The title of chapter four is 'The kingdom coming and the people prepared'. Already we have seen, that part of what the Christian is supposed to be about (between believing and dying) is related to the final goal, the kingdom of God. A kingdom that is not just future, but can already be practised in the present.
In terms of character formation and right behaviour I have found the images of learning a musical instrument or a foreign language helpful - in that you practise and practise and practise, but at some point you discover that those things you've practised have become second nature.
In chapter 4 Wright looks at the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) and in particular the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-11). What is its purpose? Are these rules to be followed? Targets to aim for? Or are they a declaration of what life in the kingdom of God is like, with the understanding that that life, which seemed so distant and remote is in the process of coming true on earth.
And when the kingdom of God comes finally in its fulness some of the virtues we read of in the Beatitudes (humility, meekness...) will shine through all the more powerfully. But other virtues will no longer be relevant - such as those related to mourning or persecution.
The virtues of the Sermon on the Mount are not be understood as, 1) if you live this way you will be rewarded, or 2) now that you believe in me this is how you must behave; but rather 3) these are the habits of heart which anticipate the new world here and now. They are the signs of the new life that Jesus came to bring.
In terms of the importance of being true to yourself - being authentic - Wright strongly makes the case that the Christian life is not about doing what comes naturally. If the authenticity that matters is living in accordance with the genuine human being God is calling us to become, then this sort of authenticity will start to happen as we follow Jesus. It will be hard work - but it is within reach. There will be signs of life - as green shoots grow through concrete - faith, hope and love; as there is the development of character formed by overflowing generous love.
So the Christian is not just a person who has received the love and forgiveness of God and
new life - but they are an agent of it in the world. And so those who have had their hearts changed by God become heart changers themselves.Wright points out that we are not to read the gospels with the aim of reading about a Jesus who says to us, 'this is how it's done; copy me'. Rather we read about a Jesus who says, 'God's kingdom is coming; take up your cross and follow me'. Jesus' example is not so much about how to do it - but what to do - love, forgiveness, self giving...
As I look back over chapter 4 there is so much that I have not covered ... see you in a few weeks.
