Character Qualities of a Disciple of Jesus

Today we begin a new message series called “40 Days with Jesus.” I believe the content of this series has the potential to make a radical difference in the lives of everyone here. Why? Because we’re going to be studying the most famous teaching of Jesus called the Sermon on the Mount. This teaching of Jesus is found in Matthew 5-7 and we’ll be going through these 3 chapters verse by verse over the next 40 days or so in October and November.

Before we get into the first section of the Sermon on the Mount, let’s look at the whole passage in summary. I believe that Jesus’ teaching could be best summarized in

Matthew 6:8 (NIV) Do not be like them …

Who is the ‘them’ we are not to be like? As you read the whole passage, which I’d encourage you to do this week, you’ll see the ‘them’ is hypocrites. What is a hypocrite? A hypocrite is a person who claims to have certain beliefs, but his behavior in his life shows he is not sincere. A hypocrite is someone who wears a beautiful mask, but underneath things are not so beautiful. A hypocrite is not who they seem to be.

Now, before we all excuse ourselves, because we aren’t hypocrites, but we sure know a few, I believe that we all have some hypocrisy to deal with in our lives. As long as we are sinners, we try to cover up that sin and appear better than we really are. Jesus hates hypocrisy, but he loves authenticity. Being who you say you are. Being in private, the same as you appear in public. That’s what I want for myself and everyone in this church.

Jesus’ message in the Sermon on the Mount is not just negative, he also shows us what a true follower, a true disciple of Jesus should live like. In the very first section of the sermon, Jesus shows us what the character of a disciple should be. Today, I’ve entitled my message ‘Jesus on Character.” Every believer is to be a disciple of Jesus, a follower of Jesus. If someone is not a disciple of Jesus, then they’re not a believer.

In today’s message, we’re going to be looking at the 8 beatitudes, found in Matthew 5. Each one begins with the phrase “Blessed are … and then Jesus describes a character trait of a disciple.” What does it mean to be blessed? Someone who is blessed by God is content, they are fulfilled, they are filled with joy, their needs are met. So, today, we’re going to look at 8 character qualities that God wants to build into your life, so that you’ll be blessed and equipped to fulfill God’s purpose for your life.

Listen to my October 3, 2010 message “Jesus on Character.”