 "Blessed are the poor in spirit . . ." (Matthew 5:3) "Blessed are those who mourn. . . " (Matthew 5:4) "Blessed are the gentle . . . " (Matthew 5:5)
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness . . ." (Matthew 5:6)
"Blessed are the merciful . . . " (Matthew 5:7).
"Blessed are the pure in heart . . . " (Matthew 5:8).
"Blessed are the peacemakers" (Matthew 5:9).
"Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness" (Matthew 5
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Here are eight vital principles for living the Christian life found in Matthew 5:3–12. These are Bible based principles that will enable you to become all that God fully intended you to be in Christ.
Jesus used the word "blessed" to describe the inner condition of a believer who has a right relationship with God. It is identified with pure character. This spiritually prosperous person can live above the chances, changes and circumstances that come into his life. He does not depend upon appearance, performance and status for self–verification. His personal being is grounded in a love relationship with Christ Jesus. Read Ephesians 1:1-14 and observe how the God–head provides our security, significance and sufficiency.
The Spiritually Prosperous Person.
Jesus Christ is our best example of the spiritually prosperous person. The night of His crucifixion He spent the evening comforting and preparing His disciples for His death. When He needed encouragement He went to the Mount of Olives to pray. In Gethsemane He took Peter, James and John aside and “began to be grieved and distressed” (Matthew 26:37). He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me.’ Then Jesus went a little further and “fell on His face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass form Me; yet not as I will, but as Thou wilt.’” When He came back after a period of prayer He found them sleeping. It must have added to His agony of spirit as He fought the battle alone. “So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour?” Then He added, “Keep watching and praying, that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is wiling, but the flesh is weak.” Then Jesus returned to the place where He was praying alone and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Thy will be done” (v. 42). When Jesus returned to the three He found their eyes heavy in sleep, so He returned and third time and prayed. Moments later, “all the disciples left Him and fled” as Jesus was led away to the high priest for trial and crucifixion.
Jesus lived above the chances, changes and circumstances of the hour. He knew only one thing: “Not my will, Thy will be done!” He drew His strength from the Father’s presence. He could say with confidence and security, “But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets may be fulfilled” (v. 56). That is the spiritually prosperous man.
1. I HAVE A PROBLEM.
I have a problem and it is really worse than I ever thought. This is where the Holy Spirit makes me aware of my spiritual needs. He brings conviction of sinful behavior, sinful attitudes, non–biblical values. This can be a time of sincere searching in the Christian’s heart. It is a continuous process, and it never stops. The promise is that the poor in spirit will receive the "kingdom of heaven." Indeed we can never become Christians without this sense of spiritual poverty.
2. THE GIFT OF MOURNING.
This is my emotional response to becoming aware of my deep spiritual needs. It is my response to personal loss. What is my attitude toward my spiritual poverty? I am not as good as I thought I was. I need help now. Cf. Romans 7. The promise to those who mourn is they shall be "comforted."
3. THE SPIRIT–CONTROLLED PERSON.
The Lord God provides the power to change and grow. It is the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life and ministry. We have all the resources available to us that we need to bring about the necessary changes in our lives. Cf. Romans 8. The promise is we shall "inherit the earth."
4. HOW BADLY DO I WANT TO CHANGE?
Do you really want to change in these areas where the Holy Spirit has brought conviction? How badly? Is it bad enough to "hunger and thirst" for the righteousness of God? The promise is we will be "satisfied."
5. YOU GET BACK WHAT YOU GIVE.
The emphasis here is on the reciprocation of attitudes. When you give mercy you get mercy back. When you judge you will be judged in return. When you are hostile you get hostility in return. This principle is found throughout the Scriptures (Cf. Matthew 7:1–2, 12; Luke 6:31, 37; Matthew 6:14, 15; Proverbs 11:17; 15:1, 18; Galatians 6:9; II Corinthians 9:6–9; Galatians 5:14, etc.)
The mature Christian also has the strength to change what he receives from others, even if it is meant to be evil, and use it for the good of the Kingdom. I Peter 3:8–11. We do not have to parrot back what we get if it is negative, or even hostile. We can be God–controlled men and women. We can give them back what they need, not what they deserve. We can exchange anger, hostility, rejection, etc. for what is best for the other person. The promise is we will receive "mercy."
6. THE RENEWING OF THE WHOLE PERSON.
God has provided His means of cleansing the whole person. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (I John 1:9). This catharsis is God’s way of cleansing the "heart" (Matthew 15:11-20). Here is a principle for dealing with hostility, resentments, guilt, fear, etc. The promise is that we will "see God."
7. THE ACTIVE MAKERS OF PEACE.
It is the active process of bringing reconciliation with God, yourself and others. The promise is that we will be "called sons of God." Every time we take the Gospel out of the realm of self–edification and share it with others we are peacemakers.
8. THE ACID TEST OF SPIRITUAL PROSPERITY.
How do you know that you are growing spiritually? How do you handle adverse reactions, criticism, rejection, or persecution? The promise to the persecuted is the "kingdom of heaven."
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