Bible Blueprint: Beatitudes
Or Christ's Code of Conduct:
The BLESSED are those who (Matt 5:3-11):
Are poor in spirit
Mourn
Are gentle
Hunger and thirst for righteousness
Merciful
Pure in heart
Peacemakers
Have been insulted and persecuted for Jesus and righteousness’ sake
The FOLLOWERS of Jesus are (Matt 5:13-19; 6:19; 22-24):
The salt of the earth
The light of the world
Never to hoard valuables for this life (see WEALTH)
To control what they see or watch
In RELATIONSHIPS with folks (Matt 5:21-44; 7:12):
Do not get/stay angry
Be reconciled with them
Do not lust after them
Do not get divorced (except for cases of adultery)
Do not make oaths or swear by God, Heaven, or the earth (for that is evil because you have no authority to do so)
If someone asks you if you can do something, just say Yes or No
Do not return insult for insult
Give your belongings and/or time to those who ask for them
Love your enemies
Pray for those who persecute you
Treat people the same way you want to be treated
When you are TEMPTED (Matt 5:29):
Remove and/or get away from any triggers that would cause you to stumble
When you GIVE (Matt 6:1-4):
Don’t be a spiritual show off
Give in such a manner that no one knows that you’ve done it
When you PRAY (Matt 6:5-13; 33):
Do it in secret
Do not use meaningless repetition (Lord, Father, Father-God, God, etc.)
Be sure to:
Praise/worship God
Welcome His will
Ask for your needs
Ask for forgiveness
Ask to be spared from temptation and delivered from evil
Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and the things you need will be given to you
When you FAST (Matt 6:16-18):
Do it secretly so no one knows you’re doing it
With regard to WEALTH (Matt 6:19-21):
Don’t accumulate it
Accumulate heavenly wealth instead
You cannot serve God and wealth
With regard to DISCERNMENT (Matt 6:22-23; 7:6, 13-20):
Have a clear or “single” vision when it comes to God; see only Him in all things
Do not correct or give wisdom to a fool for those folks will trample wisdom and try to harm you in the end
The way to life is through a narrow gate; identify and walk through it
Identify and avoid the broad gate that leads to destruction
You will know false prophets by their conduct
With regard to WORRY (Matthew 6:25-34):
Don’t worry for that shows a lack of faith; God is in control
Don’t be a HYPOCRITE (Matthew 7:1-5):
Don’t judge someone when you are guilty of the same (or similar) thing
Correct your sin and then you can judge (in love)
