The Badges of Christian Character

Foundational Principles for Godly Success

The Badges of Christian Character 

Matthew 5:1-12

The Blessings that are foundational to Success

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.” – Matthew 7:24-25

• The result of doing what Christ has instructed is pictured in a strong and steady house that is unmovable against the inevitable storms of life.
• A home is useless and unable to exist without the foundation. There is no love, no fruit, and no impact without a foundation to your life. 

Principle #1: The Principle of Blessedness

• Christ-living is not an outside-in approach, but an inside-out conversion where our soul’s character is remodeled and replaced by Christ so that the outward fruits are natural and organic, not manufactured, and disingenuous.

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me…” – Galatians 2:20

The Badges of Christian Character

• Each badge is not worn on the outside to flaunt person achievement, but it is sown upon the very heart of man by the Holy Spirit.
• Because they are a production of God Himself, each character trait will result in radical good for God and others over self.

Blessings flow to those who are… 

I. Humble – “the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”

Pride exhibits itself in two ways: 

• Elevation (often more obvious) = arrogance, anger, and superiority. This is often cloaked in standing up for yourself and getting your “rights.”
• Depreciation = shame and guilt. This is cloaked in humility, but its motive is selfishness.
• Romans 12:1, Philippians 2:5, 8

II. Hurt – “they that mourn: for they shall be comforted”

• You cannot experience the glory of God or the comfort of the Almighty until first you experience the hurt of a fallen world.
• John 11:21-22, 32; John 11:4; 2 Corinthians 1:4

III. Hungry – “they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled”

• Contentment is only found in an abandonment of self and the pursuit of another – God.
• Psalm 42:1-2; Revelation 3:20; Psalm 16:11

IV. Meek – “the meek: for they shall inherit the earth”

• Meekness is the refusal to manipulate and control circumstances instead allowing God to rule and trusting in His goodwill toward you.
• Proverbs 3:5

V. Merciful – “the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy” 

• Mercy is the backbone of forgiveness and restoration.
• The very mercy that we crave is only possible at the pursuit of the same for others.
• Luke 23:34

VI. Pure – “pure in heart: for they shall see God”

• An unhealthy concern for other’s sins that precedes our own cleansing before God is hypocritical, selfish, and manipulative.
• Matthew 7:3-5; Psalm 139:23-24

VII. Peaceable – “the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God”

• The one who takes painful and laborious effort to build bridges rather than tear them down is the one who is identified by others as a follower of Christ.
• Galatians 6:10; Hebrews 12:14

VIII. Persecuted – “they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven… when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake… for great is your reward in heaven…”

• One who is persecuted, by definition is doing good for God and others even in the face of dangerous and undesirable outcomes.
• 2 Timothy 3:12