October 30,2011
Lesson Scripture
Matthew 5:1-12
Introduction:
The Kingdom Message:Jesus climbed a mountain in Galilee and delievered a powerful sermon.He set out to accomplish several things in this message,present a standard of living for his disiciples and all believers,contrast God's kingdom and the world,expose the differences in Jesus' ministry and the legalistic teaching of the pharisees, and give examples of how Old Testiment teaching fits in with the new beliefs Jesus ushered in. Jesus laid out eight characteristics of living a life filled with deep down hope and joy within,not just happiness, a temporary external circumstance.
God Blesses Kingdom Conduct
Matthew 5:1-9KJV
1And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
2And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, 3Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
footnotes:
Characterististics of Kingdom Living; Fortunate are those who choose to follow closely after Christ,humbly recognizing their need for Him.As a result they will dwell with God's people on earth and also in heaven.Mourners, those who mourn a loss or mourn over sin or persecution and suffering,all will receive God's comfort.Those who see no need to throw their weight around(the meek),but rely on God to throw his weight around, will inherit a high place in God's kingdom.Those who desire an obedient,trusting relationship with God(Hunger for righteousness) will ultimately be satisfied with a sin free existence in heaven.Those drenched in God's love have the Holy Spirit working in them and so they are able to extend mercy and love to others,even their enemies. Jesus forgiving His enemies on the cross provides a perfect example of mercy in action.Those who have a pure heart,love God, and have no worldly loyalty eventually will see God's face,in heaven(1john 3:2). God is the ultimate peacemaker.Once peace with God is established, those who follow after Him will also desire to maintain and traffic in peace.
God Rewards Kingdom Conduct
Matthew 5:10-12KJV
10Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
footnotes:
Kingdom Persecution; Jesus warned that persecution is coming.People who follow him will "go through" adversity,even be killed. But for those in the "suffering for Jesus' sake" crowd, nothing will compare to the reward they receive in heaven(Romans 8:18).Yet knowing the great hardship to come,Jesus encourages us to realize that we are devinely blessed, even when we are insulted, persecuted, and falsely accused of all manner of evil deeds solely because we follow Him.Rejoice and be glad.Because it brings great heavenly reward and because it identifies Christ followers with the godly line of persecuted prophets who faithfully foretold the coming of the messiah.
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