Christians living to become citizens of God's kingdom must understand and do things that reflect God's Nature on the earth. It is possible to learn and do things right when we follow Christ's teachings and ask for Holy Spirit to guide us through the life. Matthew 5:3 - Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. The followings are discussed: Embrace True Blessedness; Be True Kingdom Citizens, and Pursue True Righteousness.
Embrace True Blessedness: Jesus stated characteristics of kingdom citizens should exhibit (Matthew 5:1-9). The blessedness Jesus was talking about has to do with well being and inner contentment of God's people. He started with 'the poor in spirit'. This means the constant need of God love, mercy and grace, and preparedness to live godly and righteous life. The second beatitude is about 'those who mourn'. This mourning has to do with regretting one's sinful condition and desiring to recognise the cost of Christ's sacrifice for forgiveness and removal of sin. The blessing for the meek has to do living by behaviours that strengthen confidence in God.
The blessing associated with the hunger and thirst after righteousness has to do with desire for God. The merciful are blessed. This is to help us recognise how great God's mercy is toward His people. God expects us to show mercy toward meeting spiritual and material needs of others. 'The pure in heart' are blessed for they shall see God. This blessing is not about outward religious purity such washings, rituals and religious laws. Rather it is about inner purity. Jesus blessed peacemakers for they shall be called children of God. God's greatest offer for peace is His Son, Jesus Christ. Those who believe in Christ have peace with God and can readily make peace with others.
Christ's blessedness for those being persecuted for righteousness' sake recognises that living as citizens of God's kingdom can provoke the wicked and their actions may result in persecution (Matthew 5: 10-12). The final beatitude is about standing for Christ in persecution. Jesus assures his followers that great rewards await them in heaven. He reminds them of similar persecution against prophets in the past and makes it known that persecution for his gospel's sake will lead to rich reward.
Be True Kingdom Citizens: Jesus says kingdom citizens are the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13). He wants those living for God's kingdom to be like the salt. Salt is used to preserve and add flavour to food. Kingdom citizens are expected to bring good flavour to the society and lead godly and righteous living which reflects God's nature. We must preserve the character for godly living. Such character must not be leached out of our lives if we desire to be useful for God's purpose at all times.
Kingdom citizens are also described as the light of the world (Matthew 5:14-16), that is useful and quality light. Good and bright light shines through the darkness and reveals whatever is hidden. Good works are not meant to be hidden. God's people must be known for all things that are good. Jesus wants our good works to shine as a radiant light and communicate message of Hope for God's kingdom.
Pursue True Righteousness. Jesus showed that true righteousness can only be pursued when we live in obedience to God's word (Matthew 5:17-20). He said he didn't come to do away with the prophets, but to fulfil God's law; to show its true meaning and underline purpose. Those who cut even the smallest commandment out of their teachings will have a very small place in God's kingdom. Christ also warned concerning righteousness those who want to make kingdom of heaven must reflect. The righteousness must go beyond the outward form to faithful and righteous living from the heart.
Those living as kingdom citizens must aim for God's perfection. Jesus wants us to be perfect (Matthew 5:21-24; 27-30; 43 -48). He warns against being angry with another person. Anger can result in behaviours that can tear down person's reputation and destroy good characters. He compares such behaviours to murder. He encourages people to reconcile as soon as possible with those who are offended (verse 23&24).
Jesus made it know that lustful looking at a woman carries the same condemnation as the real act of adultery and warned concerning all acts that will not make it possible to enter into God's kingdom. That people living for God's kingdom must do away with such acts (verses 27-30). He wants people to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them as an act of showing true love and kindness of God. Lesson texts: Matthew 5:1-48.
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