Matthew 5:1-12 | “And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: and he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”
This sermon is a powerful exposition of Jesus’ teachings found in Matthew 5:1-12. Spurgeon begins by examining some of the circumstances surrounding the sermon: the crowd, the place, the posture of Jesus, etc. He then goes on to examine each of the seven beatitudes in turn (or nine depending on how you count them!), providing insightful commentary and practical applications for the listener. Spurgeon emphasizes that the beatitudes are not merely a list of virtues to be admired, but rather a description of the true character of a Christian. He argues that the Christian life is characterized by humility, mourning, meekness, hunger for righteousness, mercy, purity of heart, peacemaking, and persecution for the sake of righteousness.
Throughout the sermon, Spurgeon encourages his listeners to embrace the counter-cultural nature of the Christian life, which is characterized by a radical love for others and a willingness to suffer for the sake of Christ. He reminds them that the true reward of the Christian life is not material wealth or earthly success, but rather a deep and abiding joy that comes from knowing and following Jesus Christ. Spurgeon’s sermon on the beatitudes is a powerful call to embrace the radical nature of the Christian life and to find true happiness and fulfillment in Christ alone.
(Note: This sermon is followed by Spurgeon's exposition of Matthew 5:1-30!)
Topics addressed: Beatitudes, Sermon on the Mount, Christian Living, Blessedness, Happiness, Character, Humility, Mourning, Meekness, Righteousness, Mercy, Purity, Peace, Persecution, Joy
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“The Beatitudes,” a sermon by C. H. Spurgeon, delivered in the year 1873.
Read by: Joel Griffis
(On some occasions, certain words or phrases may be modernized or adapted to aid understanding.)