BEING BEFORE BECOMING

What has been termed as the “beatitudes” are qualifiers for those who follow Jesus. Let’s harmonize these beatitudes.

I. THE PATH DESCRIBED

Being Aware of Our Destitute Condition Matthew 5:3, “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus speaks of humility.

James 4:10, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” Psa. 69:32, “The humble shall see this, and be glad: and your heart shall live that seek God.”

Having an Attitude of Desperate Concern Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” Psa. 88:9, “Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction: Lord, I have called daily upon thee, I have stretched out my hands unto thee.”

During our times of distress there is no greater comfort than that which comes from the Spirit of God. Psa. 63:6, “When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.”

Gracefully Accepting Divine Control Matthew 5:5, “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” Psa. 25:9, “The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.”

A Characteristic of Christ: Matt A Characteristic of Christ: Matt. 11:29, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

A Characteristic of the Righteous: Psa A Characteristic of the Righteous: Psa. 22:26, “The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the Lord that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.” Titus 3:2, “To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.”

II. THE PASSAGEWAY DETECTED

Dedicated Direction Matthew 5:6, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”

Gen. 7:1, “And the Lord said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.”

Prov. 10:3, “The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.”

Desired Directive Matthew 5:7, “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” It is only the merciful that receive mercy. Lk. 6:36, “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.”

2 Cor. 4:1, “Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not.”

Mercy is not only about forgiveness, but restoration and reconciliation. We all need it, desire it, and must extend it to others.

III. PROOF OF DISCIPLESHIP

A Character that is Holy Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Psa. 24:4, “He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.”

A Conduct that is Harmonious Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” Prov. 16:7, “When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.”

Concerning Christ: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6).

A Comprehension that is Heavenly Matthew 5:10, “ Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” 2 Tim. 3:12, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”

1 Cor. 15:56, “After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.”

1 Thess. 2:14, 15, “For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men.”

Heb. 11:35-37, “Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:  And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented.”

We have it so much better today!