Him instead of myself is the first condition for God’s blessing on my life.

How do I practically do this?

1. I depend on God’s wisdom, not mine.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

Proverbs 14:12

If any of you lack wisdom, you should pray and ask God who gives it generously and graciously to all.

James 1:5 

2. I depend on God’s strength, not mine.

Those who trust in the Lord for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak.

Isaiah 40:31

I walk in the strength of the Lord.

Psalm 71:16

My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart. He is mine forever!

Psalm 73:26

3. I depend on God’s timing, not mine.

I trust in you, O Lord. You are my God. My times are in your hands.

Psalm 31:14-15

I am the Lord, and when it is time, I will make these things happen quickly.

Isaiah 60:22

4. I depend on God’s defense, not mine.

When they hurled insults at him, he did not retaliate. When he suffered he made no threats back. Instead he entrusted himself to God to set things right.

I Peter 2:23

I depend on God alone; I put my hope in him. He alone protects and saves me; he is my defender, and I shall never be defeated. My salvation and honor depend on God; he is my strong protector; he is my shelter!

Psalm 62:5-7

5. I depend on God’s resources, not mine.

And my God will supply all my needs from his abundant riches because of what Jesus Christ has done for us.

Philippians 4:19 

Bottom Line:  I need God. Without God my life is unmanageable. 

Next Steps: 

1. Daily pray the prayer from your heart.

2. Take the tangible steps to illustrate your commitment. Make a decision NOW to be baptized at the next opportunity in public declaration of your dependence on God.