What I wish to focus on here is the first section, found in Matthew 5:1-12. These teachings, known as the "Beatitudes", are foundational to our walk with Christ. Without them there can be no fellowship as we will see.
This section begins as Jesus, seeing the crowds, goes up on a mountain, and begins to teach His disciples.
3. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5. "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
6. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7. "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
10. "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11. "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
12. "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Matthew 5:3-12 NASB
Brokenness and humility lie at the very heart of these teachings. I see a progression, but also a bit of overlap in several of the qualities presented here.
We start with the poor in spirit. These are the broken. They have come to the end of themselves. The poor in spirit deeply feel their spiritual poverty. They have reached a level where all pride has been swept away. They are destitute, unable to attain to a life pleasing to God. They recognize like Isaiah, that they are undone (Isaiah 6:5). They can relate to the apostle Paul, who in his struggle with sin cried out, "Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?" (See Romans 7:18-25)
The revelation of our inability to live a righteous life in our own strength will bring us to a place of mourning. We will grieve over our sin that holds us captive. We will mourn over our rebellion against a holy God whom we have offended. It is one thing to look at those around us and compare ourselves with them. We will never see us for who we really are deep down inside. When we are confronted with God's absolute holiness however, we can do nothing but fall on our faces in deep sorrow.
This is the opposite of the Laodicean Church who were wealthy, and self sufficient. They could not see the truth. In reality they were "wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked" (Revelation 3:17). This pride had to be demolished. We all must come to a place of humility, where we submit ourselves to God.
James tells us this,
6. But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE."
7. Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
8. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double minded.
9. Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom.
10. Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.
James 4:6-10 NASB
Without humility we can have no relationship with God. He stands in opposition to pride. Throughout scripture we see pride condemned in no uncertain language. Grace is only given to the humble. It is the meek who will inherit the earth.
Yet a little while and the wicked man will be no more; and you will look carefully for his place and he will not be there.
But the humble will inherit the land and will delight themselves in abundant prosperity.
Psalm 37:10-11 NASB
Instead of an insatiable hunger for pleasure and selfish desires, a soul made subject to God and His will hungers and thirsts after righteousness. It is a longing to be righteous in our conduct as well as in our standing before God. You cannot separate the two.
Little children, make sure no one decieves you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.
1 John 3:7 NASB
By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious; anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother.
1 John 3:10 NASB
Ultimately to hunger and thirst after righteousness is to possess a deep longing to be like Jesus, the very embodiment of righteousness. That is the desire of every true child of God, as well as the purpose of God in the salvation of our souls. He intends to form us into the image of Christ (Romans 8:29, 1 John 3:2-3).
Jesus' life was marked by compassion. In several places we read where He was moved with compassion. He was moved with compassion when He reached out and touched the leper, healing him by this action (Mark 1:41). Scripture records other instances as well.
Matthew 9:36, when He saw the multitudes, lost without a shepherd.
In Mark 6:34, again, the large crowds, lost with no shepherd. This is when He fed the five thousand.
Matthew 14:14 records the same event, and adds that He healed the sick among the crowd as well.
Matthew 16:32, is the account of the feeding of the four thousand. The people had been with Jesus for three days with nothing eat. He did not want to send them away hungry.
Luke 7:13 Jesus felt compassion for a widow who had just lost her son. As a result He miraculously raised her son back to life.
Matthew 20:34 records that Jesus was moved with compassion and restored the sight of two blind men.
Jesus' love for others led Him to reach out to the marginalized people of society. He touched the untouchable, associated with the deplorable. On one occasion after eating with some who were considered outcasts, He was confronted by the religious leaders who were obviously upset by His choice of company. His answer to them was this,
"It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick.
"But go and learn what this means: 'I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE,' for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
Matthew 9:12-13 NASB
Jesus is quoting Hosea 6:6 in His reply. All of the religious trappings that we can wrap ourselves in are nothing in the sight of God. What He considers is how we treat those around us.
Different versions of the Bible use various words to express the idea of mercy in these verses. Words like loving kindness, steadfast love, and compassion all convey the meaning behind the word translated from the original biblical text. When we read of Jesus being moved with compassion we are seeing something that goes far beyond mere sympathy. The original Greek behind this term portrays the idea of an overwhelming feeling from deep within oneself that leads to action.
In Hebrews we read of Jesus our great High priest.
For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 4:15 NASB
Looking at the Greek behind this text we discover that Jesus feels what we feel. He can relate to our struggles, He can "put Himself in our shoes." The term for this is empathy, a word that is considered dirty in some Christian circles today. I would only ask, "Do you really want to be like Jesus?"
The merciful, like Jesus, share this compassion for others. They show loving kindness to others, even to the "least of these." Jesus gave us the example that no one is undeserving of love. He tells us that the merciful are blessed. The opposite is true as well,
So speak and act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty.
For judgement will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgement.
James 2:12-13 NASB
Purity of heart is essential. We read that the pure in heart will see God. In the Psalms we find this passage,
3. Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? And who may stand in His holy place?
4. He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood and has not sworn deceitfully,
6. He shall receive a blessing from the LORD and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
7. This is the generation of those who seek Him, who seek Your face—even Jacob.
Psalm 24:3-7 NASB
A pure heart is a heart cleansed from sin and renewed by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5).
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
2 Corinthians 5:17 NASB
Clean hands and pure hearts cannot be separated. What fills our hearts comes out in our actions.
20. And He was saying, "That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man.
21. "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries,
22. deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness.
23. "All of these evil things proceed from within and defile the man."
Mark 7:20-23 NASB
In our unregenerate state, this is what fills our hearts. Our hearts are defiled, and therefore we are defiled. As stated above, we must be brought to the end of ourselves. We need to come to that place of brokeness where we humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God. Quoting this passage again we read,
7. Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
8. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double minded.
9. Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom.
10. Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.
James 4:7-10 NASB
We have the responsibility to give up, to turn from our sin, and allow God to remake us from the inside out. David, after his sin with Bathsheba, cried out, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10). He cried out to God not only to forgive his sin, but out of a deep awareness of his sinfulness, he knew he needed an inner change as well.
Regeneration, the "new birth" is an act of God as we read in Titus 3:5.
He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit.
It is Jesus "Who gave Himself to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds (Titus 2:14).
We must walk in this purity. We are admonished in proverbs,
23. Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.
24. Put away from you a deceitful mouth and put devious speech far from you.
25. Let your eyes look directly ahead and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you.
26. Watch the path of your feet and all your ways will be established.
27. Do not turn to the right nor to the left; turn your foot from evil.
Proverbs 4:23-27 NASB
Diligence implies serious effort. We must be careful to guard our hearts and to walk in obedience to the will of God.
9. How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word.
10. With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me wander from your commandments.
11. Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You.
Psalm 119:9-11 NASB
Do you want to see God? Only those with clean hands and pure hearts will enjoy intimate fellowship with Him now, and literally see Him face to face in eternity.
Hebrews 12:14 links purity of heart and life with being a peacemaker.
Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.
James shows us that ultimately strife and disorder flow out of arrogance or pride, while the peacemaker, in gentleness or humility sows righteousness.
13. Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.
14. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.
15. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.
16. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.
17. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.
18. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
James 3:13-18 NASB
What is inside a person will come out in their actions. The works of the flesh include such things as enmity and strife, outbursts of anger and division, while the fruit of the Spirit consists of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:19-23). When we are living fleshly, selfish lives, we can expect jealousy. strife, and disorder. It is the peacemaker who not only seeks to avoid such conflict, but even to bring healing to that which already exists.
Paul urges us to do whatever is in our power to be at peace with all men (Romans 12:18). This can be easier said than done, as it involves the humbling of ourselves at times if peace is to be maintained. Jesus' kingdom can be considered "upside down" in the sense that it's principles run contrary to the world's methods. While the world runs on pride and power over others, the kingdom of God's way is that of meekness and selflessness. As one continues on in the Sermon on the Mount we find that seeking reconciliation, forgiving others, turning the other cheek, and going the extra mile are how God's children are to live in this world.
Meekness has been described as power or strength under control. So much more can be accomplished for Christ when we are meek, when we are peacemakers. James states that we must be quick to hear and slow to speak, because man's anger does not achieve the righteousness of God (James 1:19-20). This involves submission, putting others first.
5. You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.
6. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time.
7. Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:5-7 NASB
When conflicts arise in your life let go and give them to God. Then, by His grace, be a peacemaker.
As previously stated above, the way of Jesus is opposite of that of the world around us. We are sent into this world to shine as lights ( Matt 5:14-26), and this enrages a world who is convicted by what they observe in a true follower of Christ. Jesus warns us that just as He was persecuted, his disciples will be as well (John 15:20). If we live and look like Jesus in our daily conduct can we expect any less?
18. "If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you.
19. "If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.
20. "Remember the word that I have said to you, 'A slave is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also.
21. "But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know the One who sent Me."
John 15:18-21 NASB
Jesus encourages us to rejoice and be glad when persecution arises on account of Him. It is proof of our allegiance to Him and His cause. Scripture shows us instances where this came to pass. After the disciples were arrested and beaten by the religious leaders in Jerusalem they went on their way rejoicing that they were considered worthy to suffer for Jesus (Acts 5:40-41). Likewise Paul and Silas after being beaten and cast into prison sang songs and praised God. This led to a miraculous intervention by God, and the salvation of the jailer and his household (Acts 16:22-34).
Unfortunately here in the west we see a different thing. Perceived persecution consists of imagined attacks on "christmas" or being forced to endure a lewd superbowl halftime show. So many professed Christians demand their rights and expect "respect" from the lost around them. They turn to the politicians to save them from persecution instead of just following Jesus. As He tells us, we are not greater than Him. If we are truly living for Him, with the eyes of the world on us, we will be persecuted. We live in this world for a purpose. Not to be of it, but to reach it.
23. And He was saying to them, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.
24. "For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it.
25. "For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?
26. "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels."
Luke 9:23-26 NASB
Jesus sets a standard for us in His Sermon on the Mount. How do we measure up? These are not high ideals that are unattainable, but principles that He has set forth for those who would enter the kingdom. It's not only found in the Beatitudes, but in the entire sermon Jesus corrects the misunderstandings and wrong teaching of the religious leaders. He restores the law to its correct meaning. He condemns hypocrisy and proclaims the way of love. As He transitions from the Beatitudes into the rest of this sermon He states,
13. "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men
14. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;
15. nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
16. "Let your light shine before men in such away that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
Matthew 5:13-16 NASB
We are called to be different. How can we challenge a evil world system based upon pride and power if that is what our lives look like as well. How can we shine a bright light so that a sin darkened world can see Jesus in us when we are as dark as the world we claim to have come out of?
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