Christian Counter-Culture



Christian Counter-Culture

Character Part 2, Matthew 5:7-12

A man in the Army of Alexander the Great who was also named Alexander, was accused of cowardly actions. He was brought before Alexander, who asked what his name was. He replied softly, "Alexander." "I can't hear you," the ruler stated. The man again said, a little louder, "Alexander." The process was repeated one more time, after which Alexander the Great commented, "Either change your name or change your conduct."

This is our third in a series of sermons on Jesus’ calling on His church to be a Counter-culture. In Matthew 6:8 He says … “do not be like them.”

Last week we looked at the first of the verses which begin Jesus’ sermon on the mount known as the Beatitudes. The first four describe what our relationship is to be towards God. Beginning in Matthew 5:3-6 we are called to be:

1. Poor in spirit-

• Christian character acknowledges that without Jesus in our lives we are spiritually poor.

2. Mourn-

• Christian character is to include mourning, a sorrow for our sin that leads to repentance and a changed life that is ever more Christ-like.

3. Meek-

• Christian character is to be meek, gentle before God who, by grace gives the promised blessing of the earth and the kingdom of heaven.

4. Hunger and thirst for righteousness-

• Christian character is to desire righteousness as if we cannot live without it.

This week we look at the second four. They are found in Matthew 5:7-12. The second four show us as Christians how we are to relate towards other men.

1. Merciful-

• Jesus does not specify who we are to be merciful to

• No need to, God shows mercy continuously, we are to do the same

• Christian character shows compassion towards others because we have been forgiven. And we receive mercy.

2. Pure in heart-

• Often this is interpreted as inward purity, a cleansed heart- certainly consistent with the sermon lessons

• Seems to refer here to our relationships with others

• Our thoughts and motives are to be pure- not devious

• Christian character is without falsehood, and as a result can be transparent and completely sincere. And we shall see God.

3. Peacemakers-

• Both in the community and in the church

• We should not seek conflict or be responsible for it

• Unity of the church is a proper quest, but only if not sought at the expense of doctrine.

• Christian character would have us at peace with others and to assist others to reconciliation. And we shall be called sons of God.

4. Persecuted for the sake of righteousness-

• A clash between two irreconcilable value-systems

• Should not be surprised if anti-Christian hostility increases, but rather surprised if it does not

• Those who hunger for righteousness will suffer for the righteousness they crave

• Christian character does not retaliate to persecution and trials, but rather considers it “pure joy” to suffer for the cause of Christ. Our reward in heaven is great.

Jesus begins His sermon by describing the characteristics His disciples are to demonstrate in their walk with God and before men. He says first, we are to humble ourselves and fall down on our knees before God and recognize that without Him we are nothing. We are to be sorry for our sins, repent and strive again. We are to be humbled in His presence. We are to desire His righteousness above all else.

Secondly, He says we are to extend compassion and forgiveness to others because God has extended them to us. He says to not be deceitful, but truthful and sincere. He calls us to be at peace with those around us. We are called to even consider trials we face as Christians as a badge of true discipleship.

These are not worldly values, but rather those of Jesus’ Counter-culture we are called as Christians to be a part. We are called to be different in a world that will persecute us because of our Christian Character.

Jesus would, I think, tell us as people who call ourselves Christians, “Either change your name or change your conduct.”

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