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The beatitudes describe what Jesus Christ does in us as we believe and obey Him

Ephesians, Hungry for Help, The Lifestyles of Growing Christians, , , ,

Hungry for Help
We Are Victors

Scripture: Ephesians 4:17-19

So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.

Comparing the scripture for today with the list of beatitudes in Matthew five, we get a clear picture of what the lifestyle of the “healed and healthy” looks like! This Ephesians passage describes what we used to look like. The beatitudes describe what Jesus Christ does in us as we believe and obey Him. Let’s review the characteristics of those who will be citizens of the Kingdom of God:

  • They are poor in spirit – having realized their sinfulness.
  • They will mourn – full repentance over their sin.
  • They become meek – controlled strength dealing with others.
  • They hunger and thirst for righteousness – feeling desperate for God.
  • They show mercy – a reflection of being shown mercy.
  • They are pure in heart – their intentions are sanctified.
  • They are peacemakers – peace flows out of their own lives.
  • They will be persecuted – there will always be enemies of the cross.

These eight characteristics are all interconnected, creating people worthy of God’s Kingdom. We grow into them in ever increasing degrees. They grow in us by the work of God and our own cooperative energy. We can’t achieve them on our own, and God doesn’t complete them in us without our cooperation. But no one needs to be left out. Everyone can enjoy the benefits of the beatitudes. The New Testament challenges us in many areas to strive to be more and more like Christ. God would never do that unless He knew it was possible for all people everywhere to do it. The devil is a liar! Don’t listen to his defeating excuses. We are victors in Christ!

Father, thank you for your instructions, as well as your provisions! In Jesus’ name, amen.