“YOU THEREFORE MUST BE PERFECT” Christadelphian thoughts based on the daily readings for 4TH JULY 2016
The above quotation is how today’s 5th chapter in Matthew ends. This chapter, which we read today, is normally called ‘the Sermon on the Mount’. It has been portrayed in films as Jesus teaching a whole crowd of people – but that is the opposite to what the text actually says; an example of how, all too often, God’s word is misread.
The last verse of chapter 4 says, “And great crowds followed him (Jesus) from Galilee and the Decapolis, and from Jerusalem and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.” And we can say, ‘wonderful’! But the previous verse plainly states what was attracting them! “So his fame spread … and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains … and he healed them. “
The Sermon on the mount was not given to them! Ch. 5 starts. ” Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them …” So this chapter is a special one for those who are prepared to come apart from the ways of the world and, meta-physically, climb the mountain as a genuine disciple of Jesus.
Our Master’s message starts (v.3) “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” [v.3] What does poor mean? The scriptural sense is ‘lowly’ – the opposite of being proud. And his message is about the “kingdom of heaven” – not in heaven! This is shown in v.5 “”Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
We note the constant use of the word “shall” – it is a promise of future blessings, “they shall be comforted … they shall be satisfied… they shall receive mercy … they shall see God … they shall be called sons of God …theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” [v.5-10]
Our chapter ends with very challenging teaching by Jesus! ” You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Perfect has the sense of ‘complete’ – success in getting rid of all blemishes that spoil or tarnish our characters.
Jesus uses the word ‘love’ in a very challenging way! He tells his disciples, “if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?” [v.46]
So Jesus challenges us to train ourselves so we become more and more like him in character. Meditating on this chapter and the two which follow – is an essential training exercise for those who have hearts that hear their Master saying “you therefore must be perfect.” Only those who do this “shall see God” and “inherit the earth.”
By Bro D.Caudery
Follow us on our dedicated Facebook page
Facebook Page ‘Alethia’ BibleTruthandProphecy
Or our website
BibleTruthandProphecy (Subscribe for updates)
If you would like to subscribe to our YouTube channel, once you have clicked ‘Subscribe’ make sure you click the cog next to the subscribe button and select ‘Send me all notifications for this channel’
Note: Bad language and comments with links to other videos or websites will be removed.
Download our ‘Free’ Bible APP – ‘KeyToThe Bible’ for i-phone or Android
Download here…
Other Christadelphian Channels we recommend
BibleProphecyHD
ChristadelphianVideo
ChristadelphianHUB
BibleStudiesHD
BibleTruthVideos
BibleProphecyHD
BibleProphecyHub
CPDLIVE
BibleProphecyChannelUpdate
Bible Truth and Prophecy, – Welcome to our channel run by the Christadelphians Worldwide to help promote the understanding of God’s Word to those who are seeking the Truth about the Human condition and Gods plan and Purpose with the Earth and Mankind upon it.
We are always keen to receive your feedback, you may leave comments in the comments area below or alternatively email us at [email protected] and we will get back to you with a reply as soon as we can.
For more information on the Christadelphians
blogspot
Twitter
Thisisyourbible
Read a variety of booklets on-line concerning various key Bible subjects.
Free Bible Booklets
Bible Truth & Prophecy is a remarkable on-line tool for establishing just how far removed from the teachings of the Bible mainstream Christian teaching has become.
End Time Prophecies are interpreted using the Bible, not man made ideas or notions.
Key Biblical subjects such as the Trinity, Devil/Satan worship, Holy Spirit Gifts & much more are all dealt with extensively from the Bible’s viewpoint and not man’s.We will demonstrate how Christian beliefs have become corrupted, and reveal the ‘Truth’ as taught by the 1st Century Apostles.
