LIVING WATERS
For the proclamation of the Gospel and the edification of the Body of Christ
The Magna Carta of the Kingdom
The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5 to 7) is the 'Magna Carta' of the kingdom of heaven. Here are given its fundamental laws and principles. In the eight beatitudes the character of Christ is shown. All of them together describe a single character, that of Christ, the humble King, which is also that of his co-reigners. All these traits are the opposite of what the world considers sublime. Undoubtedly it is a heavenly kingdom, and those who will reign in it will also be people of heaven.
The first of these is perhaps the most defining of the character of the King of heaven: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven". Poverty in spirit is, quite simply, humility. This character, which defines both the King and the subjects of the kingdom, is called to have influence both within the church ("those at home") and in the world.
Six commandments are preceded by the phrases: "You have heard that it was said ... but I say to you", and clearly reveal the authority of the King. The external teachings of the law (what "ye have heard") are surpassed by the high demands and perfection of Christ's life (what "I say unto you"). In reality, the Sermon on the Mount is not a new decalogue appealing to man's integrity for its fulfillment, but it is the rule by which the perfection of God's life placed in the hearts of the subjects of the kingdom can be measured.
In chapter 6, the King corrects three pious practices that had degenerated at that time: almsgiving, prayer and fasting. These are now part of the righteous works of the co-reigners. Piety is to be exercised for God and not for men (although men receive the benefit of it).
Then the Lord teaches about the danger of material riches. The subjects of the kingdom must have their treasure in the heavens so that their heart may also be in the heavens. Riches can cause spiritual vision to be lost, and life to be filled with eagerness and anxiety. The subjects of the kingdom should not be anxious about tomorrow; it is only for them to be concerned about today.
Further on it is shown how the subjects of the kingdom are to treat others. They, in their humility, judge themselves, not others, and if they are to judge, they are to do so with mercy, considering their own weaknesses.
The final section of the Sermon on the Mount contains a series of warnings, contrasting the true from the false, the just from the unjust, so that the subjects of the kingdom may not be deceived. Whether referring to the gates and the roads, the prophets, or the builders; all of these warn us very graphically about what is approved before God and what is not approved. To hear these teachings, but above all to do them, will be the greatest test of soundness, which will secure the soul in the day of trial. Finally there is the seal of the real authority of the one who has spoken, the surest proof of the firmness and truthfulness of the teachings given.