Morality: Beatitudes and the Laws

  • The Sermon on the Mount is where Jesus preached the Beatitudes, on how you should live, and what attitude/disposition you should have,

    • A major theme is interior conversation leads to practicing discipleship.

    • Parallels Moses’ sharing of the commandments on Mount Sinai.

  • The Beatitudes acknowledge our inner desire for happiness.

    • Teach what you have to do in your life to develop attitudes that lead to happiness in this world and in the next.

  • The Beatitudes begin by speaking of the “blessed.”

    • The blessed are those who count on God for their complete fulfillment.

  • The following are the Beatitudes:

    • Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

      • These are the people who depend on God for material and spiritual possessions with a positive spirit and attitude.

      • These people find happiness in satisfying the needs of others.

    • Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.

      • Mourning helps you recognize those worse off than you and the consolation you receive is greater than the sorrow itself.

    • Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.

      • Meekness is not weakness — it is the balance between too much and too little anger.

      • Helps you know when to express anger.

      • Reminds you to treat others with respect.

    • Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.

      • A righteous person craves for the needs of others to be met and works until they are — you work to secure justice for others with help from God.

    • Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

      • Encourages empathy — you must forgive others and not hold grudges.

      • Like you forgive others, God will also forgive you.

    • Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.

      • Purify your heart with love (charity), chastity, and love of the truth (orthodoxy).

      • Helps you to “see as God sees” and to view others as an expression of God’s beauty.

    • Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.

      • Peace means helping others enjoy all of the good life — be proactive, not passive; be someone who unites, not divides.

    • Blessed are the persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

      • To stand up for what is right is to stand with Jesus and help him carry the Cross.

      • At times, Christians pay the price for their convictions — sometimes with their own lives.

  • As you live the Beatitudes you usher the Kingdom of God into your own life.

  • Law of the Gospel does not abolish the Old Law.

    • Jesus perfects the Old Law by emphasizing the spirit and intent

    • Jesus perfected the Old Law by:

      • Transforming it

      • Setting a high standard

      • Making it a law of love

  • Jesus’ transformation of Mosaic law is known as the “six antitheses” of Jesus.

  • Perform all religious duties out of love for God

    • Put your trust in God, not earthly possessions

  • Moral living can bring lasting peace and happiness.

    • God will watch out for you

    • God will take care of what you really need to be happy

  • The Gold Rule is “do to others whatever you would have them do to you.”

    • Summary of the law of the Gospel.

  • “Stop judging, that you may not be judged.”

    • Believing you are superior is a sign of pride and arrogance.

  • “Enter through the narrow gate.”

    • Do not live a risky or foolish life

    • Do not follow the wrong path

  • “Pray with trust in your heart.”

    • You must ask God through prayer for the good he offers.

  • “Build your life on Christ’s words.”

    • You must follow Jesus’ teachings through actions.