His Kingdom comes into us and grows in ever-increasing ways. Only then do the principles Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount become realistic.

By revealing the principles of Old Testament laws, Christ showed his disciples the futility of trying to keep the laws without a changed heart. He raised God’s Laws into the principles from which they originate and made them his commands. (Matthew 5:3 – 7:29). When Christ is Lord within a heart, there is a changed heart. As the apostle Paul wrote, the Kingdom of God is not necessarily what is done outwardly with an appearance of righteousness, but what is inward. (Romans 14:17).

Outward religion, whether keeping traditions, customs or rules, is only a copy of the self-righteous religion of the Pharisees. Christ delivers us from the trap of self-righteousness into heart-righteousness. Note how in his sermon Christ contrasted the characteristics of his Kingdom with those of the world.

The Characteristics of God’s Kingdom

They are diametrically opposed. Worldly kingdoms, whether religious or secular, are based on riches and wealth, power and might. In contrast, his Kingdom is one of grace, and favour, to the poor in spirit, to those who mourn, to the meek, and those who hunger and thirst after God’s righteousness.

Unlike the passing show of worldly pride, God’s Kingdom brings lasting riches of forgiveness, mercy, comfort and care of others, even to the very lowest, poorest and most insignificant. The values that Jesus taught cannot be attained through natural means but require a different attitude.

• Blessed are those who are poor for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
• Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.
• Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
• Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
• Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
• Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
• Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 
• Blessed are those who are persecuted, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

These seven beatitudes are attitudes that produce great blessings and are very different from the values of the world. They are not self-elevating but self-humbling.

Living by God’s Principles

The principles of God’s Kingdom are necessary to live successfully in God’s Kingdom. We hear so much today about getting rich and wealthy, popular and successful, and of being happy and fulfilled, but very little about being poor in spirit, meek and humble. Have we got the right Gospel?

So much of present attitudes are built on putting ourselves first and on “our rights”, but that was not what Jesus stood for. He said if someone strikes us, we are to turn the other cheek. (Matthew 5:39). If someone wants to take our coat, we should give him our suit as well. (Matthew 5:40). If someone forces us out of our way, then we are to go twice as far with them. (Matthew 5:41).

One does not hear this sort of teaching in churches, certainly not much in the Western world which seems often preoccupied with success, wealth and self-fulfilment.

Jesus Expounds on Old Testament Laws

Jesus continued his sermon by expounding the Old Testament Laws. Far from cancelling them, he expanded them. The first was on murder, and he said it came from disrespect and hate. Then he talked about adultery and said it came from lust in the heart. Again, he spoke of false witness and implied it came out of pride. He spoke of revenge and retaliation and said one should respond with forgiveness.

He taught on prayer and emphasised the necessity for us to forgive. He went on to comment on other issues. He said that a person is known by the fruit they bear.

The apostle Paul summed up the fruits of the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-25). Perhaps one word that best sums them up is humility. (1 Peter 5:5, Matthew 23:12, James 4:6, 10, Isaiah 57:15, Micah 6:8). Humility is the hallmark of all great men and women.

Building on the Rock

The teachings of Jesus are different from those of the world, and he concluded by saying that in order to live his way, we need to build our lives upon the rock that is himself: the immovable, changeless “Rock of Ages” Jesus Christ. (Matthew 7:24-27, 1 Peter 2:8, Isaiah 26:4 AMP). His life fully expressed his teaching, and he is our supreme example.

Join me as we embark on a journey through “A Life of Faith.”

Blog Series Five – Principles for Life in Christ