God's Blueprint for Believers' Living
A true Christian should be characterized by humility, compassion, and a desire for righteousness, and should live a life of love and kindness.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes that the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-10 outline the characteristics of a true believer, highlighting qualities such as humility, mercy, and a thirst for righteousness. He further explains that the epistles, particularly Ephesians 4:26-5:2, provide practical guidance on how to live out these qualities, urging believers to avoid sin, speak kindly, and forgive one another as Christ forgave us. Tozer calls for a life that imitates God, reflecting love and compassion in our actions. He challenges listeners to examine their lives and recognize what they may lack in their walk with God. Ultimately, the sermon serves as a blueprint for living a life that honors God and embodies the teachings of Christ.
Text
In Matthew 5:3-10 we read: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
That is what we ought to be. This passage tells what a true Christian should be like. Go on to the epistles and see what the man of God has to say there. In Ephesians 4:26--5:2 he says, "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. This is what we ought to be. This is the way we ought to be living. When we say, "Lord, what do I still lack?" the Holy Spirit answers, "This is what you lack."
Sermon Outline
- I. The Character of a True Christian
- A. Blessed are the poor in spirit
- B. Blessed are those who mourn
- C. Blessed are the meek
- II. The Behavior of a True Christian
- A. In your anger do not sin
- B. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths
- C. Be kind and compassionate to one another
Key Quotes
“This passage tells what a true Christian should be like.” — A.W. Tozer
“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” — A.W. Tozer
“When we say, 'Lord, what do I still lack?' the Holy Spirit answers, 'This is what you lack.'” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- You should strive to be humble and meek, and to have a hunger and thirst for righteousness.
- You should not let anger control you, and you should not let unwholesome talk come out of your mouth.
- You should be kind and compassionate to others, and you should live a life of love, just as Christ loved us.