The Character of the Christian – Matthew 5:1-12
The Sermon on the Mount begins with a list of blessings. It is a description of the truly converted. It’s what it looks like to really be one of God’s people. This is Christ’s own description of what it looks like to follow Him. The list is often referred to as the beatitudes. The first four beatitudes address our need before God, the final four beatitudes call us to action. It’s the duties of the Christian. The second half of each of these statements reveals the Christian’s hope.
Matthew 5:1–12 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.
11-12 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.