The Beatitudes: Developing Spiritual Character

by John R.W. Stott, Dale Larsen, Sandy Larsen

The eight qualities that God values. They call us to be meek and merciful, poor in spirit and pure in heart, mourning and hungry, peacemakers and persecuted. These are the character traits that Jesus highlighted to describe what he looks for in all Christians. As we study them and integrate them in our lives, we will also receive the blessing that Jesus promised.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Discipleship

62 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1998

About the author

John R. W. Stott is known worldwide as a preacher, evangelist, and communicator of Scripture. For many years he served as rector of All Souls Church in London, where he carried out an effective urban pastoral ministry. A leader among evangelicals in Britain, the United States and around the world, Stott was a principal framer of the landmark Lausanne Covenant (1974). His many books, including Why I Am a Christian and The Cross of Christ, have sold millions of copies around the world and in dozens of languages. Whether in the West or in the Two-Thirds World, a hallmark of Stott's ministry has been expository preaching that addresses the hearts and minds of contemporary men and women. Stott was honored by Time magazine in 2005 as one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World."

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Study Scripture with John Stott! The beatitudes reveal to us eight qualities that bring God’s blessing: meekness and mercy, poorness in spirit and purity of heart, mourning and hunger, peacemaking and persecution. Jesus highlighted these to offer both encouragement and instruction on living distinctly as his followers in a world with values much different from God’s. As we study these qualities and integrate them into our lives, we will receive the blessing Jesus promised to his followers then and now. John Stott is one of the world’s leading and most loved Bible teachers and preachers. In this guide you can explore Scripture under his guidance, enhancing your own in-depth study with insights gained from his years of immersion in God’s Word.
A good book and I loved diving into the scriptures but would have preferred more reading then a workbook but maybe because I did this as a devotional rather then with a group. I didn’t feel like the questions taught me anything.
I rate this book a 3 out of 5 stars.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is more a workbook and less a commentary or deep dive into the beatitudes. I did enjoy the questions and the introspection they provide, however I would’ve liked to see more exposition on the subject in between the questions.

[Sean · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book with my small group. Pretty structured, but good discussion questions for a Beatitudes study. I wish it would have been more reading and less of a workbook.

[Tony Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am fan of John Stott and love his approach to walking as a follower of Jesus. This book follows in that path as he stakes us on a quick journey of developing spiritual character through the Beatitudes. It is a workbook with contemplative discussion and study questions. There is no better way to be a disciple of Jesus than to teach others as Jesus taught and the Beatitudes are our example. For example, being righteous in study four "Like all qualities in the beatitudes, hunger and thirst are perpetual characteristics of the disciples of Jesus, as perpetual as poverty of spirit, meekness and mourning". Just as we experience hunger and thirst physically and will do this until our dying breath we are blessed when we hunger and thirst after righteousness. This we do because we want nothing come between us and our God and Savior Jesus Christ.

[richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Beatitudes: Developing Spiritual Character (John Stott Bible Studies)

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5

I Love these studies alongside John Story. I learned a lot about the Beatitudes and it relates to all disciples of Jesus. Although I would say the best ever book on this is the studies on the sermon on the mount by Martyn Lloyd-jones. However this is a great little book to help you study and focus and understand. Essentially all the beatitudes belong to the believer, this is the model for all followers of Jesus. I would recommend this to others to grow in the knowledge and understanding of the faith.

[Sherry Rice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spent the afternoon/evening with this book. Maybe I’m secretly dumb but some questions I struggled to figure out what he was trying to ask. Others I loved the question and it was easy to keep flowing. Gave it a 3 stars for that, since this is a study, the questions are important to understand and some just fell short.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

really great as a study if you take your time in reflecting and answer the questions thoroughly

[Groups]

Per Rosie Pinkerman: I am currently reviewing this.

[Dwight Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great coverage of the Beatitudes of Jesus are covered very good for a Bible study group to use.

[Charlie Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

great bible study, short but insightful, good for anyone who wants to go deeper