Understanding the Sermon on the Mount

The sermon on the mount is also known as the Beatitudes.  They contain beautiful poetry, are often quoted, and basically describe what it means to live a commendable life in God's kingdom.  

Matthew 5:1-12

   Now when he (Jesus) saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them, saying:

    (A deep recognition of ones total depravity and emptiness without God. This person totally recognizes how unworthy they are of Gods Grace.)

     (A person who recognizes his/her sinful condition and mourns over it, this person is repentant and because of this, turns to the grace of God for forgiveness.)

  (This person recognize the awesome power of God and are humbled at who He is and what he has done, they do not put confidence in themselves, they place total confidence in God.)

   (This person has a hunger for the things of God, his/her appetite for the things of God never fades away and they always desire to see the will of God displayed in their lives.)

    (This person realizes that God expects us to be merciful towards others and they practice the act of forgiveness, even to those who do not deserve it.)

 (This person recognizes that he/she has an impure heart and is completely surrendered to Jesus and His ability to transform. These people are free from evil desires and live a transformed life through the power of Jesus.)

 (These people have a never ending love for mankind and the creation of God and strive daily to encourage peace among their neighbor. These people recognize that true peace comes from the result of Jesus’ death on the cross.)

 (These people are persecuted not because of the wicked things they have done, but quite the opposite, they suffer because they believe in Christ, the Bible and the Church.)

   

The Christian life is rejected by men with evil hearts, and suffering comes as a result of our belief in Christ. Jesus exalts those who go through such suffering and He tells of a great blessing that awaits such people in heaven.

All of these qualities highlighted above, being poor in spirit, meek, pure in heart, merciful--contrast sharply with the pride of the Pharisees of His day (and many modern people as well).  Jesus calls us to a higher standard of life and a righteousness that can only come from walking closely with Him.

Matthew 5:20

For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of Heaven.

This video contains words of Robert Kennedy from 1968, and as far as I see it, not much has changed in the world since then.  If anything, it's gotten worse. The pictures are moving, and the music is haunting.  What are your thoughts?

How is your BE-attitude these days? 

Have a wonderful, blessed week!

Scripture taken from THE HOLY BIBLE

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