By Beth Ann Phifer on Sunday, 03 March 2019
Category: Scripture Studies

Beautiful Progressions of Repentance, 3 of 3

Beautiful Progressions of Repentance, 3 of 3 
The Progression of Abiding in Contentment – Matthew 5
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Repentance is beautiful. It is the key to a life of increase and joy in the Holy Spirit. We surely need His joy more than ever! In 2019, the Lord unfolded three writings to me on repentance:

This month in 2023, I revised the third progression to add clarity. It was a very great encouragement to me, and I look forward to sharing it with you here. (Please note: the definition of sin is all that is not in alignment with the Father’s kingdom of love.)

The Progression of Abiding in Contentment

In the original manuscripts of Matthew 5, the Greek word blessed means truly content (or fully satisfied). So, we can replace the word blessed with truly content. This true contentment only comes through the indwelling Holy Spirit and is shared in His community of believers. To help us see this progression of contentment, I have typed Matthew 5:1-12 below with the verse numbers. The crimson phrases summarize each verse and will guide us through the progression.

The verses in Matthew are noted in blue with key words in underlined bold blue letters. Following the bold blue words are the meanings of those words. As you read line by line, you will discover the increase in growth and momentum for the believer who walks in the Holy Spirit. These unfolding characteristics are fruit of the Spirit. In other words, as you walk in love with Him, you will exhibit this fruit. Let’s begin to walk through each verse!

  1. When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him.

  2. He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,

You are blessed or truly content when:

You are aware of sin.             

Your awareness of sin leads to grief over sin.           

Your grief over sin leads you to action against sin.

Your action against sin leads to an increased sensitivity and hunger to be right with Him.

Your hunger for righteousness leads to mercy.

Your mercy leads to purity and sight.

Your purity leads to peace and justice.

Your action toward justice leads to persecution and insults against you.

Your endurance through persecution leads to great reward, deep contentment, and joy!

Hallelujah! We have been called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world! (See Matthew 5:13-14)

(The artwork was created in 1994 in a workshop taught by Jonathan Blocher of Manuscriptures, Inc.)

Shale Fragments™ - devotionals by Beth Ann Phifer is a division of Flower Girl Greetings, LLC. ©2020, All Rights Reserved.
Blessings and love in Him,
Beth Ann

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