The point is that you do not have what it takes, you cannot live the Christian life all by yourself.
The beatitudes are the way to a gospel saturated life, a Jesus quality of life. Many times, the beatitudes are taught as eight separate virtues. However, they are more like steps that you take in the Christian path.
Jesus begins His ministry in chapter 4. The first words of Jesus at the beginning of His public ministry were, “Repent for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Jesus is reminding the Jews that He is the long-awaited Messiah.
8 Steps to the Gospel Saturated Life
- Poor in Spirit
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” There are seven words in Greek for poor. Jesus uses the word that means most poor. He is talking about soul poverty.
In other words, blessed are those who understand that they do not have what it takes to be right with God. The starting point of God’s rescuing process is when a sinner understands the need of a Savior.
- Mourning
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” When we get a clear picture of how good God is, and how much He loves us, then we can understand our spiritual bankruptcy, and we mourn over our sin.
Mourning over sin shows conviction. Jesus is saying that they will be comforted. The word “comforted” is the verb form of the noun used for the Holy Spirit of God.
- Gentle
“Blessed are the gentle, for they will inherit the earth.” Many people think of gentle or meek as a synonym for weakness. What gentle actually means is simply yielding yourself to your Master.
Looking at the context of this passage helps us to understand what Jesus is trying to say. In chapter 4, Jesus’ first message is repent. Repentance is a change of mind that leads to a change of direction.
Biblical belief is not saying a prayer or getting baptized. It is a transfer of ownership, a transfer of control.
- Those who hunger and thirst
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.” Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for a right standing with God for they will be satisfied.
An important principle in the Christian life is that identity leads to activity. A person who has been forgiven understands what Jesus made for them, and in the aftermath of that, you do the things He commands in His Word.
- Merciful
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.” The gospel presents so much mercy that one cannot help showing it to others. We are called to be merciful people.
When you get the relationship with the Lord right, it affects every other relationship in your life.
- Pure in heart
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” In Christ, you get a new heart. However, it takes time to change and mold this new heart. Romans 12 indicates that the way to change the heart is by renewing your mind.
- Peacemakers
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” It does not mean peacekeeper, but peacemaker. We are most like God when we help others make peace with God through faith.
- Persecuted
“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” God commands us to live for His glory and to spread the gospel. As we fulfill God’s mission, different kinds of opposition will rise. God promises to be with us every step of the way.
Pastor Chris Williams
To learn more about Pastor Chris and his teaching, visit us on the web at fcfamily.org and make sure you subscribe to receive these weekly encouragements in your inbox.
