Dock Resource Kit
Sunday sermon, 13 October 2024
Summary
This week, Timi spoke to us about what it means to be truly blesséd (emphasis on the second ‘e’) according to Jesus’ teachings in the Beatitudes from Matthew 5. In contrast to the world’s view of success, Jesus calls us to live differently—recognising our need for God, showing mercy, seeking peace, and even finding blessing in persecution. Through humility, righteousness, and purity of heart, we reflect the light and salt of God’s kingdom in a world that desperately needs it. The sermon also touched on the importance of speaking out against injustice, particularly in the context of Black History Month, and encouraged us to be anti-racist and agents of change. Ultimately, we are blesséd when we live lives that are countercultural, trusting in God's way over the world's.
Dock Discussion Questions
Which of the Beatitudes resonates most with where you are in your life right now, and why?
How do you personally define being "blessed"? How does Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5 challenge or affirm that definition?
In what ways can you be a peacemaker or show mercy in your community or workplace this week?
How can we as a group actively speak out against racism and support those affected by injustice, especially in light of the themes raised during Black History Month?
Long-form, editted transcript
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:3-16 (NIV)
"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. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
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Introduction: The Difference Between Blessed and Blesséd
Before we dive into today's passage from Matthew 5, I want to point out something important. As we talk about being "blessed," I think we need to differentiate between how we often use the word today and the richness of the biblical term.
When we say someone is "blessed," we might be thinking about material success—like getting a promotion, buying a house, or even something as simple as having a smooth commute. But in the context of the Beatitudes, I think it’s important to consider the word as blesséd—with an emphasis on the second "e." That little distinction reminds us that Jesus is talking about something deeper. It’s about being made holy, set apart, and filled with the joy that comes from living a life aligned with God. So, for today, every time you hear the word "blessed," let’s hear it as "blesséd." It’s not just a word; it’s a calling to a different kind of life.
The Beatitudes: Jesus' Call to a Different Kind of Life
Today, we’re continuing our series Be Well by looking at the Beatitudes from Matthew 5. This is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, one of the most well-known passages in the Bible. It’s a passage that flips the world’s idea of success on its head. Instead of saying that we’re blessed when we’ve achieved material wealth, power, or fame, Jesus teaches that we’re blesséd—set apart and made holy—when we live lives that often seem countercultural.
Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit
The first Beatitude Jesus gives us is this: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3, NIV). In today’s world, self-sufficiency is a virtue. We’re encouraged to be independent, to do it all on our own. But here, Jesus is saying that we are blesséd when we recognize our need for God. Being poor in spirit doesn’t mean we’re lacking material wealth; it means that we acknowledge our spiritual poverty—that we don’t have all the answers, that we need God in every aspect of our lives.
In the Message version, this verse is phrased like this: “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you, there is more of God and His rule.” This is where blessing begins—at the end of ourselves, when we stop relying on our own strength and open ourselves to God’s provision and guidance.
Blessed Are Those Who Mourn
Next, Jesus says: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4, NIV). Mourning isn’t just about personal grief. It’s about recognizing the brokenness in the world and longing for the justice and peace that only God can bring. When we mourn for the state of the world, when we see the suffering and injustice around us and it breaks our hearts, Jesus promises that we will be comforted.
The Message version puts it this way: “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.” In our mourning, we are met by the comfort of God Himself.
Black History Month and the Call to Speak Out
As we think about mourning over the brokenness of the world, I want to take a moment to speak about the importance of Black History Month. This year’s theme is about redefining narratives, and I believe that as followers of Christ, we are also called to redefine the narratives around us—particularly those that persist about race and justice.
There are still negative stereotypes and systemic injustices that impact people of color in our communities and around the world. I want to share some sobering statistics: black people are twice as likely to be unemployed, and depending on your name, you might have to apply for up to 100% more jobs just to get a call-back. Black women are four times more likely to die during childbirth in the UK.
As Christians, we are called to speak out against these injustices. We must be anti-racist, not just in theory but in practice. We must use whatever influence or power we have to challenge discrimination—in our workplaces, in our schools, even in our families. Jesus, in His own ministry, continually broke down social and racial barriers. Just as He did with the Samaritan woman at the well, we are called to engage with those who have a different lived experience, to listen, and to act with love.
Blessed Are the Meek
Jesus goes on to say: “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5, NIV). Meekness is often misunderstood as weakness. But true meekness is strength under control. It’s about being content in who we are in God, rather than constantly striving for power or recognition.
The Message version beautifully captures this: “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.” In a world driven by comparison and ambition, Jesus calls us to be content, to live with humility, and to trust in God’s timing.
Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6, NIV). What are you hungry for in life? What do you thirst after? Jesus tells us that when we long for righteousness—for justice, for truth, for God’s kingdom to come on earth—we will be filled.
In the Message translation, it says: “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.” This is about more than just a surface-level desire for God—it’s about a deep, all-consuming hunger for His presence and His ways.
Blessed Are the Merciful
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” (Matthew 5:7, NIV). Mercy is at the heart of God’s kingdom. When we show mercy to others—when we forgive, when we act with compassion—we reflect God’s character.
The Message version puts it like this: “You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.” When we show mercy, we open ourselves up to receive God’s mercy in return. It’s a powerful cycle of grace.
Blessed Are the Pure in Heart
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8, NIV). Purity of heart means having an undivided devotion to God. It means living with integrity, seeking after God with our whole hearts.
The Message Bible translates it this way: “You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.” When our hearts are pure, we begin to see God in everything—in the beauty of creation, in the people around us, and in the work He is doing in the world.
Blessed Are the Peacemakers
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9, NIV). In a world full of division and conflict, Jesus calls us to be peacemakers—to bring reconciliation where there is strife, to promote harmony in a world that seems bent on competition and conflict.
The Message version puts it like this: “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.” Being a peacemaker means embodying the peace of Christ and bringing it to a broken world.
Blessed Are the Persecuted
Finally, Jesus says: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10, NIV). Persecution is not something we seek, but when we stand up for what is right and face opposition because of it, Jesus tells us that we are blesséd.
The Message translation offers this encouragement: “You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.” When we endure hardship for the sake of righteousness, we are reminded of the eternal reward that awaits us in God’s kingdom.
Salt and Light: Our Call to Be Different
Jesus concludes this section of His teaching by calling us the salt of the earth and the light of the world. “You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:13-14, NIV). Salt preserves, and light shines in the darkness. We are called to live lives that are different, that stand out in a world that often seems flavorless and dark.
The Message version puts it beautifully: “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth... You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world.” We are called to be different, to live in a way that reflects the beauty and truth of God’s kingdom.
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So, Church, today I want to challenge us to embrace this calling to be blesséd by being different. Let’s be poor in spirit, acknowledging our need for God. Let’s mourn over the brokenness of the world and be comforted by His presence. Let’s live with meekness, hunger for righteousness, show mercy, and pursue purity of heart. Let’s be peacemakers in a world that thrives on division, and when persecution comes, let’s stand firm, knowing that we are blessed.
We are the salt of the earth. We are the light of the world. We are called to be different.
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Concluding Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Word. Thank You for showing us that true blessing comes not from worldly success but from living in step with Your will. Help us to embrace humility, to hunger for righteousness, to show mercy, and to live as peacemakers. Give us the courage to be different, to be salt and light in this world, and to reflect Your love and grace wherever we go. We pray for Your strength as we face persecution or challenges for our faith, knowing that great is our reward in heaven.
May Your Spirit fill us with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. And may our lives bring glory to You, our Father in heaven. We ask this in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Amen.