“GOD’S FORMULA IN ACTION”

(Matthew 5:1-12)

There has been an ongoing practice for people to categorize others based on characteristics they observe about them. In many instances it is called having “prejudice” in regard to certain groups of folk. The most recent word used to identify such judgment on the part of humans classifying other individuals is the practice of “profiling”. Often, the actual words used to group individuals in such general terms can be given and taken in very derogatory or dehumanizing ways. The Bible recognizes the tendency of human beings to fall into such insidious groupings of people. It even describes for us the reason behind such misbehavior in 1 Samuel 16:7, “The Lord does not look at the things mankind looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart.” Thus, from the jokes we humans share with one another to the judgments we make on groups of people, the “profiles” we conjure up to lump people together are based on shallow criteria rather than accurate knowledge of each individual involved. Classifications such as “red-necks”, “gang members”, “the Latino community” or “the religious right” are but a few examples of such horrific dehumanizing of people.

God’s Word (the Bible) gives us lists, as well. Yet, in scripture, the negative lists given to readers are specific sins, as found in Galatians 5:19-21. The positive lists are specific characteristics, as found in our passage today; Matthew 5:3-12. We call them “The Beatitudes”. This list is the beginning portion of an entire teaching lesson given by the Lord on a hillside overlooking the Sea of Galilee. Here the Lord gives a description of the lifestyle that characterizes people, who belong to Him and are under the “Kingdom” or Lord’s authority. If you want to know what a mature life of faith is, for God’s children, read chapters 5, 6 and 7 of the book of Matthew. It is also fitting for us to conclude our sermon series on “The Spiritual Journey” with this Beatitude list. It is when someone reaches Stage #6 of the life of faith that such a descriptive list is reality.

Notice that the word “Blessed” begins each of the verses before us today. A definition of this Biblical word could be any of the following words: “complete, whole, mature or all-together”.  It is appropriate to apply these verses to Stage #6 of the journey and not any of the earlier stages. Only when we have grown in our faith to the reality of Stage #6 are we complete, whole, mature, or all-together.

As we roll up our sleeves and dig into each one of these eight descriptive parts of a “faith-filled” life, we need to recognize that each of these characteristics is also an action. On top of that, they build on one another. Of necessity, and logically, “being mournful” has to follow “being poor in spirit”. “Being meek” must follow “being mournful”. But, you will see this as we progress through the list. Suffice it to say; if you progress on the spiritual journey, all the way to Stage #6, you will actually find the Beatitudes the true description of your life! This will also be the most abbreviated treatment of the Beatitudes possible as we cover all eight in this message.

1.     A MATURE CHRISTIAN IS “POOR IN SPIRIT”.  

Maturity in Christian life begins when believers look at life and recognize that “apart from God” they are nothing, have nothing, can do nothing and are impoverished with regard to gaining any victory in this earthly life. Notice that when Christians come to such a realization they have arrived at a place of being able to actually experience “the kingdom” in life. Until we come to such poverty of spirit (“in the spiritual arena of life”) we will not have the potential of living under God’s authority. Instead, we will continue our attempt at living life under our own control and resources. In summary, believers who are “poor in spirit” rely on “the Lord’s” control and resources rather than their own.

2.     A MATURE CHRISTIAN IS ONE WHO “MOURNS”.

When we, as Christians, make being “poor in spirit” the first approach to life, we uncover huge discrepancies, weaknesses and limitations in the pursuit of being mature in the Lord and that brings about deep, real sorrow and mourning at all that is missing in life. Gone is any pride and haughtiness on a true disciple’s part. Any attitude of superiority, in comparison to anyone else’s life, falls by the wayside. There is no room for a “chip on the shoulder” of any Christian who has become “poor in spirit”. Instead, we cry out for God to meet the immense needs in our life. And, it is when we come to this place that God steps into life. Notice the end result -- He comforts us. God parades all the unlimited resources He has to meet our needs and the one “mourning” is “comforted”.

3.     A MATURE CHRISTIAN IS ONE WHO “IS MEEK”.

Now that we have grown from an experience of “mourning” to “being comforted”, we arrive at the experience of “being humble”. Meekness or humility runs cross-counter to the basic human approach to life. Humans are trained to “do things themselves”, “look out for number one”, “be strong and don’t be a doormat to others”, “argue from a position of strength, not weakness”. God’s Word continuously stresses that His people are mature when they arrive at the exercise of humility. Things like “many who are first will be last and the last first” (Mark 10:31), “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me”. (Luke 9:23). Did you notice what happens to those who come to the maturity of being “meek” with the Lord? Verse 5 tells us “They will inherit the earth”. When we are submissive to the Lord AND empty ourselves of our importance (based on spiritual poverty and mourning over our individual spiritual needs), our experience is to “inherit the earth”. For the first time life experiences victory rather than continuous defeat.

These first three Beatitudes introduce significant change in the lives of Christians who once lived life in their own strength.

4.     A MATURE CHRISTIAN IS ONE WHO “HUNGERS AND THIRSTS FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS”.

An amazing thing occurs at this point. We develop such a hunger and thirst to be holy and righteous before our God, it is a consuming passion. This is not something that is automatic! When we make “spiritual poverty” a part of life and “grieve over inadequacies” followed by being “humble before God”, we will ache to bring more righteousness into our lives. And at this point God “fills us” to overflowing with the very essential in life we crave. Righteousness (holiness if you please) is a gift from God. We can’t produce it of ourselves. Christians yearn for it, having moved to a position of humility, and God brings such holiness into our lives.

5.     A MATURE CHRISTIAN IS ONE WHO “MERCIFUL”.

According to God’s Word, being full of mercy does not come naturally with people. Humans are way too prideful to usually even want to be merciful. But when we are endowed (by God) with holiness, without having to work at it, we exhibit mercy toward others. It issues from personal righteousness. It is a God thing. We have arrived at Stage #6 where life is completely different from the way others live it. And when we as followers of Christ give mercy, we discover that we receive it from others as well. Mercy begets mercy. How different from the position most folks take when relating to others on the basis of “what have they done for me”. In the world, people are expected to act graciously first. A mature Christian is merciful without expecting any mercy in return. And Christian mercy first, elicits mercy in return.

6.     A MATURE CHRISTIAN IS ONE WHO IS “PURE IN HEART”.

Guess what occurs next in the experience of spiritual maturity? When we as believers are merciful, we are characterized as having “pure motives”. Duplicity, hypocrisy, relational game-playing and lack of integrity are all gone! When we grow into Stage #6 of our Christian walk, we do everything out of pure hearts. What you see is what you get; and it is all innocent! Interpersonal relationships, with Christians who are at Stage #6, are healthy and welcomed. Matthew 5:8 tells us that when we relate to others in such a simple, real way, we will “see God”.  The Stage #6 believer sees God in everything and each dimension of life centers on the Almighty. There is no confusion; we live for one purpose only: to reflect God to our sinful, broken world.

7.     A MATURE CHRISTIAN IS ONE WHO BECOMES “A PEACEMAKER”.

When we have matured in our spiritual walk, we actively live each day with the stability of a faith at work. We discover that God brings people into our lives that need to obtain peace in the midst of life’s storms. If we, as mature Christians, have a peace in our own circumstances, we can actually introduce the same in the lives of others. The end result is that we develop a reputation as being “true” children of God. Far from just being ones who profess belonging to God, we actually bring to life a reality that backs our claims with real substance. Our faith stands out to others as true. Our maturity shines forth as verification that we are for real!

8.     A MATURE CHRISTIAN IS ONE WHO GOES THROUGH PERSECUTION AND OPPOSITION RECEIVING REWARD FROM GOD.

I want you to notice that the difficulties of life don’t disappear when we have matured in the Christian lifestyle. Growth has taken place; but the persecution, the difficulties, the insults and the lies told about us continue throughout every stage of the journey. We are not called to a life of ease in this world. That is what our time of glorification (which will occur in heaven) is all about. For this present life, we are called to progress to such a degree that we reflect the Lord in every single thing about us! Welcome to Stage #6!!!

In summary: this final stage of the journey is Christ-like living in total obedience to God. It isn’t conjured up through sheer determination. It develops through a complete surrender to God. Now, wisdom is gained from life’s struggles. Thus, they are welcomed. Christians in Stage #6 have compassion for others who are a part of their lives. Believers in Stage #6 are detached from stress and things. Life’s roles and positions are unimportant to them. They have abandoned their selfish life for God. Life for mature spiritual warriors becomes selfless in love. Such folk sacrifice for others. Finally: reputation, personal success and things mean nothing for such believers. The Stage #6 life is “All about God”! And guess what? It is possible to attain such a level of victory in this life! I pray that you have a new hope to realize this fulfilled life in the Lord!