Character and Conduct

The Gospel of Matthew Character and Conduct - Matthew 5:1-16 February 2, 2025 When I worked in Human Resources, we conducted an Orientation for all the new hires. We discussed policy and procedure and company values and all of that fun stuff. Jesus, as He begins His major preaching ministry, we see that He will sort of - but on a MUCH larger scale - do a bit of the same. We continue in our series in the Gospel of Matthew. This morning, we begin Jesus' first of five discourses in this great book. This is known as the "Sermon on the Mount" because verse 1 tells us that Jesus went up on the mountain. Yes. Creativity at the highest level. I've seen many sermon series on today's passage - which is verses 1-16 of chapter 5 - and normally what is seen is eight different sermons on the each of the beatitudes, and probably a sermon on salt, and another on light. There's nothing wrong with that, of course, but I think it is important to remember that this is a sermon that really covers all of chapters five through seven. In other words, while Jesus covers many things, it is one sermon, so there is a general theme that carries throughout the entirety of the three chapters. So, this morning, we'll tackle the first part of this sermon, the well-known beatitudes, and the section on salt and light. Really, what we see from this whole section is that Jesus is speaking to a mixed audience of both disciples and Jews and is beginning to illustrate what the character and conduct of the disciple of Jesus looks like. So, with that in mind, let's look at the character of the disciple from Matthew 5:1-12: 1 SEEING THE CROWDS, HE WENT UP ON THE MOUNTAIN, AND WHEN HE SAT DOWN, HIS DISCIPLES CAME TO HIM. 2 AND HE OPENED HIS MOUTH AND TAUGHT THEM, SAYING: 3 "BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT, FOR THEIRS IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. 4 "BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO MOURN, FOR THEY SHALL BE COMFORTED. 5 "BLESSED ARE THE MEEK, FOR THEY SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH. 6 "BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO HUNGER AND THIRST FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS, FOR THEY SHALL BE SATISFIED. 7 "BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL, FOR THEY SHALL RECEIVE MERCY. 8 "BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART, FOR THEY SHALL SEE GOD. 9 "BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS, FOR THEY SHALL BE CALLED SONS OF GOD. 10 "BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO ARE PERSECUTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS' SAKE, FOR THEIRS IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. 11 "BLESSED ARE YOU WHEN OTHERS REVILE YOU AND PERSECUTE YOU AND UTTER ALL KINDS OF EVIL AGAINST YOU FALSELY ON MY ACCOUNT. 12 REJOICE AND BE GLAD, FOR YOUR REWARD IS GREAT IN HEAVEN, FOR SO THEY PERSECUTED THE PROPHETS WHO WERE BEFORE YOU. Here is the main idea from our passage this morning: A disciple is known through their character and conduct. Now, there are many ways we could tackle these verses. But, before we do that, I think we should define some terms. First, what does "beatitude" mean? Literally, is a Latin word that means "supreme blessedness," which of course is taken from the first word in each of the blessings. To be "blessed" here means that the one who is designated as such is "fully satisfied." It is a state of blessedness. In the New Testament, it refers to and is directly associated, not with the result of favorable circumstances, but those who are indwelt by Christ. So, these words, and how they are used, indicate that Jesus is saying that those who are in Christ are blessed, and furthermore, these are the characteristics in which they can be identified as His disciples, and the blessings that come from each of these characteristics. One final note before we look at these. Like the "Fruit of the Spirit" and the "Armor of God," this list is connected and builds off itself. So, let's review ... The CHARACTER OF THE DISCIPLE * The disciple is poor in spirit (v.3) * A moment ago, I stated that these build off one another. This is that starting point. * The character of the disciple begins here. * Foundationally, being poor in spirit means helplessness - specifically, our helplessness apart from Christ. * Simply put, it means to be humble. To have a correct estimate of yourself. * It is an absence of pride. An absence of self. An absence of self-assurance. An absence of self-reliance. * It is the person who realizes their need for a Savior, and in response, turns and surrenders to Him. * Notice that each of these blessings are accompanied by a promise. * Here, Jesus says that the kingdom of heaven is for those who are poor in spirit. To those who have denied self and have completely sold-out to Christ. * We talked about the Kingdom of Heaven several weeks ago, this is how we defined it: "[The] Kingdom of Heaven ... has a PRESENT REALITY which awaits a FUTURE REVELATION. The PRESENT REALITY is that the King is reigning in the hearts of those who have repented and believed in Him. The FUTURE REVELATION is the return of the King of kings to defeat His enemies and establish His Messianic rule on Earth (Millennium). * It is important to note that Jesus says "blessed are" - which is in the present tense. The disciple lives in this manner as they look forward to the future revelation of eternity with God. * What we'll begin to see here is that Jesus is introducing an upside-down kingdom. A kingdom that is contrary to the world. * So, becoming a disciple begins first with a confession that you need help. A confession that you need a Savior. * This is our beginning point in our eternal relationship with our Lord. * Have you done this? * Have you surrendered? * What does a disciple do next? * The disciple mourns (v.4) * The direct application of this verse has to do with our sin. * The act of mourning over our sin. * James talks about this in his letter, chapter 4, beginning at verse 9 where he says: 9 BE WRETCHED AND MOURN AND WEEP. LET YOUR LAUGHTER BE TURNED TO MOURNING AND YOUR JOY TO GLOOM. 10 HUMBLE YOURSELVES BEFORE THE LORD, AND HE WILL EXALT YOU. * I'm convinced that James pulled heavily from the Sermon on the Mount when he wrote his letter. * This illustrates what Jesus spoke perfectly. * Do you mourn over sin? Over the sinfulness of this world? * The word here is normally associated with death. The mourning over someone who has died. That's the seriousness that is being implied here. * It's grief. It's lament. * As a present tense word, it implies constant mourning. * The great reformer Martin Luther felt that one's entire life must be one of continuous contrition and repentance -- not that we go around continually morose, but that we are ever aware of the evil and destructive capacity of sin, both ours and those around us * Luther has it right, this intense mourning must result in repentance. Look at what Paul says in 2 Corinthians 7:10: 10 FOR GODLY GRIEF PRODUCES A REPENTANCE THAT LEADS TO SALVATION WITHOUT REGRET, WHEREAS WORLDLY GRIEF PRODUCES DEATH. * A disciple of Jesus grieves over sin. Understanding that sin separates us from God. * But guess what? The promise that Jesus leaves us is comfort. * Over and over in these beatitudes, we are reminded of what Christ does for us. He gives us comfort. He gives us peace. He gives us a seat at the table. He gives us hope. * Are you joined together with God through the blood of Jesus? * Next ... * The disciple is meek (v.5) * I'm sure you've heard it before: meek does not equal weak. * Notice that these first three beatitudes are our attitudes towards sin. * A disciple of Jesus agrees with God and His righteous standard. * This idea of meekness relates to strength. * How can that be? * It literally means "strength under control" * It is a deliberate willingness to submit and work under someone's authority. * My first hotel job saw a lot of turnover, particularly with the manager. No joke, I trained at least three of my eventual managers in eighteen months that I worked there. * The disciple of Jesus submits to God's will and conforms to His Word, * And the disciple of Jesus also submits to others - just like we read in Ephesians 5. He (or she) is humble, patient, gentle, and long-suffering. * Once again, the hope we have in Jesus, is found in the promise that He gives the meek. He says that they will inherit the earth. * The Bible teaches about how the Christian is a fellow heir with Christ, that the Christian has victory in Christ Jesus. * Meekness is not weakness, rather it is strength under control. * Have you submitted and surrendered all to the Lord? * Next, * The disciple hungers and thirsts for righteousness (v.6) * This is truly an amazing picture. It illustrates the need for the disciple of Jesus to pursue righteousness. * The word picture of hunger and thirst emphasizes a basic need. * When I'm hungry, I eat. When I'm thirsty, I drink. * So, this speaks of a passionate desire of righteousness. * Proverbs 21:21 tells us: WHOEVER PURSUES RIGHTEOUSNESS AND KINDNESS WILL FIND LIFE, RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND HONOR. * Recall earlier, I said that these all build off of one another. How are we to become poor in spirit, mournful and meek? By hungering and thirsting for righteousness. * We already know the bible says that none are righteous ... so we pursue the One who declares us as righteous by grace, through faith. * The promise from Jesus here is that we will be satisfied. We will be full. * This is why Jesus says later in John 6:35, ... "I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE; WHOEVER COMES TO ME SHALL NOT HUNGER, AND WHOEVER BELIEVES IN ME SHALL NEVER THIRST. * This means that righteousness should always be our first priority. Above even your own comfort. Your own desires. Your own wants. * Can you say what the Psalmist says in Psalm 42:1? AS A DEER PANTS FOR FLOWING STREAMS, SO PANTS MY SOUL FOR YOU, O GOD. * Next, * The disciple is merciful (v.7) * Literally, this means that the disciple is full of mercy. * It's directly related to others. * Compassion. * Seeing a need. Be moved by the need and acting on that need. * We receive mercy when we trust in Christ. Then, we are to share His mercy with others. * Are you showing mercy to others? * Next, * The disciple is pure in heart (v.8) * Apparently, in the ancient Greek, the phrase pure of heart has the idea of straightness, honesty, and clarity. * Jesus says here that the disciple's heart is pure. * Wait a minute, though? Doesn't the Bible say that our hearts are not pure? * Yes. Jeremiah 17:9 says: THE HEART IS DECEITFUL ABOVE ALL THINGS, AND DESPERATELY SICK; WHO CAN UNDERSTAND IT? * Jesus confirms this in Matthew 15:19 when He says: FOR OUT OF THE HEART COME EVIL THOUGHTS, MURDER, ADULTERY, SEXUAL IMMORALITY, THEFT, FALSE WITNESS, SLANDER. * Here we see the BIG problem of these beatitudes. We can safely conclude that no one can do these to be saved. * It requires a change of heart. * A new heart. * A heart that only Christ can change. * This is why we said earlier that these characteristics are upside down. They are impossible without Christ. * When we are changed by the blood of Jesus, we finally understand Psalm 37:4 that says: DELIGHT YOURSELF IN THE LORD, AND HE WILL GIVE YOU THE DESIRES OF YOUR HEART. * When your heart has been cleansed by the blood of Jesus, you are no longer slaves to sin, but slaves to righteousness, in agreement with God. * The great evangelist Billy Graham once said that pure hearts will be Christ-like * What's the blessing for those who are pure at heart? They will see God! * They will be with Him for eternity. * Friends, this is what we can look forward to. Without Christ, we were eternally separated from God, now we look forward to eternity with Him. * Has your heart been changed by the blood of Jesus? * Next, * The disciple is a peacemaker (v.9) * The word used here describes the person who works towards a harmonious relationship * It further describes the type of relationship where two parties have differing opinions, and work towards a harmonious relationship * I can't help but think of Romans 12:16 where Paul says: LIVE IN HARMONY WITH ONE ANOTHER. DO NOT BE HAUGHTY, BUT ASSOCIATE WITH THE LOWLY. NEVER BE WISE IN YOUR OWN SIGHT. He then goes on to say in verse 18: IF POSSIBLE, SO FAR AS IT DEPENDS ON YOU, LIVE PEACEABLY WITH ALL. * The other side of this coin is the person who works towards settling disputes with others, or among others. * Guess what? This means that if you're a Republican, you are called to live peaceably with your Democrat neighbor. * If you are a conservative, then you are called to live peaceably with your liberal neighbor. * By neighbor - of course - I speak of your fellow man. * Remember, these are characteristics of the disciple of Jesus. * This is why the blessing that comes with being a peacemaker is that they will be called - and known - as true children of God. * Are you loving your neighbor? * Next, * The disciple is persecuted for righteousness' sake (v.10) * Earlier, I mentioned that Jesus is - in a way - ushering in this upside-down Kingdom. * A kingdom that is contrary to that of the World. * As such, from the onset, Jesus is warning His disciples that persecution will come. * Why? Because we are pursuing righteousness! By nature, we don't do that. * Remember in verse 6, we were told that we are to hunger and thirst for righteousness. * Jesus is reminding us that we will be consistently going against the culture, but in a way that can only be attributed to Jesus Christ's affect on our changed hearts. * One that is distinguishable to the world. * Once again, are you striving for righteousness? * Next, * The disciple is reviled for Christ's sake (v.11-12) * This one is very similar to the last, so we will not spend too much time here. * Notice, however, what He says in verse 12. He commands us to REJOICE AND BE GLAD. Why? Because our REWARD IS GREAT IN HEAVEN. * We are to look forward in this present reality to the future revelation of His eternal Kingdom as we live out our faith for Him. * So, the final question is, how do we do this? * Through our conduct. But first, how do we summarize these beatitudes? We can summarize in three phrases. The disciple ... * Strives to reflect the righteous nature of the Savior * Agrees with the Lord's attitude towards sin, and * Sees a broken world with the Lord's mercy and compassion Recall our main idea this morning: A disciple is known through their character and conduct. Let's read Matthew 5:13-16 to see what this looks like: 13 "YOU ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH, BUT IF SALT HAS LOST ITS TASTE, HOW SHALL ITS SALTINESS BE RESTORED? IT IS NO LONGER GOOD FOR ANYTHING EXCEPT TO BE THROWN OUT AND TRAMPLED UNDER PEOPLE'S FEET. 14 "YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. A CITY SET ON A HILL CANNOT BE HIDDEN. 15 NOR DO PEOPLE LIGHT A LAMP AND PUT IT UNDER A BASKET, BUT ON A STAND, AND IT GIVES LIGHT TO ALL IN THE HOUSE. 16 IN THE SAME WAY, LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE BEFORE OTHERS, SO THAT THEY MAY SEE YOUR GOOD WORKS AND GIVE GLORY TO YOUR FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN. So, as we close, let's review the CONDUCT OF THE DISCIPLE. Beginning first, with ... * The disciple is the salt of the earth (v.13) o Salt was the primary preservative in the ancient world o The word there is a natural salt that purifies and cleanses from corruption. o The other side, of course, is flavor. o So, we are to preserve the faith and witness of Christ, and we are to be attractive to the world in our conduct. o Jesus is specifically speaking to an inward character that influences a decaying world. o And, finally, closely related: * The disciple is the light of the world (v14) o We are to shine bright as disciples of Jesus. o We are to be radiating His light. o As salt and light, we are seen and active in the world. o Striving to conduct ourselves in a manner that is reflective of Jesus - and as such, drawing people to Him. o I saw this great connection to salt and light this week in my studies: When salt and light try to accommodate to and/or be conformed by the Kingdom of this World, they lose their distinctiveness and their potential to impact the decay and the darkness of ... this world which is passing away. o Our conduct - the actions that we take - should be reflective of the character of Jesus. Friends, this is what Jesus is telling us in this opening section on His sermon. As disciples of Jesus, we are to be known by our character and our conduct. Without Christ, everything we talked about today is impossible. But thanks be to God, in Christ all things are possible. In Christ alone. Are you in Christ? Let's pray. 2