January 2025
Meek, 19 January 2025
19 01 25 Filed in: Sermons | Blessed: The Beatitudes
Blessed are the Meek
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
Blessed: The Beatitudes
January 19, 2025
Matthew 5:5
Series Big Idea: The greatest sermon in history is radical, revolutionary, and relevant.
Big Idea: The humble who use their power to bless others will be blessed.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:5
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word power? Is it a corrupt politician? Perhaps it’s something you’re seeking. It could be a force like electricity or even a tornado.
Someone once said, “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” But is it possible to use power well rather than abuse it?
My name is Kirk, and today we’re continuing our series on the Beatitudes—the blessings announced by Jesus. We’re in Matthew’s Gospel, or “good news,” chapter five.
The Beatitudes taught by Jesus are not instructions to follow or achievements to unlock. They are simple statements of reality, announcing what God is doing and declaring truths about our present world and the future. Many of them express prophetic imagination—a vision of the world to come when there will be no tears, pain, or suffering.
So far in the series we have examined:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3) Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (Matthew 5:4)
Our text for today says:
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5)
Meek is an uncommon word in modern vocabulary. What does meek mean?
Meek might conjure up images of weakness, frailty, or powerlessness. One definition describes the meek as “quiet, gentle, and easily imposed upon; submissive.” But are the doormats of the world going to inherit the earth? Hardly!
It seems hard to imagine the weak inheriting the earth. But that’s not what Jesus is saying. Meekness is not weakness; it’s the opposite. The original Greek word for meek, praus, means “power under control.” It was used to describe a trained horse, one capable of immense power yet disciplined for its rider’s benefit. A wild horse does what it pleases, but a broken horse channels its strength for good.
Meekness manifests in our lives as self-control. Have you ever met someone who lacked self-control? We often call such behavior childish because children tend to act selfishly, seeking immediate gratification. Sadly, many adults prioritize their own needs and desires without regard for others.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5)
Professor D.A. Carson defines meekness as “a controlled desire to see the other’s interests advance ahead of one’s own.”
One of the Bible’s most challenging verses states:
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (Philippians 2:3-4)
Meekness is not passive; it is others-centered. For example, the meek may feel anger, but not for personal slights. Instead, their anger is stirred by injustice against others. We should be angered by sex trafficking and domestic violence. We should advocate for the unborn, the marginalized, and the voiceless. This is power used wisely, not for self-service but to bless others.
So, what does it look like to use power for others’ benefit? Any oppressed group—workers in sweatshops, persecuted Christians, victims of prejudice—needs advocates with the power to bring change. Andy Crouch, in his book Playing God: Redeeming the Gift of Power, defines power as “the ability to make something of the world…to participate in the sense-making process unique to humans.”
Let me say again meekness is not passive. It engages, speaks, up, uses influence and power for the benefit of others. Who in our world could use help? Who in our city could use help? I must confess it’s easy for me to look the other way or wait for someone else to meet the needs of others.
Perhaps you have a memory of elementary school where a student was bullied, ignored, or teased. Did you do anything? Did you speak up? Did you sit with the new kid in the cafeteria? Did you defend the needy?
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5)
This idea stands in stark contrast to our materialistic, self-serving culture. The Message translation puts it this way:
“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.” (Matthew 5:5, The Message)
One blessing of meekness is contentment. Why do we constantly want more? Comparison kills contentment. When our focus shifts to what others have, we lose sight of what God has given us. Anything we desire more than God becomes an idol.
Power, like money, isn’t inherently bad. It’s a gift that can be used selfishly or generously. We all have power—through our reputations, resources, relationships, opportunities, education, and experience. The question is: will we use our power to benefit ourselves or others?
Who do you know that used power wisely? Two that come to mind for me are Abraham Lincoln and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. whose legacy we celebrate tomorrow as a nation. Both Lincoln and King were humans. They made mistakes. They were sinners. But they paid a tremendous price—their own lives—using their power, platform, and influence to serve others. There were much easier paths for them to take, but is my understanding that in their meekness they were selflessly blessing others.
I don’t believe it’s God’s will for every one of His followers to be a martyr, though David Barrett estimates 45 million Christians were martyred in the 20th century for their faith and today countless of our brothers and sisters in Christ are imprisoned, tortured, and murdered for their faith in Jesus, a freedom we often take for granted in this country.
Dr. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones said, “The man who is truly meek is the one who is amazed that God and man can think of him as well as they do and treat him as well as they do…We are to leave everything—ourselves, our rights, our cause, our whole future—in the hands of God.”
Abraham displayed meekness by letting Lot choose the better land. Moses, despite being attacked and criticized, prayed for his people. The greatest model of meekness, however, is Jesus. He said:
“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”(Mark 10:43-45)
This is not the American Dream, family. It’s not who dies with the most toys wins, stand up for my rights, do it my way, or look out for number one. Some people think they can put a little Jesus onto the American Dream like whipped cream on hot cocoa, but that’s not the invitation. The invitation is to die to your pride, humble yourself, and serve others through God’s strength. It’s radical, and I must confess my life is not radical enough. I’m selfish. I’m prideful. I want to be happy and safe and comfortable, but that’s not what I signed up for when I surrendered my life to Jesus.
Jesus, with all power in heaven and earth, chose to serve and sacrifice himself for us. He demonstrated the ultimate act of meekness. And He says, “Follow me.”
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5)
What does it mean to inherit the earth? For first-century Jews, it meant Israel—their promised land. For us, it points to the new heaven and new earth described in Revelation 21. Jesus promises that the meek will inherit the earth…and be blessed, have God’s favor and presence.
So What?
We all possess power, whether through our wealth, education, or influence. The question is how we use it. Instead of focusing on ourselves, we’re called to follow Jesus and serve others.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5)
One of my doctoral professors, Scot McKnight, said,
“The “meek” are those who suffer and who have been humbled, and yet they do not seek revenge but God’s glory and the welfare of others. In other words, they lovingly trust God and hope in God’s timing and God’s justice.”
The meek experience contentment and will one day enjoy their eternal inheritance. Let us use our power to glorify God and bless others, living as citizens of His upside-down kingdom. In doing so, we will be blessed and experience God’s presence and favor.
Credits: Some ideas from The Beatitudes Project, Dr. Matt Carter.
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
Blessed: The Beatitudes
January 19, 2025
Matthew 5:5
Series Big Idea: The greatest sermon in history is radical, revolutionary, and relevant.
Big Idea: The humble who use their power to bless others will be blessed.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:5
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word power? Is it a corrupt politician? Perhaps it’s something you’re seeking. It could be a force like electricity or even a tornado.
Someone once said, “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” But is it possible to use power well rather than abuse it?
My name is Kirk, and today we’re continuing our series on the Beatitudes—the blessings announced by Jesus. We’re in Matthew’s Gospel, or “good news,” chapter five.
The Beatitudes taught by Jesus are not instructions to follow or achievements to unlock. They are simple statements of reality, announcing what God is doing and declaring truths about our present world and the future. Many of them express prophetic imagination—a vision of the world to come when there will be no tears, pain, or suffering.
So far in the series we have examined:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3) Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (Matthew 5:4)
Our text for today says:
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5)
Meek is an uncommon word in modern vocabulary. What does meek mean?
Meek might conjure up images of weakness, frailty, or powerlessness. One definition describes the meek as “quiet, gentle, and easily imposed upon; submissive.” But are the doormats of the world going to inherit the earth? Hardly!
It seems hard to imagine the weak inheriting the earth. But that’s not what Jesus is saying. Meekness is not weakness; it’s the opposite. The original Greek word for meek, praus, means “power under control.” It was used to describe a trained horse, one capable of immense power yet disciplined for its rider’s benefit. A wild horse does what it pleases, but a broken horse channels its strength for good.
Meekness manifests in our lives as self-control. Have you ever met someone who lacked self-control? We often call such behavior childish because children tend to act selfishly, seeking immediate gratification. Sadly, many adults prioritize their own needs and desires without regard for others.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5)
Professor D.A. Carson defines meekness as “a controlled desire to see the other’s interests advance ahead of one’s own.”
One of the Bible’s most challenging verses states:
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (Philippians 2:3-4)
Meekness is not passive; it is others-centered. For example, the meek may feel anger, but not for personal slights. Instead, their anger is stirred by injustice against others. We should be angered by sex trafficking and domestic violence. We should advocate for the unborn, the marginalized, and the voiceless. This is power used wisely, not for self-service but to bless others.
So, what does it look like to use power for others’ benefit? Any oppressed group—workers in sweatshops, persecuted Christians, victims of prejudice—needs advocates with the power to bring change. Andy Crouch, in his book Playing God: Redeeming the Gift of Power, defines power as “the ability to make something of the world…to participate in the sense-making process unique to humans.”
Let me say again meekness is not passive. It engages, speaks, up, uses influence and power for the benefit of others. Who in our world could use help? Who in our city could use help? I must confess it’s easy for me to look the other way or wait for someone else to meet the needs of others.
Perhaps you have a memory of elementary school where a student was bullied, ignored, or teased. Did you do anything? Did you speak up? Did you sit with the new kid in the cafeteria? Did you defend the needy?
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5)
This idea stands in stark contrast to our materialistic, self-serving culture. The Message translation puts it this way:
“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.” (Matthew 5:5, The Message)
One blessing of meekness is contentment. Why do we constantly want more? Comparison kills contentment. When our focus shifts to what others have, we lose sight of what God has given us. Anything we desire more than God becomes an idol.
Power, like money, isn’t inherently bad. It’s a gift that can be used selfishly or generously. We all have power—through our reputations, resources, relationships, opportunities, education, and experience. The question is: will we use our power to benefit ourselves or others?
Who do you know that used power wisely? Two that come to mind for me are Abraham Lincoln and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. whose legacy we celebrate tomorrow as a nation. Both Lincoln and King were humans. They made mistakes. They were sinners. But they paid a tremendous price—their own lives—using their power, platform, and influence to serve others. There were much easier paths for them to take, but is my understanding that in their meekness they were selflessly blessing others.
I don’t believe it’s God’s will for every one of His followers to be a martyr, though David Barrett estimates 45 million Christians were martyred in the 20th century for their faith and today countless of our brothers and sisters in Christ are imprisoned, tortured, and murdered for their faith in Jesus, a freedom we often take for granted in this country.
Dr. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones said, “The man who is truly meek is the one who is amazed that God and man can think of him as well as they do and treat him as well as they do…We are to leave everything—ourselves, our rights, our cause, our whole future—in the hands of God.”
Abraham displayed meekness by letting Lot choose the better land. Moses, despite being attacked and criticized, prayed for his people. The greatest model of meekness, however, is Jesus. He said:
“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”(Mark 10:43-45)
This is not the American Dream, family. It’s not who dies with the most toys wins, stand up for my rights, do it my way, or look out for number one. Some people think they can put a little Jesus onto the American Dream like whipped cream on hot cocoa, but that’s not the invitation. The invitation is to die to your pride, humble yourself, and serve others through God’s strength. It’s radical, and I must confess my life is not radical enough. I’m selfish. I’m prideful. I want to be happy and safe and comfortable, but that’s not what I signed up for when I surrendered my life to Jesus.
Jesus, with all power in heaven and earth, chose to serve and sacrifice himself for us. He demonstrated the ultimate act of meekness. And He says, “Follow me.”
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5)
What does it mean to inherit the earth? For first-century Jews, it meant Israel—their promised land. For us, it points to the new heaven and new earth described in Revelation 21. Jesus promises that the meek will inherit the earth…and be blessed, have God’s favor and presence.
So What?
We all possess power, whether through our wealth, education, or influence. The question is how we use it. Instead of focusing on ourselves, we’re called to follow Jesus and serve others.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5)
One of my doctoral professors, Scot McKnight, said,
“The “meek” are those who suffer and who have been humbled, and yet they do not seek revenge but God’s glory and the welfare of others. In other words, they lovingly trust God and hope in God’s timing and God’s justice.”
The meek experience contentment and will one day enjoy their eternal inheritance. Let us use our power to glorify God and bless others, living as citizens of His upside-down kingdom. In doing so, we will be blessed and experience God’s presence and favor.
Credits: Some ideas from The Beatitudes Project, Dr. Matt Carter.
Mourn, 12 January 2025
12 01 25 Filed in: Sermons | Blessed: The Beatitudes
Blessed are Those Who Mourn
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
Blessed: The Beatitudes
January 12, 2025
Matthew 5:4
Series Big Idea: The greatest sermon in history is radical, revolutionary, and relevant.
Big Idea: We are blessed and comforted when we mourn and mourn with others.
Life is full of loss. It might be a job, your health, or your marriage. Take a moment to think about your greatest loss. I know—it’s not the most uplifting way to begin today! But really, what is your greatest loss? An athlete might think of a championship they nearly won. A child might recall the death of a beloved pet. For others, it could be the loss of a spouse, a child, or even one’s memory. In California, it might be a house. Loss is universal. And unless it involves weight, we’re usually not fond of loss.
As we continue our series on the Beatitudes, Blessed, we’re going to explore what Jesus said about loss and grief. It’s a weighty subject, yet Jesus offers hope and encouragement for those who mourn. Perhaps this is exactly what you need to hear today.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (Matthew 5:4, NIV)
This world is undeniably broken. Although God created a beautiful universe for us to enjoy, humanity’s pride, rebellion, and sin have marred it, leaving us with a world full of problems.
How do we respond to loss? Some of us were taught, “Big boys don’t cry.” Some cultures bury emotions in silence, while others openly weep and wail.
When I think of wailing, I’m reminded of the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, also called the Western Wall. It’s the only remaining part of the Jewish Temple, destroyed in 70 AD, and is the holiest site where Jews are permitted to pray. It’s called the Wailing Wall because of the lamentations over the Temple’s destruction. More than a million prayers, written on slips of paper, are placed into its crevices each year—a poignant image of grief and hope intertwined.
Grieving is essential to life. The book of Ecclesiastes reminds us:
"There is a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance." (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4)
Talking about grief, mourning, and loss can make us uncomfortable. Yet, Jesus calls those who mourn “blessed.” How can this make sense? Last week, we discussed the Greek word makarios, meaning “happy, fortunate, well-off, supremely blest.” It seems paradoxical. Imagine walking into a funeral home and telling the grieving families they are blessed. It feels counterintuitive.
But here’s the truth: blessing is not about ease or pleasure. It’s about experiencing God’s presence and favor. Sometimes, God allows us to lose what we hold dear—not to punish us, but to draw us closer to Him. These moments remind us that when God is all we have, we realize He is all we need.
Loss is painful. It leaves scars that often never fully heal. Yet, even in loss, we can experience the presence and favor of God. The psalmist declares:
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
That sounds so sweet, doesn’t it? What poet wrote those words? They were probably sitting in a meadow on a sunny, spring afternoon trying to encourage a suffering friend, right? Hardly! This is the writing of David while he was being hunted by King Saul!
Psalm 34 is a powerful song of God’s deliverance in the midst of agony. The verse before eighteen says,
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. (Psalm 34:17)
Perhaps most remarkable of all is how the psalm begins:
I will extol the LORD at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
2 I will glory in the LORD;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
3 Glorify the LORD with me;
let us exalt his name together.
4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:1-4)
Remember, this is from a man fleeing for his life! David realized despite his problematic circumstance, God was present and worthy of worship. This is one reason we sing at funerals. We are to remember He remains worthy. We might not understand, but by faith we can trust He has a plan.
Another psalm declares,
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).
This is a promise, church family. I know there are moments where it might not feel like God is present, but He is with us…always…but especially when we call upon Him, when we cry out and admit we need help.
Eugene Peterson paraphrased Jesus’ words beautifully in The Message:
"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, The Message)
Jesus promises comfort for those who mourn. The word translated “comforted” is parakaleo, closely related to parakletos, the term Jesus used to describe the Holy Spirit—our Advocate, Counselor, and Comforter.
While I can’t imagine anything better than being in the presence of Jesus himself, he told his disciples,
But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. (John 16:7)
We recently celebrated Emmanuel, God with us. Jesus walked our planet for about 33 years, but when he ascended into heaven, he didn’t leave us high and dry. He sent the Holy Spirit in the second chapter of Acts, and the Holy Spirit is living inside every follower of Jesus. When we mourn, we open our hearts to the Comforter’s work in our lives. God meets us in our pain, often through His Spirit, and sometimes through His people.
Paul writes in Romans:
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” (Romans 12:15)
Loving well means entering into the joy and pain of others. Mourning with others can feel awkward, leaving us unsure of what to say or do. Often, the best gift we can offer is our presence. Silence can be golden. We are to mourn with those who mourn, not necessarily advise them! Remember Job’s friends? When they tried to explain his suffering, they only added to his pain. Sometimes, actions speak louder than words. Simply being present—a hug, a card, or a kind gesture—can bring deep healing.
Jewish tradition embraces this beautifully through sitting shiva, a seven-day mourning period after a burial. Loved ones sit together, sharing memories and grief. It’s a poignant reminder of the power of community in times of sorrow.
Family, we need one another. We need to mourn with one another, rejoice with one another, pray for one another, and perhaps most of all be present for one another. Jesus came as Emmanuel—God with us—and when we are present for others, we become the hands and feet of Jesus. We are Jesus with skin on! What a blessing!
Mourning Our Sin
There’s another kind of mourning we must not overlook—mourning over our sins. We all sin. We harm others, rebel against God, and create idols in our lives.
When was the last time you truly grieved over your sin? Mourning our sin brings us to repentance and restoration, allowing God’s peace and comfort to heal our hearts.
Communion reminds us of this truth. Each time we partake, we remember our sin, Christ’s sacrifice, and His amazing grace. Mourning our sin draws us closer to God and helps us seek His righteousness.
A New Hope
If you’re mourning today, I want to fix it for you. I wish I could restore what you’ve lost—a job, a relationship, or a loved one. While I can’t, I can remind you that God never wastes anything.
Grieve deeply. Allow the Holy Spirit to comfort and strengthen you. Let others support you. Healing takes time, but you are never alone. God is with you, and your church family is here for you.
One day, all mourning will cease.
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Amen.
Credits: Some ideas from The Beatitudes Project.
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
Blessed: The Beatitudes
January 12, 2025
Matthew 5:4
Series Big Idea: The greatest sermon in history is radical, revolutionary, and relevant.
Big Idea: We are blessed and comforted when we mourn and mourn with others.
Life is full of loss. It might be a job, your health, or your marriage. Take a moment to think about your greatest loss. I know—it’s not the most uplifting way to begin today! But really, what is your greatest loss? An athlete might think of a championship they nearly won. A child might recall the death of a beloved pet. For others, it could be the loss of a spouse, a child, or even one’s memory. In California, it might be a house. Loss is universal. And unless it involves weight, we’re usually not fond of loss.
As we continue our series on the Beatitudes, Blessed, we’re going to explore what Jesus said about loss and grief. It’s a weighty subject, yet Jesus offers hope and encouragement for those who mourn. Perhaps this is exactly what you need to hear today.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (Matthew 5:4, NIV)
This world is undeniably broken. Although God created a beautiful universe for us to enjoy, humanity’s pride, rebellion, and sin have marred it, leaving us with a world full of problems.
How do we respond to loss? Some of us were taught, “Big boys don’t cry.” Some cultures bury emotions in silence, while others openly weep and wail.
When I think of wailing, I’m reminded of the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, also called the Western Wall. It’s the only remaining part of the Jewish Temple, destroyed in 70 AD, and is the holiest site where Jews are permitted to pray. It’s called the Wailing Wall because of the lamentations over the Temple’s destruction. More than a million prayers, written on slips of paper, are placed into its crevices each year—a poignant image of grief and hope intertwined.
Grieving is essential to life. The book of Ecclesiastes reminds us:
"There is a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance." (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4)
Talking about grief, mourning, and loss can make us uncomfortable. Yet, Jesus calls those who mourn “blessed.” How can this make sense? Last week, we discussed the Greek word makarios, meaning “happy, fortunate, well-off, supremely blest.” It seems paradoxical. Imagine walking into a funeral home and telling the grieving families they are blessed. It feels counterintuitive.
But here’s the truth: blessing is not about ease or pleasure. It’s about experiencing God’s presence and favor. Sometimes, God allows us to lose what we hold dear—not to punish us, but to draw us closer to Him. These moments remind us that when God is all we have, we realize He is all we need.
Loss is painful. It leaves scars that often never fully heal. Yet, even in loss, we can experience the presence and favor of God. The psalmist declares:
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
That sounds so sweet, doesn’t it? What poet wrote those words? They were probably sitting in a meadow on a sunny, spring afternoon trying to encourage a suffering friend, right? Hardly! This is the writing of David while he was being hunted by King Saul!
Psalm 34 is a powerful song of God’s deliverance in the midst of agony. The verse before eighteen says,
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. (Psalm 34:17)
Perhaps most remarkable of all is how the psalm begins:
I will extol the LORD at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
2 I will glory in the LORD;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
3 Glorify the LORD with me;
let us exalt his name together.
4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:1-4)
Remember, this is from a man fleeing for his life! David realized despite his problematic circumstance, God was present and worthy of worship. This is one reason we sing at funerals. We are to remember He remains worthy. We might not understand, but by faith we can trust He has a plan.
Another psalm declares,
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).
This is a promise, church family. I know there are moments where it might not feel like God is present, but He is with us…always…but especially when we call upon Him, when we cry out and admit we need help.
Eugene Peterson paraphrased Jesus’ words beautifully in The Message:
"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, The Message)
Jesus promises comfort for those who mourn. The word translated “comforted” is parakaleo, closely related to parakletos, the term Jesus used to describe the Holy Spirit—our Advocate, Counselor, and Comforter.
While I can’t imagine anything better than being in the presence of Jesus himself, he told his disciples,
But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. (John 16:7)
We recently celebrated Emmanuel, God with us. Jesus walked our planet for about 33 years, but when he ascended into heaven, he didn’t leave us high and dry. He sent the Holy Spirit in the second chapter of Acts, and the Holy Spirit is living inside every follower of Jesus. When we mourn, we open our hearts to the Comforter’s work in our lives. God meets us in our pain, often through His Spirit, and sometimes through His people.
Paul writes in Romans:
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” (Romans 12:15)
Loving well means entering into the joy and pain of others. Mourning with others can feel awkward, leaving us unsure of what to say or do. Often, the best gift we can offer is our presence. Silence can be golden. We are to mourn with those who mourn, not necessarily advise them! Remember Job’s friends? When they tried to explain his suffering, they only added to his pain. Sometimes, actions speak louder than words. Simply being present—a hug, a card, or a kind gesture—can bring deep healing.
Jewish tradition embraces this beautifully through sitting shiva, a seven-day mourning period after a burial. Loved ones sit together, sharing memories and grief. It’s a poignant reminder of the power of community in times of sorrow.
Family, we need one another. We need to mourn with one another, rejoice with one another, pray for one another, and perhaps most of all be present for one another. Jesus came as Emmanuel—God with us—and when we are present for others, we become the hands and feet of Jesus. We are Jesus with skin on! What a blessing!
Mourning Our Sin
There’s another kind of mourning we must not overlook—mourning over our sins. We all sin. We harm others, rebel against God, and create idols in our lives.
When was the last time you truly grieved over your sin? Mourning our sin brings us to repentance and restoration, allowing God’s peace and comfort to heal our hearts.
Communion reminds us of this truth. Each time we partake, we remember our sin, Christ’s sacrifice, and His amazing grace. Mourning our sin draws us closer to God and helps us seek His righteousness.
A New Hope
If you’re mourning today, I want to fix it for you. I wish I could restore what you’ve lost—a job, a relationship, or a loved one. While I can’t, I can remind you that God never wastes anything.
Grieve deeply. Allow the Holy Spirit to comfort and strengthen you. Let others support you. Healing takes time, but you are never alone. God is with you, and your church family is here for you.
One day, all mourning will cease.
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Amen.
Credits: Some ideas from The Beatitudes Project.
Poor in Spirit, 5 January 2025
05 01 25 Filed in: Sermons | Blessed: The Beatitudes
Blessed are the Poor in Spirit
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
Blessed: The Beatitudes
January 5, 2025
Matthew 5:3
Series Big Idea: The greatest sermon in history is radical, revolutionary, and relevant.
Big Idea: Although we avoid the poor—and being poor—God can fill whatever we lack.
Several years ago, I heard about Stu G, guitarist with delirious and now Michael W. Smith, putting together a study on the Beatitudes. Many have heard of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, the greatest sermon in history. The Beatitudes are eight revolutionary statements that reflect the upside-down Kingdom of God.
A few weeks ago we talked about this reality, nothing how Jesus said,
“…the last will be first, and the first will be last." (Matthew 20:16)
"Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant." (Mark 10:43)
"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Matthew 5:44)
"For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it." (Matthew 16:25)
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth... but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven." (Matthew 6:19-20)
Today as we begin the new year with a series on the Beatitudes, we will explore this incredible statement:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3)
Do you want to be blessed? Why?
When someone sneezes, what do we do? We say, “God bless you” or “bless you.”
When I greet someone with a “how’s it going?” I sometimes hear, “I’m blessed.”
The original Greek word used in Matthew 5, makarios, means “supremely blest; fortunate, well off, happy.” It doesn’t necessarily speak of material wealth, though we might say a millionaire is blessed with money, a supermodel is blessed with good looks, or an athlete is blessed with physical strength.”
I’m going to give you my definition: blessed is having God’s presence and favor. There’s nothing greater than God’s presence. If there’s anything you want more in heaven than being with God, it’s an idol. I can’t wait to have a pain-free body, a sinless existence, and streets of gold. I’m looking forward to a reunion with my dad and others who have passed, but what I want to do more than anything in heaven is run to Jesus! I can’t wait to be in the eternal presence of God.
Sadly, many Christians want money, pleasure, and power more than God. They are willing to settle for temporary things which may bring a moment of happiness, but no lasting joy. This will become so obvious as we look at The Beatitudes, a word meaning blessings. We all want to be blessed…or do we?
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.
He said: (Matthew 5:1-2)
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3, NIV)
The New Living Translation reads,
“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. (Matthew 5:3, NLT)
Blessed are the poor. Why the poor? They look the least blessed. We seemingly do just about anything to avoid being poor. If we’re honest, we may even avoid the poor. It’s such a negative word, poor. It’s at the bottom of most survey responses—from excellent to poor. Maybe you saw the word on your report card. It may conjure up the image of someone begging. The original Greek word, ptochos, means to crouch, a beggar, distressed, cringing. What could that possibly have to do with God and His blessing?
I’d like us to consider today Eugene Peterson’s translation from The Message.
“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, The Message)
When is the last time you were at the end of your rope? Maybe it was that time you were sick in the hospital. Perhaps it was when a relationship ended. It could’ve been losing the job, filing for bankruptcy, grieving a broken relationship, or dealing with an unwelcome medical diagnosis. Perhaps you’re there right now. Jesus says, “You’re blessed!”
Jesus doesn’t say blessed are the financially poor. He uses the phrase “poor in spirit.” It’s a hole, something missing, a lack. You can be one of the 835 billionaires in the United States and be poor in spirit. You can be a world-class marathoner and be poor in spirit. You can be famous and powerful and yet poor in spirit. We’ve all found ourselves at the end of our rope. And then what?
It’s common for us to complain. Maybe we blame. It surely can’t be our fault! If you’re like me, after whining, you’ll remember to pray. It could be God’s goal is for our poverty in the first place!
I’ve heard a lot of people over the years talking about the decline of Christianity in the West. Thousands of churches in the United States close every year (which is one reason why we need to plant new churches). Research consistently shows church attendance and biblical literacy on the decline. I think there are two reasons people in our culture aren’t passionately pursuing Jesus. The first is simply that we’re too busy, distracted by our screens and entertainment. The second is simple: we don’t need God. Or more accurately, we don’t think we need God.
Who has time or energy for God when you’re in the middle of your rope, when things are going great, when the money’s flowing, the relationships are healthy, the body’s in shape, and all is well? Need I remind you money, people, and health can all be idols? And they can all be taken away.
Eventually it hits the fan. Nobody lives a perfect life. We get the phone call from the doctor. The boss gives us a pink slip. The spouse files for divorce. The car breaks down. It might take a while, but eventually, many people turn to God. They are desperate. They are searching for answers. They need help…and are willing to acknowledge it.
“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, The Message)
It sounds so simple, yet it’s profoundly true. In the next chapter of Matthew, Jesus said,
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. (Matthew 6:24)
It can be all about you or all about God, but not both! You can allow God to be in control or pretend you’re in the driver’s seat, but you can’t have God as your co-pilot!
Jesus did not say blessed are the poor who have no money. He says blessed are the poor in spirit, those who need God. His kingdom belongs to them because they seek it, they find it, and they experience it.
Who wouldn’t want the kingdom of heaven? Simply, those who don’t need God. They love this world too much. They feel self-sufficient. Their arrogance keeps them from bowing their knee and pursuing God. Just as there must be emptiness before fullness, so becoming poor in spirit must precede the grace and riches of the kingdom of God.
Pastor Craig Groeschel puts it this way: Growth and comfort cannot co-exist.
I love that! Are you comfortable this morning…or growing?
So What?
This morning, you are either in a storm, coming out of a storm, or about to enter a storm. God’s blessing is His presence—always, even in the storms, especially in storms. He says, “I’m on your side. I’m with you. I’m for you. I see you.” Sure, we want Him to instantly calm the storm. Sometimes He calms the storm, and sometimes He calms His child. The promise is His presence. You might feel like a spiritual zero, as Dallas Willard called it. Maybe you’re at the end of your rope due to an addiction or a failing marriage. You might be financially broke, overwhelmed with depression, or debilitated by anxiety. Your physical body may be failing you. God doesn’t promise to instantly fix everything broke in our lives, but He promises to never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). He’s with us in the storm. Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. But it begins with surrender, with recognizing our poverty, and turning to God.
And if all is well in your life, praise God…and remember without Him, you can do nothing. We are all sinners saved by the wonderful grace of our LORD.
Although we avoid the poor—and being poor—God can fill whatever we lack. There’s an old Vineyard song which says, “More love, more power, more of You in my life.” That’s my prayer for 2025, for me and for you. I pray that we would be desperate for God, passionate for God, advancing on our knees, seeking first His Kingdom.
Credits: Some ideas from the Beatitudes Project podcast.
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
Blessed: The Beatitudes
January 5, 2025
Matthew 5:3
Series Big Idea: The greatest sermon in history is radical, revolutionary, and relevant.
Big Idea: Although we avoid the poor—and being poor—God can fill whatever we lack.
Several years ago, I heard about Stu G, guitarist with delirious and now Michael W. Smith, putting together a study on the Beatitudes. Many have heard of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, the greatest sermon in history. The Beatitudes are eight revolutionary statements that reflect the upside-down Kingdom of God.
A few weeks ago we talked about this reality, nothing how Jesus said,
“…the last will be first, and the first will be last." (Matthew 20:16)
"Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant." (Mark 10:43)
"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Matthew 5:44)
"For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it." (Matthew 16:25)
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth... but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven." (Matthew 6:19-20)
Today as we begin the new year with a series on the Beatitudes, we will explore this incredible statement:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3)
Do you want to be blessed? Why?
When someone sneezes, what do we do? We say, “God bless you” or “bless you.”
When I greet someone with a “how’s it going?” I sometimes hear, “I’m blessed.”
The original Greek word used in Matthew 5, makarios, means “supremely blest; fortunate, well off, happy.” It doesn’t necessarily speak of material wealth, though we might say a millionaire is blessed with money, a supermodel is blessed with good looks, or an athlete is blessed with physical strength.”
I’m going to give you my definition: blessed is having God’s presence and favor. There’s nothing greater than God’s presence. If there’s anything you want more in heaven than being with God, it’s an idol. I can’t wait to have a pain-free body, a sinless existence, and streets of gold. I’m looking forward to a reunion with my dad and others who have passed, but what I want to do more than anything in heaven is run to Jesus! I can’t wait to be in the eternal presence of God.
Sadly, many Christians want money, pleasure, and power more than God. They are willing to settle for temporary things which may bring a moment of happiness, but no lasting joy. This will become so obvious as we look at The Beatitudes, a word meaning blessings. We all want to be blessed…or do we?
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.
He said: (Matthew 5:1-2)
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3, NIV)
The New Living Translation reads,
“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. (Matthew 5:3, NLT)
Blessed are the poor. Why the poor? They look the least blessed. We seemingly do just about anything to avoid being poor. If we’re honest, we may even avoid the poor. It’s such a negative word, poor. It’s at the bottom of most survey responses—from excellent to poor. Maybe you saw the word on your report card. It may conjure up the image of someone begging. The original Greek word, ptochos, means to crouch, a beggar, distressed, cringing. What could that possibly have to do with God and His blessing?
I’d like us to consider today Eugene Peterson’s translation from The Message.
“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, The Message)
When is the last time you were at the end of your rope? Maybe it was that time you were sick in the hospital. Perhaps it was when a relationship ended. It could’ve been losing the job, filing for bankruptcy, grieving a broken relationship, or dealing with an unwelcome medical diagnosis. Perhaps you’re there right now. Jesus says, “You’re blessed!”
Jesus doesn’t say blessed are the financially poor. He uses the phrase “poor in spirit.” It’s a hole, something missing, a lack. You can be one of the 835 billionaires in the United States and be poor in spirit. You can be a world-class marathoner and be poor in spirit. You can be famous and powerful and yet poor in spirit. We’ve all found ourselves at the end of our rope. And then what?
It’s common for us to complain. Maybe we blame. It surely can’t be our fault! If you’re like me, after whining, you’ll remember to pray. It could be God’s goal is for our poverty in the first place!
I’ve heard a lot of people over the years talking about the decline of Christianity in the West. Thousands of churches in the United States close every year (which is one reason why we need to plant new churches). Research consistently shows church attendance and biblical literacy on the decline. I think there are two reasons people in our culture aren’t passionately pursuing Jesus. The first is simply that we’re too busy, distracted by our screens and entertainment. The second is simple: we don’t need God. Or more accurately, we don’t think we need God.
Who has time or energy for God when you’re in the middle of your rope, when things are going great, when the money’s flowing, the relationships are healthy, the body’s in shape, and all is well? Need I remind you money, people, and health can all be idols? And they can all be taken away.
Eventually it hits the fan. Nobody lives a perfect life. We get the phone call from the doctor. The boss gives us a pink slip. The spouse files for divorce. The car breaks down. It might take a while, but eventually, many people turn to God. They are desperate. They are searching for answers. They need help…and are willing to acknowledge it.
“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, The Message)
It sounds so simple, yet it’s profoundly true. In the next chapter of Matthew, Jesus said,
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. (Matthew 6:24)
It can be all about you or all about God, but not both! You can allow God to be in control or pretend you’re in the driver’s seat, but you can’t have God as your co-pilot!
Jesus did not say blessed are the poor who have no money. He says blessed are the poor in spirit, those who need God. His kingdom belongs to them because they seek it, they find it, and they experience it.
Who wouldn’t want the kingdom of heaven? Simply, those who don’t need God. They love this world too much. They feel self-sufficient. Their arrogance keeps them from bowing their knee and pursuing God. Just as there must be emptiness before fullness, so becoming poor in spirit must precede the grace and riches of the kingdom of God.
Pastor Craig Groeschel puts it this way: Growth and comfort cannot co-exist.
I love that! Are you comfortable this morning…or growing?
So What?
This morning, you are either in a storm, coming out of a storm, or about to enter a storm. God’s blessing is His presence—always, even in the storms, especially in storms. He says, “I’m on your side. I’m with you. I’m for you. I see you.” Sure, we want Him to instantly calm the storm. Sometimes He calms the storm, and sometimes He calms His child. The promise is His presence. You might feel like a spiritual zero, as Dallas Willard called it. Maybe you’re at the end of your rope due to an addiction or a failing marriage. You might be financially broke, overwhelmed with depression, or debilitated by anxiety. Your physical body may be failing you. God doesn’t promise to instantly fix everything broke in our lives, but He promises to never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). He’s with us in the storm. Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. But it begins with surrender, with recognizing our poverty, and turning to God.
And if all is well in your life, praise God…and remember without Him, you can do nothing. We are all sinners saved by the wonderful grace of our LORD.
Although we avoid the poor—and being poor—God can fill whatever we lack. There’s an old Vineyard song which says, “More love, more power, more of You in my life.” That’s my prayer for 2025, for me and for you. I pray that we would be desperate for God, passionate for God, advancing on our knees, seeking first His Kingdom.
Credits: Some ideas from the Beatitudes Project podcast.