Posts Tagged ‘ Righteousness ’
I have started a small group series on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). I am sharing my notes in case anyone else wants to use them with their group.
Matthew 5:1-2:
Jesus wants to teach the crowds: Who are they? Jewish disciples: People who understand the
Scriptures (at least to a point). Notice from 7:28 the crowds still came along, but this teaching is for His disciples.
What does “blessed” mean? How do you understand it?
The word “blessed” appears 306 times in the ESV Bible (in 288 verses; 302x in 287 vv. in KJV)
Happy (definitely deeper than this), Revered, Content, Worshiped, Made holy, Fortunate, Well-off
Matthew 5:3-6
We see the coming of repentance: people who know their wretchedness (poor in spirit), lament their sin (those who mourn), and realize their need to someone to save them (meek).
Matthew 5:6-9:
• v. 6: Hunger and thirst for righteousness = Seeking out God’s strength and righteousness as only
found in and through Christ by the power of the Spirit.
• Psalm 42:1-6a; 2 Timothy 2:20-21
• v. 7: Mercy = not giving what is deserved. Merciful people withhold anger and refuse to retaliate
when wronged.
• Luke 6:36; Proverbs 19:17; 2 Timothy 1:16; Hebrews 6:10
• v. 8: Pure in heart = cleansed of sin and looking on this world as if through God’s eyes. The pure do
not see others as objects (thus, not to be lusted after or “discarded” based on shifting desires nor to
break promises flippantly. Love overflows.
• Psalm 24:3-6; 2 Timothy 2:20-22; James 4:7-10; Titus 2:11-14
• v. 9: Peacemakers = foster order, love, and compassion around them.
• (2 Timothy 2:22-26; Matthew 10:34-36) James 3:13-18
What does it look like to live out this blessing?
We see salvation. We come to faith in Christ. We also become voracious consumers and seekers of God’s Word and
presence. (Bible reading, sermons, Bible studies, Prayer)
We also become ambassadors of Christ.
• 2 Corinthians 5:1-6:1
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
Matthew 7:24, ESV
Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. As revealed in Scripture.
Hear and obey.
The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after him!
Proverbs 20:7, ESV
Our Christian walk is not about us. We walk in the righteousness of Christ to bless others and glorify our heavenly Father.
The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Luke 6:45, ESV
No one is truly good apart from Christ. All we do and say is tainted by our sinful nature.
In Christ, we are made clean and clothed in righteousness, able to do truly good works.
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 5:21, ESV
Christ took our punishment and imbues us with His righteousness that we might spread His light to whole world.
Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless, but sin overthrows the wicked.
Proverbs 13:6, ESV
Our righteousness is found in Christ alone, and without turning and believing that we are destined for eternal destruction.
Choose Life.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:10, ESV
Jesus promised persecution and problems in this life following Him, so we should encourage each other and take hope that He is with us.
He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son
Colossians 1:13, ESV
In Christ, we no longer are slave to sin, but we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ and given freedom.
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Matthew 6:33, ESV
Whether the fruit of the Spirit, gifts of the Spirit, peace with others, or other blessings, none of this comes if you are not seeking the Kingdom and righteousness of God through Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit.
Do not seek gifts and blessings. Seek God.
a simple man of God 