Posts Tagged ‘ Sermon on the Mount ’
Those who are persecuted for righteousness are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
Matthew 5:10, HCSB
In a world of pain, violence, and oppression, we join in Christ’s redemptive work knowing we may treated the same way He was. Faithfulness to Christ amidst violence and hatred may draw them to Him.
The peacemakers are blessed, for they will be called sons of God.
Matthew 5:9, HCSB
In a world of pain, violence, and oppression, God calls us to bring His peace which was given to us by the Son through the cross.
The pure in heart are blessed, for they will see God.
Matthew 5:8, HCSB
In a world of pain, violence, and oppression, those who seek the goodness and justice of God combat these things with His love and grace shown through the cross and delivered by the Holy Spirit.
The merciful are blessed, for they will be shown mercy.
Matthew 5:7, HCSB
In a world of pain, violence, and oppression, God came to show His mercy and grace, and those who believe in Christ are called to the same mercy and grace toward others.
Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed, for they will be filled.
Matthew 5:6, HCSB
God’s heart is for the oppressed, and He gives His righteousness through Christ to those who draw near to Him for wisdom and righteousness and freedom from the oppression of sin.
The gentle are blessed, for they will inherit the earth.
Matthew 5:5, HCSB
God’s heart is for the oppressed, and we join in His love fornthe lost when we are kind and gentle with unbelievers, knowing they are still under the oppression of sin and in desperate need of the freedom of the gospel, needing the same help we receive from God.
Those who mourn are blessed, for they will be comforted.
Matthew 5:4, HCSB
God’s heart is for the oppressed, and those who mourn their sin and the effects of sin find comfort and freedom in Christ who redeems from the oppression of sin.
“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
What is our mindset?
Are we basing our worldview on what the world tells us, that we can know truth and earn our own way based on “what feels right”?
Or do we see the world through the lens of Scripture, accepting God’s truth and that Jesus is our only way to righteousness and eternal life?
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal”
Matthew 6:19, ESV
When the world sees our lack of interest in material needs, they will wonder what intrigues us so much about Jesus.
We can have peace even when we lose everything or the economy is bad or the government is corrupt, and they will see.
I have started (and with this one finish) 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. [Reminder that these are only notes!]
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?
Based on the first twelve verses, blessed means realizing our own wretchedness and need for a Savior. In other words, it is becoming/being a Christian.
What was discussed last time?
Matthew 7:24-27:
Foolish and Wise builders
Matthew 7:28-9:
“Astonished”
Have we counted the cost?
Are we being wise, studying His Word and applying it; or foolish, taking what we like and throwing out
the rest?
Are we listening to the under-shepherds or the wolves in sheep’s clothing?
a simple man of God 