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Jesus came with a message proclaiming a new Kingdom far better than what they had. He announced a new order that was of heaven, that through repentance could invade their lives on the earth
…repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand. Mat 4:17

The Character of Kingdom People

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“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” — (Matthew 7:21)

Matt. 18:1-4 Matt. 25:1 Luke 9:62
Luke 17:20,21 Rom 14:17 1 Cor. 4:20
Heb. 12:28 Rev 1:9

A. THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE KINGDOM

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus describes the righteousness required of those who are citizens of His Kingdom.
“For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the Scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of heaven.” (Matt.5: 20) Also 1Cor. 1:30; Col. 3:5

Such righteousness must be built into the character before it can be manifest in deeds. The righteousness of the Scribes was a pattern of religious behavior fashioned from their intellectual study of the scriptures. These men were professional theologians who gave their full time to the study of the scrolls.

The Pharisees were their disciples who gave themselves wholeheartedly to fulfill the requirements described by the Scribes. Both of them specialized in trying to keep religious rules. The righteousness of the Kingdom MUST exceeds this, for the human heart, whilst unregenerate, can never attain the righteousness, which God demands. The only way this humanly impossible standard can be reached is by receiving God’s gift of righteousness (Rom.3: 23,24) and the Holy Spirit who is the Agent of Christ’s Life in us (Rom.8: 1-10,13). It is “Christ in you, which is the [only] hope of glory.”(Col.1: 27).

B. RIGHTEOUSNESS AS IN THE BEATITUDES

God’s gift of righteousness within the believer breeds character. Christ begins to describe some of the aspects of character that will become evident as we allow His life to rule within us. In Matthew 5:1-14, He begins to teach the spiritual principles which mark the character of those who are allowing the King to ‘conquer them’.

These principles are the essence and foundation of Christ’s teaching on Kingdom character. Frequently neglected, ignored and misunderstood, they are worthy of our attention. Without these aspects of character, the King cannot adequately function through us to manifest the nature of His Kingdom. Only when they are present and working, are we truly the Light of the World and the Salt of the earth (Matt.5: 13,14). Let us consider briefly these weighty words of Christ, often referred to as “The Beatitudes.” These truths we are now facing, contains the dynamite of the Holy Spirit. They explode, as it were, when the circumstances of our lives cause them to do so. The literal interpretation of the Sermon on the Mount is child’s play; the interpretation by the Spirit of God as He applies it to our circumstances is the stern work of a saint under His control.
Never allow one sentence in the Sermon on the Mount to be taken out of its context. Total submission to the total truth as revealed in this Sermon will make you a Wise man in the Kingdom. These verses must be seen as your building material wherewith you must build your spiritual house, that will survive every storm and last through all eternity. Here we have a clear description of the way the Holy Spirit will work in our lives.

C. EIGHT CHARACTER PRINCIPLES

1. TRUE HUMILITY

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.” (Matt.5: 3)

“Christ Jesus … humbled Himself (by) becoming obedient even unto death.” (Phil. 2:8)

“Though I was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: howbeit I obtained mercy … Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” (1 Tim. 1: 13-15)

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall exalt you.” (James 4:10)

Notice, it is the poor ‘in spirit’, not necessarily poor in a material sense. Some poor people have a very proud spirit, whilst wealthy people may possess a humble heart. True humility is the complete absence of spiritual pride and self-righteousness. This humility issues out of a true spirit of repentance. This is why the first word of the Kingdom message was, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Not only do we need a genuine, deep initial repentance from sin. We need to continue our life in the Kingdom in a true spirit of repentance. This is the character of the man who has fully realized his own inadequacy, and worthlessness and has put his whole trust and confidence in God alone.

Jesus says, of such persons, “theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.” The spirit and attitude of the Kingdom is already within them. Without these we would never be fit to possess the Kingdom. The Character of the Kingdom is already theirs. They are enjoying the blessing of the Kingdom here and now. Its atmosphere fills their life. They will also inherit the future, manifest Kingdom and play their part in the government of God on earth.

2. GODLY SORROW

“Blessed are those that mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matt.5: 4).

“For as the sufferings of Christ abound unto us, even so our comfort also aboundeth through Christ.” ( 2 Cor. 1:5).

“And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have been filled with grief .” (1 Cor. 5:2)

“For you became sorrowful as God intended … Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation.” (2 Cor. 7:9, 10.)

“(God) shall wipe away every tear from their eyes.” ( Rev. 21:4)

An attitude of sincere, deep repentance, and true sorrow for his sin, was King David’s inner attitude towards God. Such a person does not go around with a mournful spirit and a sad face. They are happy people, for God has comforted them. They have a soft sensitive spirit towards God and walk quietly before Him. The beatitudes can never be read or studied in isolation. Each truth is irrevocably interwoven with that which has come before, and that which comes after it, and thus one complete teaching is given by Jesus.

3. MEEKNESS, THE GOD-CONTROLLED LIFE

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matt.5:5)

“Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ.”(2 Cor. 10:1)

“The fruit of the Spirit is… meekness.” ( Gal. 5: 22,23)

“Showing all meekness toward all men.” (Tit. 3:2).

“O man of God…follow after…Meekness.” (1 Tim. 6:11)

“If we endure, we shall also reign with Him.” ( 2 Tim. 2:12)

Meekness is not weakness; rather it is strength of character. It is the attitude of willingly being under God’s control. Jesus and Moses are the two finest examples of meekness. Both were strong but superbly disciplined to keep under divine control.
• Firstly, it is an attitude of willing submissiveness towards God.
• Secondly, it is an inner lamb-like spirit, which is gentle, modest and unassuming.
• Thirdly, it is a tolerant, tender attitude towards others.

Meekness is an extremely important attitude of heart for a citizen of the Kingdom. Quoting Psalm 37:11, Jesus says, “The meek shall inherit the earth.” This is a direct reference to participating in the government of God that will be established over the earth (Isa.9: 7).
This government will be founded on two factors : (a) God’s Authority, and the (b) Submissiveness of His servants. So the development of meekness in the character, is preparing us for an active role in the present and coming government of God on earth. Paul says, “If we suffer with Him, we shall also reign with Him.” (2 Tim.2: 12). This suffering is the kind mentioned in Hebrews 5:8, “Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered…” Never forget that the golden rule for understanding spiritually is not intellect, but obedience. “If anyone chooses to do God’s will, he will find out whether My teaching…”
(John7: 17)

4. SPIRITUAL HUNGER

“Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.” (Matt.5: 6)

“The grace of God hath appeared…instructing us, to the intent that…we should live… righteously in this present age.” ( Tit. 2:11 – 12)

“Follow after righteousness.” (2 Tim. 2:22)

“According to His promise, we look for a new Heaven and a new earth, wherein dwelt righteousness.” (2 Pet. 3:13)

To ‘hunger and thirst’ expresses strong desire. This is a passion for God and His righteousness. This thirst after God is what David experienced, “My soul thirsteth for thee, in a dry and thirsty land where no water is.” (Psa.63: 1). “As the deer panteth after the water hole, so my soul panteth after Thee.” (Psa.42: 1).

The particular blessing such people receive is their great capacity for righteousness. The greater one hungers, the more he will eat! Such people are deeply satisfied…by righteousness, which is nothing but Jesus Himself. Our lifestyle should reflect this righteousness on every level.

5. COMPASSIONATE KINDNESS

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” (Matt.5: 17)

“The wisdom that is from above is … full of mercy.” (James 3:17)

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” ( Heb. 6:10)

“The Lord grant mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus: for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain … the Lord grant unto him to find mercy of the Lord in that day.” (2 Tim. 1:16 – 18)

“Judgment is without mercy to him that hath showed no mercy.” (James 2:13)

Mercy is mentioned 267 times in the Bible, which indicates the importance God attaches to it. It springs from a heart of compassion expressing itself in kindness, tenderness, understanding, forbearance and sympathetic action.

The teachings of Jesus revealed the Kingdom requirement, that they, who receive mercy, must in turn show mercy to others (Mt.18: 23-25). The blessing they receive is in line with the Divine law of sowing and reaping. Whatever a man sows, he will eventually reap. If we sow mercy to others, we shall reap it in return, when we ourselves are in need of it.

6. INNER PURITY

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matt.5: 8)

“God…cleansing their hearts by faith.” (Acts 15:9)

“Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth.” (1Pet. 1:22)

“The end (aim) of the charge is love out of a pure heart.” (2 Tim. 1:5)

“Follow after…the sanctification without which no man shall see the Lord.” (Heb.12:14)

“The throne of God and of the Lamb shall be therein: and His servants shall…see His face.” (Rev. 22:3,4)

For many, religion is a set of rules that must be acted out. The religious person must be seen to be “doing right things”. Great stress is laid upon the appearance of righteousness, purity of deed! Jesus is more concerned with INNER purity, the purity of heart and the inner man. He is not only concerned that we should DO right, He insists that our motive for doing is also pure. Later in the chapter He enlarges on this important theme, teaching that whereas the Old Law forbade the act of adultery, the New Commandment goes even further and says, even if you only commit adultery in your mind, you are still guilty. The thought-life must be pure, as well as the actions.

Such inner moral purity does something for our vision. Christ said, “If thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.” (Matt.6:22). The body, ‘full of light’ speaks of inner purity, innocence, guiltlessness, and integrity. This is obtained from singleness of vision, looking always and only to Jesus. The single eye will have clear vision and ‘see God’. This vision will reach consummation when Christ returns in the glory of His Kingdom.

7. THE PEACE MAKER

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.”(Matt.5: 9)

“The kingdom of God is…peace…in the Holy Spirit. So then let us follow after things which make for peace, and things whereby we may edify one another.” (Rom.14:17,19)

“And let the peace of Christ rule [arbitrate] in your hearts, to which also ye were called in one body; and be ye thankful.” (Col.3:15)

God loves peace. He is frequently called, “The God of peace.” (Heb.13:20). Consequently He loves Peacemakers and reserves for them a special blessing, the acknowledgment that they are His children! Peace, (Heb. Shalom) is not a negative thing. It is not merely the absence or stopping of war. Shalom is ‘everything that is necessary for your contentment, good and well being.’

There is a great need for peacemakers in the world today. This making of peace must commence within the Kingdom. If we cannot do it effectively within our own redeemed community, we will never accomplish it in the world at large. A peacemaker is much more than a peace-lover. Some people want peace, at any price. Not so the peacemaker. He is bold, truthful, honest, loving and fair, but he will not compromise in order to have peace. He will establish it upon a proper and firm foundation. Since the Father is the “God of peace.” (Heb.13:20) and Christ is the “Prince of peace” (Isa.9:6) the peacemakers in the Kingdom will be recognized as true sons of their Father and be specially honoured by His acknowledgment of them.

8. NOBLY BEARING PERSECUTION

“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.” (Matt.5:10-12)

“But and if ye should suffer for righteousness’ sake, blessed are ye: and fear not their fear, neither be troubled; but sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord … Having a good conscience; that, wherein ye are spoken against, they may be put to shame who revile your good manner of life in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God should so will, that ye suffer for well doing than for evil doing.” (1 Pet. 3:14-17)

“Yea, and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” (2 Tim. :12)

“If we endure, we shall also reign with Him.” (2 Tim.2:12)

Persecution is inevitable, to some degree. “All who will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution.” (2 Tim.3:12). Jesus warned us that it would be so. “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.” (John 15:18). We must be long-suffering and forgiving in the face of persecution, ‘turning the other cheek, and going the second mile.’ (Matt.5:41). We must also learn to rejoice, that we are counted worthy to suffer for His Namesake, as the apostles did (Acts.5:41).

THIS WILL ENSURE A GREAT REWARD IN THE MANIFEST KINGDOM.

Suggested reading:
1. The King & You .A wonderful teaching on the sermon on the mount, by Bob Mumford focusing on Freedom in Character, Conduct & Influence ( Life changers library series)
2. The Seventh Millennium, a teaching emphasizing the Kingdom by Ron McGatlin
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