How would you summarize the kind of person Jesus says is a member of His kingdom, His church?
Some translations use the word “happy,” but it is only a very shallow synonym for “blessed.” A better translation of the Greek word is “a recipient of God’s favor.” The verb “to bless” is found 419 times in the OT. Some of those are in the forms of “beatitudes” (see Psalm 1:1). There are about 45 beatitudes in the OT and 37 in the NT. Man is blessed by God when he lives out the following virtues in his life. God is blessed by man when He receives man’s worship, honor, approval, and praise.
YOU WILL RECEIVE DIVINE FAVOR IF YOU ARE POOR IN SPIRIT – 5:3:
God has always valued humility (Psa. 51:17; Isa. 57:15; James 4:10). In 1 Corinthians 1:26-29, Paul writes that the gospel finds its strongest appeal among those despised by the world.
YOU WILL RECEIVE DIVINE FAVOR IF YOU MOURN – 5:4:
Christians should be sorry for their sins (2 Cor. 7:10). That is what compels them to change their minds about their sin (repent) and to change their behavior.
YOU WILL RECEIVE DIVINE FAVOR IF YOU ARE GENTLE – 5:5:
A good definition of “meek” is “power under control.” One has the power or ability or opportunity to respond negatively or harshly but chooses to respond gently. They are humble and easily spoken to. Jesus is the best example of gentleness: 11:29; 12:15-21; 21:5. Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit (Ga. 5:23).
YOU WILL RECEIVE DIVINE FAVOR IF YOU HUNGER AND THIRST FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS – 5:6:
Those who “hunger and thirst” for righteousness are ones who desire, more than anything, more than food and water, to be right with God. Jesus promises that they will have what they seek, to the full. “As the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after you” (Psalm 42:1).
YOU WILL RECEIVE DIVINE FAVOR IF YOU ARE MERCIFUL – 5:7:
Christ’s disciples control their anger, their mouth, and their actions and are gentle, generous, and compassionate with those who need grace and forgiveness. Jesus promises that they will receive mercy from the Father in heaven.
YOU WILL RECEIVE DIVINE FAVOR IF YOU ARE PURE IN HEART – 5:8:
Because we love God and desire to see Him, we will purify ourselves (1 Tim. 1:5; 3:9; 2 Tim. 1:3; 2:22; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:1-2). Man has not seen God yet (Exo. 33:20; John 1:18; 1 Tim. 6:16), but Christians will (1 Cor. 13:12; 1 John 3:2; Rev. 21:3; 22:4).
YOU WILL RECEIVE DIVINE FAVOR IF YOU MAKE PEACE – 5:9:
God is the “God of peace” (Phil. 4:9; 1 Thess. 5:23). God has always valued those who sought peace in a world of conflict: Prov. 6:19; Psa. 34:14; Rom. 14:19; Eph. 4:3; Gal. 5:22; Heb. 12:14; James 3:16-17; 1 Peter 3:11. The verb form of the noun “peacemaker” is found in Col. 1:20.
YOU WILL RECEIVE DIVINE FAVOR IF YOU ARE PERSECUTED FOR DOING RIGHT – 5:10-12:
In 1 Peter 4:13-16, Peter writes that Christians should make sure they are not persecuted because they are doing evil but rather because they are serving Christ. See also John 15:18-25; Acts 14:22; 15:41; Phil. 3:8-10; 2 Tim. 3:12.
Work on these attributes so you can glorify Your King and honor the Father.
Paul Holland