Beatitudes Bible Study Course:
Jesus' Description of Christian Maturity

You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character,[having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect.
~ Matthew 5:48 (AMP)

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Are you a spiriutally mature Christian? This Beatitudes Bible Study, will reveal the portrait that Jesus painted of true spiritual maturity, and show you how to receive its rewards.

The Beatitudes

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness:
for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers:
for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake:
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
– Matthew 5:3-12

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Setting the Stage

The Beatitudes are the beginning of what is known as Jesus' Sermon on the mount. What is recorded of the teaching that Jesus did that day can be found in Chapter 5 of Matthew. The scripture does a wonderful job of setting the scene for us.

We begin Chapter 5 reading:

One day as he saw the crowds gathering,
Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down.
His disciples gathered around him,
and he began to teach them.-Matthew 5:1,2 (NLT)

And we finish it off with Jesus teaching us:

You, therefore, must be perfect
[growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character,
[having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity],
as your heavenly Father is perfect.
- Matthew 5:48 (AMP)

In between these two verses lies an often oversimplified plan for developing your spiritual maturity - The Beatitudes.

The word Beatitudes stems from the Latin word “beatitude.” It means happiness.

This is a clear sign to us of a special promise. By developing these character traits in our own lives, we open ourselves up for a happiness and contentment only available in Christ.

The Amplified version of the text makes that promise even more promising. Here is a full description of the blessing promised to you.

Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous--with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions)... - Matthew 5:3 (AMP).

Wow! Look at what Jesus says will be the inheritance of those who learn to walk as He describes in the Beatitudes!

Happiness
Spiritual prosperity
Life-joy
Satisfaction with God’s favor and salvation
regardless of your outward conditions!

If that is not spiritual maturity, I don’t know what is.

But how many Christians have really developed these attitudes that Jesus promised would produce this kind of happiness?

Let’s be honest. Most of these character traits are the opposite of what is valued by everyone else around us.

In fact, some of them just sound plain weak.

Why would Jesus say you should be poor in spirit? Doesn't meek really equal weak? If you are too merciful, won't people in this fallen world just run all over you? And who can really say they are pure of heart anyways?

These are just some of the questions you will have answers to by the time you finish this Beatitudes Bible Study Course.

Beatitudes Bible Study

Reflection Questions

1. Do you consider yourself to be a mature Christian? Why or why not?

2. If you had to define the terms meekness and humility in your own words, how would you describe them? What is your honest gut reaction when you hear each of these words?

3. Do you think the Beatitudes are still relevant for the world we live in today? Why or why not?

The first thing Jesus teaches us about the mature Christian is that they are "poor in spirit." Does that mean you are supposed to live in poverty, or be sullen and depressed? Find out the truth in Lesson 2 of your Beatitudes Bible Study Course.

Christian Maturity Through the Beatitudes Bible Study

Lesson 1: Jesus paints a picture of spiritual maturity
Lesson 2: The power in humility and meekness
Lesson 3: Receiving God's Forgiveness
Lesson 4: Learning How to Forgive
Lesson 5: Final Keys to Christian Spiritual Growth

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Beatitudes Bible Study Course: Jesus' Description of Christian Maturity