I just love the way that Oswald Chambers puts things. Today he says this: “The Sermon on the Mount is not a set of rules and regulations— it is a picture of the life we will live when the Holy Spirit is having His unhindered way with us.”

As I am being conformed to the image of God’s Son, then I will show these godly, gentle, powerful characteristics in my life in increasing measure.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”  (Matthew 5:3-12)

We tend to misunderstand that it is the life He lives in us which is the abundant spiritual life which results in fruit of righteousness in this world. Just yesterday Oswald said, “No one can make himself pure by obeying laws.” Also “God doesn’t change human nature but that He changes the source of our nature by giving us a new heredity.”

That’s how we are able to do it. That’s the only way. It is HIS Life in us. How much more clearly does it have to be said? Yesterday’s devotional verse is this:

“For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”  (Matthew 5:20)

That is one of those “crushing” verses that can make an unbeliever (or an uninformed believer) want to just throw up his hands and give up.

Praise God for His Holy Spirit in us who is able to make us into the holy creation that God has called us to be.

Are you demonstrating the character of God’s Son in increasing measure?

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  (2 peter 1:5-8)