Self-Aware Discipleship

During the pandemic I have been concerned about our conduct.

Christians…I mean.

Don’t really have a dog in the fight as far as the world is concerned.

As Christians we should always be trying to bring glory to God with our behavior.

I think in these terms…when trying to teach the Word and instruct people about how to conduct themselves during difficult times.

evangelistic, spiritual, pastoral

Evangelistic…Does my behavior make the gospel attractive?

Spiritual…Is my presence filled with God’s word and God’s Spirit?

Pastoral…Are God’s people well led, well fed, well protected?

During a time of intense self-focus We have to govern ourselves without becoming selfish, slothful, or ineffective.

To focus on self-improvement without becoming selfish requires returning to the basics, the essentials, the fundamentals of discipleship

So, today I want to consider with you the Beatitudes which open Jesus’ Sermon on the mount.

There is nothing more basic. Nothing more essential, or fundamental, or primary. Jesus explains His expectations for us. He assumes that most of Christian behavior will be against the grain of the world we inhabit. If we want to have impact…If we want to broaden our reach evangelistically, prosper spiritually, and strengthen the flock pastorally; this is the perfect place to start.

Matthew 5:2–16 ESV

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. 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.

Jesus discusses the nature of focused discipleship...

Internal Convictions

Poor in Spirit

Mourn

Meek

Hunger & Thirst for righteousness

Merciful

Pure in heart

Peacemaker

External Reactions

Persecution

Defamation

Transformative Connections

Salt

Light

Our behavior, whatever the circumstances...

...Should draw attention to and bring glory to God.