This is the first chapter of Studies in the Sermon on the Mount by Martyn L-Jones. While I will not be attempting to systematically analyze the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-11) (because DML-Jones had already done a great job of it) but I will merely share some of key and insightful work that really speaks of the Gospel and how we shall live despite our sins and His glorious attributes and character in Jesus Christ.
Before I dive in to the text, there are few things that we must consider.
FIRST, DML-Jones encourages the reader to look at the importance of the order in the Beatitudes. More specifically, he warns us not take one statement and ignores other(s) since they are (as we shall see) all interlinked and depend on each characteristic which also implies another.
SECOND, the Beatitudes are written specifically for born-again Christians and it would be impossible for a non-believer to practice or live out these statements made by Christ in the Sermon on the Mount.
THIRD, because it is addressed to the Christians, it must be concerned with his/her relationship to the Father. It relates to how a Christian would live in the presence of God.
FORTH, it is important to note “Sermon on the Mount is a description of character and not a code of ethics or of morals.” Thus, it is NOT bunch of new rules or refined 10 commandments but rather a truthful descriptor of how a Christian meant to look in the light of the Gospel. Hence, it deals with his/her characteristics in Christ our Lord. This also includes the attitude and the “general principle” of such believer – which is to be more like Christ Himself.
FIFTH, the Beatitudes does not only pertain to just super-duper Christians or pastors or elders, but to EVERY Christian. One does not get a Beatitude-exempt pass just because he/she is not a full-time ministry worker.
SIXTH, “all Christians are meant to manifest all of these characteristics.” Yes, all of them. Stop for a minute and ponder that statement. All Christians are meant to live this out. Does it sound like a huge burden to you? If so, I’m with you there. But remember the Beatitudes were not meant for us to simply obey with our man-centered strengths as though they are some sorts of law as I mentioned above (this will be expounded in later time), but rather it must always be centered in the Gospel (as we shall see soon). Thus, the key thing is that these characteristics are not our “natural” tendencies; therefore, not something that our sinful flesh (apart from Christ) would ever produce or present. “Each one of them is wholly a disposition which is produced by grace alone and the operation of the Holy Spirit upon us.” So this leads us to truly explore and dichotomize between two different life-styles; one with Christ and one without Christ. But more than that, it challenges us to grow and enjoy our new born again life in Christ Jesus!
I will go over the first statement of Beatitudes in few days:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
What I hope to get out of this series is not just some theological discussions for the sake of knowledge but the application of the Word in our hearts and transforming into our lives! You can either participate by asking questions or comments. If you don’t have the book and would like to purchase one, you can find one here:
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=0036&event=CFN
only like 12 bucks.
I hope that it would encourage us to draw closer to Christ rather than beating yourself up because you don’t have these traits. Remember, all of us have fallen well short of the glory of God, but Christ has claimed us to be our prefer righteousness! Let us celebrate that truth!
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