Standards of the Kingdom

Matthew 5:3-10, 43-48

GOLDEN TEXT: “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”—Matthew 5:10

A PROPER understanding of this lesson is dependent upon recognition of the fact that there is a difference between those who reign as kings in the Kingdom of heaven and those who are blessed as subjects of the Kingdom. The standards of the Kingdom set forth in the Sermon on the Mount are intended primarily as a guide to those who, through faithful sacrificial service of God now, are prepared to be joint-heirs with Christ in His thousand-year reign for the blessing of all mankind later.

True, the principles of righteousness, set forth to guide the church, are the same as those which will constitute the standards of conduct for the world during the Kingdom period; but the results of their application will be different. For example, those who receive life under the Kingdom laws will need to have their hearts so filled with love that they will gladly render good to those who might persecute them, but actually, persecution of the righteously disposed will not then be permitted. The proud will not then be happy, nor will those who work wickedness be set up, nor will those who tempt God be delivered.—Malachi 3:15

The “poor in spirit” are the humble, the contrite. One may be pitifully poor in the material things of this world, yet be proud, self-willed and haughty—not “poor in spirit.” On the other hand, a person may be rich financially and possess great influence, yet realize his need of God and of divine guidance and help. Whether rich or poor in material things, if we are “poor in spirit” God can use us. It is to such that He extends the privilege of the “high calling” to joint-heirship in the Kingdom with Christ.

Practically the whole world mourns, but few have as yet been comforted, although the time is near when God will wipe away tears from off all faces. (Rev. 21:4) The mourning referred to particularly, in the second Beatitude, is that which springs from genuine sympathy for others. It was exemplified in Jesus. He was a “Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief,” not because of His own imperfections, or His own sufferings, but because He bore our griefs and carried our sorrows. (Isa. 53:3,4) And the prophet declares that Jesus shall “see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied.”—Isa. 53:11

Yes, Jesus was comforted by the knowledge that His sufferings would bring such widespread joy to the people. It should be even so with us. If our sympathy for the poor groaning creation is deep-rooted and sincere, we will truly rejoice in the hope of sharing in the manifestation of the sons of God for the blessing of a sin-sick and dying world.—Rom. 8:18-22

The “meek” are the teachable, those who are willing to discard their own notions and accept instead the plan and will of God. None others can be used by God as teachers of His law, and it is the honor of thus participating in His plan that is referred to as “inheriting the earth.” The truly meek ones who follow in the footsteps of Jesus “shall reign upon the earth.” (Rev. 5:10) Eventually all the willing and obedient of mankind will be restored to perfection and live upon the earth. They shall “inherit the Kingdom” prepared for them “from the foundation of the world.” (Matt. 25:34) This, however, will not be the thousand-year Kingdom of Christ which is the inheritance of the church. This latter will be a mediatorial Kingdom which will function to restore mankind to harmony with God upon the basis of obedience to His law. It will involve the task of instructing the people concerning that law. Thus the meek, the teachable, of this age will be the teachers of the next age, and the whole earth will be their sphere of activity, their inheritance with Christ.

There is nothing insincere nor hypocritical about hunger and thirst, hence to “hunger and thirst after righteousness” is to be genuinely desirous of knowing and doing the will of God. This is one of the conditions prerequisite to knowing the truth and remaining in it. Our hunger and thirst for righteousness must be such as to set aside every other consideration of life in order to obtain it; for unless we “seek first” the Kingdom of God, and “His righteousness,” these priceless possessions will never be ours.—Matt. 6:33

As Christians we are being trained to share with Jesus as a merciful priesthood for the world of mankind during the Kingdom reign. Thus it is important that we learn to be merciful. It is so important that God has made the obtaining of His mercy for ourselves conditional upon it. Surely we need God’s mercy! None of us can stand approved before the bar of divine justice. We would all be condemned were it not for God’s mercy.

Purity of heart is a prime essential for those who hope to “see God.” It is in contrast with that which is merely outwardly pure. The scribes and Pharisees were condemned for making clean the outside of the platter while within they were full of hypocrisy and extortion. The “pure in heart,” who in this age have been called by God, now “see” Him through the vision of truth. If they are loyal to that vision, permitting nothing to come between them and Him whom they love and serve, they will ultimately “see God,” face to face in the heavenly realm.

No Christian should be a breeder of strife. True followers of the Master will seek to radiate peace and good will at all times. Their feet are shod “with the preparation of the gospel of peace,” hence their walk in life is one of peace, even though they may meet with opposition from those who walk in darkness. (Eph. 6:15) It is also our privilege to serve as peacemakers between God and men—ministers of reconciliation—to those who will accept it. (II Cor. 5:18) We have the privilege of laying down our lives in this sense, although our labors do not now lead many to repentance and to the submission of their wills to God. However, if we are faithful in the use of present privileges, it will be our blessed portion to share with Jesus in the more effective work of the next age, when all will learn to know God and to serve Him with one consent. (Zeph. 3:9) This will be the reward of those who qualify to be “children of God” on the divine plane.

To be persecuted “for righteousness’ sake” is an evidence of God’s favor. It was for righteousness’ sake that Jesus was persecuted, and we are called to “suffer with Him;” and are promised that if we do we “shall reign with Him.” It is joint-heirship with Jesus in His Kingdom which is the great reward held out to those who, because of faithfulness in doing God’s will, are persecuted. We should therefore welcome persecution; but should not seek it by doing foolish or unrighteous things. Only persecution for righteousness’ sake will bring the prize of the Kingdom.

All these standards of the Kingdom add up to make true God-likeness. Only as we bring our lives into harmony with them may we hope to be children of our “Father which is in heaven.” Godlikeness is love—love in action, unselfishly manifesting itself in the blessing of others.

As God “maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust,” so should we seek to be all comprehensive in the bestowing of our blessings. (Matt. 5:45) Thus we can be “perfect, even as our Father which is in heaven is perfect.” If we limit our love to those who love us; if we do not bless them who curse us; if we do not do good to those who despitefully use us; we are coming short of all that it means to be like God—we are imperfect, not perfect like unto Him.

The standard is high, but the blessings for those who attain to it are rich. The Kingdom of heaven is theirs. They will be comforted and will rejoice as they witness and share in the work of destroying sin and death, and in drying the tears of all mankind. And oh the indescribable joy that will be ours when we “see Him face to face”! Let us then “press for the promised prize” with all diligence, permitting no seed thoughts of selfishness to spring up in our heart to mar our present vision of God, or to turn aside from faithfully doing His will.

QUESTIONS:

Are the standards of righteousness set forth in the Sermon on the Mount intended for the world in the next age, or for the church in this age?

What does it mean to be “poor in spirit;” to “mourn;” to be “meek;” to “hunger and thirst after righteousness;” to be “merciful;” to be “pure in heart;” to be “peacemakers;” and to be “persecuted for righteousness’ sake”?

How can we be perfect as God is perfect?

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