Wesley's 2nd Discourse

We are beginning a new sermon series based on the Sermon on the Mount. As part of this we will also be studying Wesley's original sermons. These sermons are a part of the rich history and doctrinal teachings of Methodism.

Below you will find a study guide our small groups and Bible study groups will be using during this series. Also there is an Ai translated version of Wesley's original sermon to aid in your reading. Also there is a preached sermon video from youtube if you are like me and find listening as a better avenue for the content.

Keep growing!

Study Guide Questions

Sermon

SERMON 22

UPON OUR LORD’S SERMON ON THE MOUNT

DISCOURSE 2

“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.” Matt. 5:5–7

Part I.

1. When “the winter is past,” when “the time of singing is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in the land,” when He who comforts those who mourn has returned “that He may abide with them forever,” then this word is fulfilled in a special way. At the brightness of His presence, the dark clouds of doubt and uncertainty scatter, the storms of fear flee away, the waves of sorrow subside, and the soul rejoices again in God its Savior. Then those whom He has comforted can truly testify, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”

2. But who are the meek? They are not those who grieve at nothing because they understand nothing; those who are not disturbed by the evils of life because they cannot tell good from evil. They are not those sheltered from life’s shocks by dull insensibility, who by nature or habit have become like stones—resenting nothing because they feel nothing. Apathy is as far from meekness as it is from true humanity. It is hard to imagine how anyone could mistake this gross error of pagan philosophy for a branch of genuine Christianity.

3. Christian meekness does not imply a lack of zeal for God, any more than it implies ignorance or numbness. No; it keeps clear of every extreme, whether excess or defect. It does not destroy the affections, which God never intended grace to uproot, but to bring under proper rule. It steadies the mind. It holds an even balance with regard to anger, sorrow, and fear, preserving moderation in every situation of life and turning neither to the right nor to the left.

4. Meekness chiefly concerns our inner life, yet it may be viewed in relation to God, to ourselves, and to others. Toward God, it is commonly called resignation—a calm acceptance of whatever His will appoints for us, even when it is not pleasing to nature, continually saying, “It is the Lord; let Him do what seems good.” Toward ourselves, it is patience or contentment. Toward other people, it becomes mildness toward the good and gentleness toward the evil.

5. Those who are truly meek can clearly discern what is evil—and they can also endure it. They are keenly aware of such things, yet meekness holds the reins. They are deeply “zealous for the Lord of hosts,” but their zeal is guided by understanding and tempered in every thought, word, and action by love for God and love for neighbor. They do not desire to extinguish any passion God has planted in human nature; rather, they master them all, holding them in subjection and using them only in service to holy ends. Even the harsher passions—anger, fear, and dislike—when aimed against sin and governed by faith and love, become walls and defenses to the soul, so that the enemy cannot draw near to harm it.

6. This holy temper is meant not only to remain in us, but to grow day by day. Opportunities to exercise and increase it will never be lacking while we remain on earth. “We have need of patience,” so that after we have done and suffered the will of God, we may receive the promise. We have need of resignation, that in every circumstance we may say, “Not as I will, but as You will.” And we have need of gentleness toward all people, especially toward the unthankful and the evil, or else we will be overcome by evil instead of overcoming evil with good.

7. Meekness does not restrain only outward actions, as the scribes and Pharisees once taught—and as untaught teachers continue to teach in every age. Our Lord guards against this error in the words that follow: “You have heard that it was said by those of old, ‘You shall not kill; and whoever kills shall be in danger of judgment.’ But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother shall be in danger of judgment.” (Matt. 5:21–22)

8. Here our Lord places even anger that remains only in the heart under the heading of murder—anger that shows itself in no outward act, not even in a harsh word. “Whoever is angry with his brother,” with any person at all, since all are brothers; whoever harbors any unkind temper contrary to love; whoever is angry without sufficient cause, or beyond what the cause allows, “shall be in danger of judgment,” becoming at that very moment answerable to the righteous judgment of God. Anger against sin is allowed; in this sense one may be angry and not sin. But anger against a person is always contrary to love.

9. And “whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca,’” whoever gives way to anger so far as to speak a word of contempt, shall be liable to stricter judgment. Though Raca is a mild expression, meaning empty or foolish, yet contempt spoken aloud deepens guilt. “But whoever says, ‘You fool,’” whoever breaks out into deliberate reproach, “shall be in danger of hell fire.” These words describe increasing guilt and increasingly severe judgment, ending with the most fearful punishment.

10. People naturally suppose that God will excuse failure in one duty because of carefulness in another. This false hope is cut off here. God will not accept one duty in place of another. Acts of devotion toward God do not excuse neglect of love toward neighbor. Works of piety, when charity is lacking, are so far from pleasing God that the absence of love turns them into an offense.

11. Therefore, “if you bring your gift to the altar and remember that your brother has something against you,” because of unkindness, contempt, or anger, do not imagine that your gift will make things right. “Leave your gift before the altar, and go; first be reconciled to your brother,” doing all that lies within you, “and then come and offer your gift.” (Matt. 5:23–24)

12. And let there be no delay in a matter so close to the soul. “Agree with your adversary quickly,” while there is still opportunity, “lest the adversary deliver you to the judge.” Once judgment falls, there is no escape. The debt is one that cannot be paid, and the consequence is irreversible.

13. Yet the promise remains sure: “The meek shall inherit the earth.” Worldly wisdom calls this foolishness, insisting that without retaliation there can be no peace or provision. But when God rises to judge and to help the meek of the earth, He turns human fierceness to His praise. He provides what they need, secures what He gives, and enables them to enjoy it. Because their hearts are content in God, they truly possess what they have. And beyond this life, they shall have a share in “the new earth, wherein dwells righteousness,” reigning with Christ in the age to come.

Part II.

1. Our Lord has thus far been chiefly employed in removing the hindrances of true religion. Pride, the great root of all irreligion, is taken away by poverty of spirit. Carelessness and levity, which prevent religion from taking root in the soul, are removed by holy mourning. Anger, impatience, and discontent are healed by Christian meekness. And when these diseases of the soul are cured—those inward disorders that continually created false cravings and unhealthy desires—the natural appetite of a soul born of God returns. It now hungers and thirsts after righteousness. And so it is said, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled.”

2. Righteousness is the image of God, the same mind that was in Christ Jesus. It includes every holy and heavenly temper, all joined together as one. It springs from the love of God as our Father and Redeemer, and it ends in the love of all people for His sake.

3. “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness.” To understand this fully, consider first that hunger and thirst are the strongest bodily appetites. In the same way, this hunger of the soul, this thirst after the image of God, is the strongest of all spiritual desires once it is awakened. It swallows up every other longing into one great desire—to be fully renewed in the likeness of the One who created us.

Second, hunger and thirst do not stop until they are satisfied—or until life itself fails. In the same way, this spiritual hunger does not lessen but grows more urgent, crying out for its food again and again. It cannot cease as long as spiritual life remains, until it is satisfied.

Third, hunger and thirst can be satisfied by nothing except food and drink. Give a starving person wealth, honor, comfort, or power, and it will not help him. He will still say, “This is not what I need; give me food, or I die.” So it is with the soul that truly hungers and thirsts after righteousness. Nothing else can satisfy it. Riches, honor, and pleasure are all lightly regarded. The cry of the heart remains: “Give me love, or else I die!”

4. It is just as impossible to satisfy such a soul with what the world commonly calls religion. The religion of the world usually consists of three things: first, doing no outward harm, avoiding scandalous sins; second, doing good, especially acts of charity; and third, using the means of grace, such as attending church and the Lord’s Supper. A person who practices these is often called religious.

But this does not satisfy the soul that hungers after God. It is not food for such a soul. The hunger is for something deeper and higher. Though such a person carefully avoids sin, is zealous for good works, and faithfully attends the ordinances of God, this is still not the thing the soul longs for. These are only the outward forms of that religion for which it truly hungers.

What it desires is the knowledge of God in Christ Jesus, “the life hid with Christ in God,” being “joined to the Lord in one Spirit,” having “fellowship with the Father and the Son,” walking “in the light as God is in the light,” and being “purified even as He is pure.” This is the righteousness it thirsts for, and it cannot rest until it rests in God.

5. “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled.” They shall be filled with the very things they long for—with righteousness and true holiness. God will satisfy them with the goodness of His house. He will feed them with the bread of heaven and give them drink from the river of His pleasures, so that whoever drinks will never thirst—except to desire more and more of the water of life. This thirst will endure forever, not as pain, but as joyful longing.

6. Whoever, then, has been given this hunger and thirst, cry out to God that you may never lose it. Pray that this holy appetite may never fade. If others rebuke you and tell you to be quiet, do not listen—cry out all the more, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on me!” Do not spend your life on what does not satisfy. Do not seek happiness in the things of the world. Trample underfoot its pleasures, despise its honors, count its riches as nothing, compared to the excellence of knowing Christ Jesus and being fully renewed in the image of God.

Beware of quenching this hunger with what the world calls religion—a religion of outward form that leaves the heart earthly and unchanged. Let nothing satisfy you but the power of godliness, a religion that is spirit and life—God dwelling in you and you dwelling in God, living already as an inhabitant of eternity, seated “in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”

Part III.

1. And the more a person is filled with the life of God, the more tender concern he will have for those who are still without God in the world, still dead in trespasses and sins. This concern will not lose its reward. “Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy.” The word used by our Lord points especially to those who are compassionate and tenderhearted—those who do not despise others, but grieve for those who do not hunger after God. This is a chief part of brotherly love and here stands for the whole. The merciful are those who love their neighbors as themselves.

2. Because of the great importance of this love—without which all gifts, all knowledge, all faith, and all sacrifice are worthless—a full description of it has been given through the apostle. By carefully considering this description, it becomes clear who the merciful are that shall obtain mercy.

3. Love “suffers long.” It is patient toward all people. It bears with weakness, ignorance, mistakes, and infirmities in the children of God, and with the malice and wickedness of the children of the world. It does this not for a short time, but to the end—feeding an enemy when he is hungry, giving him drink when he is thirsty, and so overcoming evil with good, piling “coals of fire”—melting love—upon his head.

4. In every step toward this victory, love “is kind.” It is gentle, mild, and gracious. It is far removed from harshness, bitterness, or sourness of spirit. It breathes sweetness and warm affection, even in suffering.

5. Love “does not envy.” It cannot. It earnestly desires every good—temporal and eternal—for every soul God has made. Therefore it cannot be pained by the good given to another. If it shares in the blessing, it rejoices together. If it does not, it still blesses God that another has received it. The greater the love, the greater the joy in the happiness of all people.

6. Love “does not boast” and “is not puffed up.” It is not rash or quick in judging. It does not condemn on a slight view of things. It carefully weighs all evidence, especially whatever may be said in favor of the accused. It does not believe lightly what one person says against another—not even what a person says against himself—allowing room for reflection, repentance, and grace.

7. Love “is not puffed up.” It does not allow a person to think too highly of himself, but leads him to think soberly and humbly. It destroys pride and teaches the soul to rejoice in being small and lowly, the servant of all. Those who love one another sincerely “in honor prefer one another,” counting others better than themselves.

8. Love “does not behave itself unseemly.” It is not rude or intentionally offensive. It gives to each what is due—respect, honor, and kindness—“honoring all people.” It desires to please others, not for selfish gain, but “for their good, to build them up.” This love shows itself openly, without hypocrisy, becoming all things to all people, if by any means some may be saved.

9. Love “seeks not its own.” It does not pursue personal advantage, wealth, or comfort. It desires nothing but the salvation of others. In its zeal for God’s glory, it forgets itself. It is willing to give itself fully for the good of others, even crying out with Moses, “If You will not forgive their sin, blot me out of Your book,” or with Paul, “I could wish myself accursed for my brethren.”

10. Love “is not provoked.” Though provocations will surely come, love does not yield to them. It overcomes them all. In every trial it looks to Jesus and remains victorious through His love.

11. Love “thinks no evil.” It does not invent wrongdoing or imagine guilt where there is no proof. Though it cannot ignore what it clearly sees or hears, it refuses to assume motives, spread suspicions, or believe evil without cause. It is open, frank, and unsuspicious, fearing no evil because it designs none.

12. Love “rejoices not in iniquity.” It takes no pleasure in another’s fall—whether in suffering, error, or sin. It does not delight in the faults of opponents or rivals. Instead, it grieves over sin and folly and desires that such things might be forgotten forever.

13. Love “rejoices in the truth.” Wherever true holiness appears—bringing forth love of God and love of neighbor—there love rejoices. It gladly acknowledges good even in those who differ in opinion or practice. The happiness of all people is its joy, for it shares in whatever brings glory to God and peace to humanity.

14. Love “covers all things.” It does not spread or repeat the faults of others. Whatever evil it sees or hears, it keeps hidden as far as conscience allows. It speaks only to the person concerned, and only in hope of restoration. A tale-bearer or backbiter is no better than a murderer of reputation. Love would as soon burn a neighbor’s house as destroy his good name for sport.

There is one exception. When silence would harm the innocent or dishonor God, love may speak—but only with great caution. It speaks only when compelled by love, for a clear and specific good, when no other means will do, and with sorrow and restraint, using such speech as a last remedy.

15. Love “believes all things.” It is always ready to think the best, to put the most charitable construction on actions and motives. It is glad to believe in innocence, integrity, or sincere repentance, making every allowance for human weakness without betraying truth.

16. When belief is no longer possible, love “hopes all things.” It hopes reports are false, or at least exaggerated. If the act was evil, it hopes the intent was not fully so. If even that fails, it still hopes that God will yet bring repentance, and that there will be “joy in heaven over one sinner that repents.”

17. Finally, love “endures all things.” It bears every injustice, cruelty, and injury without failing. Nothing destroys it. Many waters cannot quench this love. It triumphs in time and eternity and never fails.

18. Therefore “the merciful shall obtain mercy.” Even now, God repays their love by pouring blessing back into their own lives. And in the age to come, they will receive “an exceeding and eternal weight of glory” in the kingdom prepared from the foundation of the world.

Though for a time the earth may seem filled with strife, division, and cruelty—even among those who bear the name of Christ—fear not. The promise will not fail. God will yet renew the face of the earth. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, and all shall learn righteousness. Until that day, be among the firstfruits. Love your neighbor as yourself. Let your heart overflow with love toward every soul, until you are called into the eternal kingdom of love, to reign with Christ forever.

Study Guide

Week 2 - Steady Hearts, Hungry Souls, Merciful Lives

Scripture: Matthew 5:5–7

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”

Introduction

Jesus’ words in the Beatitudes describe a way of life that feels upside-down to the world. Strength looks like meekness. Satisfaction comes from hunger. Blessing flows through mercy rather than power. John Wesley reminds us that Jesus is not calling us to shallow behavior changes, but to deep inner transformation.

In this week’s study, we’ll explore how God reshapes the heart after He has awakened it. Meekness steadies us. Holy hunger reorders our desires. Mercy overflows toward others. Together, these mark a life that is being formed by grace—not performance, not appearances, but the work of God within us.

GATHER

Purpose

To notice our current posture before God and others, and to become aware of what is stirring beneath the surface of our lives.

Personal Discovery

• When you hear the word meek, what emotions or assumptions rise up in you? Positive, negative, or mixed? Why?

• Where have you felt easily irritated, defensive, or impatient lately? What do those reactions reveal about your inner state?

• What do you most long for right now—peace, clarity, approval, relief, control, closeness with God?

Group Discussion

• Why do you think meekness is often misunderstood or undervalued in our culture?

• Wesley says meekness is not weakness but strength under control. What does that look like in everyday life—at home, work, church, or in the community?

• How does our culture usually try to satisfy hunger or longing? Why do those things so often leave us empty?

GROW

Purpose

To understand how Jesus forms a Christlike heart by steadying our emotions, awakening holy desire, and shaping us into merciful people.

Summary

Wesley teaches that meekness is not the absence of passion, but the proper ordering of it. A meek person still feels anger, sorrow, and concern—but those emotions are guided by love rather than ruled by impulse. Meekness expresses itself as trust toward God, patience with oneself, and gentleness toward others.

Once these inner disturbances are healed, a deeper appetite emerges: a hunger and thirst for righteousness. This is not a desire for religious appearance or moral comparison, but a longing to be fully renewed in the image of Christ. And as God fills the soul with His life, mercy naturally overflows. The merciful heart reflects God’s compassion, extending patience, kindness, and forgiveness to others because it has first received mercy itself.

Personal Discovery

• Wesley says meekness “holds the reins” of our emotions. Which emotion most needs God’s steadying hand in your life right now?

• How would you describe the difference between wanting God and simply wanting God to fix something?

• Where might God be inviting you to replace outward religion with deeper inner transformation?

Group Discussion

• What is the difference between doing religious things and truly hungering for righteousness?

• Wesley says hunger for righteousness cannot be satisfied by comfort, success, or even religious activity alone. Why is that true?

• How does receiving God’s mercy change the way we see people who are difficult, broken, or different from us?

GO

Purpose

To live out holiness not as perfection, but as a growing resemblance to the heart of Christ in everyday life.

Take It Home – Mark of Holiness

This week’s mark of holiness is gentle strength expressed through mercy.Look for moments to pause before reacting, to choose gentleness over escalation, and to extend grace where it would be easier to withdraw or criticize.

Ask yourself daily:

• Am I reacting, or am I responding in love?

• Is my hunger being fed by God—or by substitutes?

• Where can mercy flow through me today?

Scripture Readings for the Week

• Monday – Psalm 37:1–11

• Tuesday – Micah 6:8

• Wednesday – Isaiah 55:1–3

• Thursday – Matthew 5:21–24

• Friday – Luke 6:36

• Saturday – Colossians 3:12–15

Memory Verse

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”— Matthew 5:6

Prayer Prompt

“Lord, steady my heart where I am restless.Deepen my hunger for what truly satisfies.Soften me where I am guarded or harsh.Fill me with Your righteousness,that mercy may flow from my life to others.

Amen.”