Sermon on the
Mount:
JN Lybbert: …Congenial,
friendly invitation for us to make the preparation whereby we can get the most
out of our experience while on this earth.
Thus,
we will be blessed for developing these attributes both here on earth and in
eternity.
Beatitudes:
JN Lybbert: Thus
Jesus gives the beatitudes as an outline
of the characteristics he expects of every member of his kingdom.
Poor in spirit:
JN Lybbert: To be
poor in spirit we must be completely submissive to our Father’s will, becoming
as little children, “for of such is the kingdom
of heaven,” showing meekness, patience, and great love, like the Saviour,
who set the pattern for us to follow…Striving constantly for a Christlike perfection
which can insure for us membership in the kingdom
of heaven.
D&C 56:18 (18-20): But
blessed are the poor who are pure in heart, whose hearts are broken, and whose
spirits are contrite, for they shall see the kingdom of God coming in power and great glory unto their
deliverance; for the fatness of the earth shall be theirs.
James 2:5 (1-9): …Hath
not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to
them that love him?
Kingdom of heaven:
JN Lybbert: Jesus had in mind the nature
of the kingdom of heaven when he uttered that first beatitude. [He then
cites several scripture passages that describe
characteristics of the kingdom of heaven—abundant life (John 10:10), place
of truth (John 8:32), is within you (Luke 17:20-21), place having the glory of
God, or in other words, light and truth (D&C 93:36), place where we will gain
an advantage by the knowledge and intelligence we acquire in this life (D&C
130:18-19).] Then he writes: The Doctrine and Covenants (88:77-80) gives
us more indication of what is important for us to study. Jesus saw clearly the scope of
preparation necessary for the members of the kingdom.
“And I give unto you a commandment that you shall teach one another the
doctrine of the kingdom…That ye may
be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law
of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God…
Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things
which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass;
things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and perplexities of
the nations and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of
countries and of kingdoms…
He summarizes by saying: Jesus
had all these things in mind when he said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for
theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” The eager individual, those willing to learn,
the approachable, the humble and teachable, those devoid of vain pride and self-righteousness,
with a contrite spirit, will achieve the kingdom
of heaven…
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