“Well, I understand what you are saying but I cannot put it into words” — not a true statement. In order to understand an idea accurately, one must be able to phrase that concept in his own words - comprehension is framed in language

I try to see how well Bible students understand God’s word by getting them to restate what I have been trying to teach them from the text. I find that kind of exchange sometimes amusing, sometimes amazing, and sometimes encouraging but always beneficial. I labor under the delusion, at times, that I am doing an excellent job in teaching God’s word. Then I am shocked into reality with my inadequacy when I learn that what is being understood, if any understanding at all, in the minds of the student is not what I intended to convey - the feed back doesn’t come close to resembling what I believe the text is saying. That is one advantage of a bible class arrangement of teaching over the lecture type

Here is my challenge to you in order to see how well you understand kingdom character — rephrase the “beatitudes” in your own words. Try doing that yourself, before observing how I restated them. Understand that neither one of us is trying to improve on what Jesus is saying or how He said it - that cannot be done - but we are trying to see how well we understand the concept Jesus was teaching.

Restating the beatitudes (jre)

1. I can’t do it by myself - “blessed are the poor in spirit.” 2. I’m sorry - “blessed are they that mourn.” 3. I give my will to Christ - “blessed are the meek.” 4. I’ve got to know - “blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness.” 5. I understand because I have been there -”blessed are the merciful.” 6. I have one single purpose in life - “blessed are the pure in heart.” 7. I want to be right with God and I want you to be right - “blessed are the peacemakers.”

8. They also hated my Lord - “blessed are those persecuted for righteousness sake

In each of the beatitudes there is essential, pre-kingdom disposition - these people and only these people can be a part of His kingdom. The beatitudes present a composite picture of kingdom character - not one characteristic can be isolated from the other without destroying what Jesus is teaching.

How well do you understand? Are you fit for the kingdom? How much are you like The King?