We are going to finish up our study on what it means to be an heir with Jesus. Part of our inheritances as followers of Jesus is the ability to go to the realms of Jehovah Jireh and Jehovah Shalom when we need provision or peace.  While the enemy wants nothing more than to steal your inheritance, we are more than conquerors!

We are going to look at our inheritance spoken by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. We call these the Beatitudes. 

Blessed are Peacemakers

Let’s go back to the Beatitudes. 

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭9‬ ‭(‭ESV)‬‬‬‬

What does it mean to be a peacemaker? Let’s look first at what a peacemaker is not.

There are people who love to stir up strife and separation. They love to gossip and tear down others behind their backs. They are always looking for the deficiencies in others and pointing out those deficiencies. If you have ever done something wrong or said something not perfectly correct, they lock onto those moments and point them out to anyone who will listen. 

These people are NOT peacemakers. 

They are troublemakers, creators of discord, unrest, and eventually war. 

Sons of God do not create division but instead look for ways to bring unity. They have lived in the realm of Jehovah Shalom for so long that they carry God’s peace wherever they go. Sons of God teach others how to live in the realm of Jehovah Shalom and carry his peace with them. They are not blind to the works of Satan. They can stand with confidence and say,

“so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭11‬ ‭(‭ESV)‬‬‬‬

Are you a peacemaker? When you are in a group of people do you bring unity or division with the words that come out of your mouth? 

As a son of God you should bring peace and unity in the body of Christ. This is not to say that strife and division will not naturally happen in the world. We are going to be uncomfortable to the world of darkness. Light and dark do not get along well. Light will always overpower darkness. Remember what John tells us:

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” ‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬ ‭(‭ESV)‬‬‬‬‬‬

When light comes into darkness, those that have lived in darkness become uncomfortable.

Coming out of the Movie 

 I remember as a kid, when I would go outside after watching a movie. The sun seemed so much brighter than it did when I walked into the theater. The brightness of the sun didn’t change in the 2 hours I was in the movie. No, my eyes became accustomed to seeing in the dark theater, and when I walked outside my eyes needed time to adjust to the new brightness surrounding me. My reaction was to look away from the bright light and close my eyes. My eyes wanted to go back inside where it was more comfortable to see. 

Those Living is Spiritual Darkness Become Uncomfortable

This is the same for those who live in the darkness spiritually. 

When they are confronted with the light of Jesus, their natural reaction is to cower and go back to the darkness where they think is more comfortable.

What they fail to understand is the darkness is actually their prison. 

Jesus, the light, offers freedom. 

Yes, it can be uncomfortable, but once you live in the light, you realize how amazing the light of Jesus is and the freedom you now have. 

You then want to spread the light of life, Jesus, to the rest of the world. 

You will learn and grow in understanding what Paul said in Ephesians: 

“for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬ ‭(ESV)‬‬

As peacemakers, we bring unity to the body of Christ, and we bring the truth of peace to the world who is still living in darkness and delusions.

 Let’s all show others what it truly means to be sons of God!

Blessed are the Persecuted

The last beatitude we are going to look at today is:

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10 (ESV)

When you are persecuted for righteousness sake, your inheritance is the kingdom of heaven. 

What is Persecution?

Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines persecute as: to harass or punish in a manner designed to injure, grieve, or afflict or to cause to suffer because of belief

Persecution is a Cycle of Christ

We have talked about the cycles of Christ. One of those cycles is persecution. Are you a son of God? Are you a follower of Jesus? You will be persecuted. It’s part of the sufferings of Christ we go through because of this status. 

Just as Jesus was persecuted because he was righteousness walking in the flesh, so you will be persecuted because you stand for righteousness. 

Jesus himself told us:

“Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. John‬ ‭15‬:‭20‬ ‭(ESV)‬‬

You are not exempt from facing persecution. You are not above Jesus, your master and teacher. 

Later in this same conversation Jesus said this:

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John‬ ‭16‬:‭33‬ ‭(ESV)‬‬

The word for tribulation here can mean a pressing or pressure from living life. 

I don’t know about you, but I have definitely felt the pressure from living life on earth. I have felt pressed so hard that I wasn’t sure I would survive. 

It’s during these times in life when we must remember to take heart, cheer up, be confident in this: Jesus has overcome the world. 

Everything you will ever experience you can trust Jesus to know and understand it. Not only that but he has overcome it. 

As fellow heirs with Jesus, you also will overcome all those things too! 

What is your Inheritance as Sons of God

So what is your inheritance as sons of God and fellow heirs with Jesus? 

1. You inherit the kingdom of God prepared for you before the foundation of the world was laid.
2. You inherit access to the realms of peace and provision (among other realms inside Hotel Jesus).
3. You inherit the earth as a person of meekness.
4. You inherit the right to be sons of God as peacemakers.
5. Because you will be persecuted you inherit the kingdom of heaven.
6. You inherit the right to be overcomers from everything the enemy may throw your way.
7. You inherit becoming light in a dark world.

The great news is these are just a few of the inheritances we get to enjoy as sons of God. This is a cycle of Jesus I definitely want to live in! What about you?

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