Tag: Sermon on the Mount
Blessed Kingdom Kids!
Scripture reading for October 5: Matthew 5-7
Matthew is writing his Gospel primarily to the Jews who knew the Old Testament law and prophets. That’s why he quotes so many passages of the Old Testament and tries to speak to them in ways that relate to their background and heritage. Matthew recorded one of the longest discourses of Jesus in the Bible. It is known as the “Sermon on the Mount,” and it tells of the blessings and responsibilities of those belonging to the kingdom of heaven. A ‘kingdom’ implies a king who rules!
Jesus began with an opening statement of blessing that we know as the “beatitudes”. This section speaks of the blessedness of those who will be subjects of the King. They are blessed when they are poor in spirit because theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3) Kingdom people are not proud, boastful, or self-sufficient. Their sufficiency comes from their King in their midst.
Kingdom people are meek and merciful. They are humbly under their merciful King’s authority and guided by His Spirit. They hunger and thirst for righteousness and are satisfied by their King with a banquet of bread and wine. Kingdom kids are pure in heart because they have a new heart given as a gift from their King! They are peacemakers for they are sons of their Father Who gives peace that the world can’t understand! These kids are blessed when they are persecuted for their righteousness because they have heavenly vision and know that the best is yet to come! They have a reward in heaven that no one can steal or destroy. (Matthew 5:7-12) They will see their King’s face one day and bask in His glory!
Kingdom kids are blessed to be the light of the world. They reflect the glory of their King everywhere they go. They are the salt of the earth! They bring out the “God-flavors” of this world according to the Message Bible! (Matthew 5:13-16) They help stop the corruption of sin and bring out God’s saving and preserving message of Gospel hope and love. They are a people who live out the law by loving God and loving their neighbors from their hearts.
God’s kingdom kids do not have to worry about tomorrow or fret over provisions. They know how to talk to God in prayer and trust Him for everything. He is their Provider and Protector. They are blessed with all they need as they seek their King and His righteousness! (Matthew 6:33) They have built their houses on a Rock, their King and God! Storms may come, but they will be secure and safe in Him! Are you enjoying the blessings of Your King? Today is the best day to humbly ask Him to rule over you!
The pure pathway to blessing
Scripture reading for April 12th: Matthew 5, Psalm 73, Proverbs 11
Matthew 5:2-9 “And He opened His mouth and taught them saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. . .”
Great crowds gathered in Galilee to hear Jesus teach and preach and demonstrate the Father’s heart of love to the hurting and sinners. The ‘sermon on the mount’ is where this series of ‘blessing’ is taken from. Here Jesus gives simple truths after the manner of the wisdom of Solomon in Proverbs. The blessed life comes to those poor in spirit, knowing and admitting to need of God’s mercy. It comes to those who show mercy because they have found mercy. It comes to the humble and peacemakers in the form of a new identity and eternal inheritance. Purity of heart catches God’s attention and brings blessings and guidance and an outflow of giving that models our Father’s heart!
Psalm 73:1, 23-24 “Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.” . . .”Nevertheless, I am continually with You; You hold my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.”
Prayer: Father God, You have revealed Your amazing love and heart to bless to me and my family! Your desire is that all families of the earth enjoy this blessedness that comes from faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Through Him, the Way to heaven, eternal life and inheritance is revealed. Open doors for me to share this great treasure and see others blessed and cleansed by the Water of Life in Jesus Christ.
Proverbs 11:24-25 “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”
Jesus: “I tell you!”
Scripture reading for January 7th: Matthew 5
Many focus on the Beatitudes as a wonderful statement of kingdom life and blessings. But Jesus spoke at length about many other common beliefs held among the people. He reminded the people with “you have heard it said:” and then countered the common sayings with God’s perspective. These truths ran counter to the current religious teaching of the day. They also challenge us today in that the religious world still holds some of the same perspectives.
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.” (Matthew 5:21-22a) Jesus took one of the Ten Commandments and showed that under kingdom rules, anger with another also was capable of bringing judgment. Murder starts in the heart with feelings of anger and disparaging comments like “You fool!”! God looks at the heart, not just the actions!
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body that for your whole body to be thrown into hell.” (Matthew 5:27-29) Jesus took another of the commandments and showed that adultery also started in the heart. God doesn’t just look at the acts in the kingdom He rules, he looks at the heart. Breaking this command is serious business! Better to lose an eye than to go to hell! Maybe it’s time to listen to Jesus!
Blessed in the Kingdom!
Scripture reading for October 7th: Matthew 5-7
Matthew recorded one of the longest discourses of Jesus in the Bible that is known as the “Sermon on the Mount”. The kingdom of heaven was the subject of this great teaching. God was King over the nation of Israel and they were blessed to be His loyal subjects!
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3) God’s kingdom people know that they can do nothing on their own. They need God! As a result, God blesses them with the kingdom as a gift!
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:4-5) Kingdom people are meek and mourn over sin. They are humble and recognize their need of God’s mercy. God promises them comfort and a great inheritance!
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:6-8) They hunger and thirst for righteousness and are satisfied by their King, who is their righteousness. They are merciful because they have received mercy. Kingdom kids are pure in heart because they have a new heart given as a gift from their King!
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:9-10) They are peacemakers for they are sons of their Father who gives peace! These kids are blessed when they are persecuted for their righteousness because they have heavenly vision of the glory to come. They have a reward in heaven that no one can steal or destroy. (Matthew 5:7-12) They will see their King’s face one day and bask in His glory!
Kingdom kids are blessed to be the light of the world. They reflect the glory of their King everywhere they go. They are the salt of the earth! (Matthew 5:13-16) They help stop the corruption of sin and bring out God’s saving and preserving message of Gospel hope. They are a people who love God and love their neighbors from their heart! What a blessed life!
Don’t Worry, Seek the Kingdom!
Scripture reading for October 7th: Matthew 5-7
There is a war going on in the hearts of men everywhere. It is a battle for man’s affection and attention. On one hand, we have “money” and its fatal attraction. Money cries out for men to seek her and when they do, they end up serving her in slavery. Money is visible, has influence, and is out to steal our heart. Money promises happiness, satisfaction, and fulfillment, but rarely can deliver. It can be easily lost or stolen by others. On the other hand, God seeks the hearts of men everywhere. He wants none to be lost, but all to come and love Him. God promises to provide everything we need and more if we will love and serve Him.
“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24) Jesus taught his disciples about this war for affection. He warned them that it was impossible to serve both masters. It has been said that “money” makes a good servant, but a cruel master! When we love money, it is a one way relationship. The Bible states that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. (1st Timothy 6:10) God is the only true Master and Lord. We can truly love God and receive love from Him. His love always does what is best for us.
Many in America today are trying to do what God said was impossible; they are serving money during the week and then trying to serve God on Sunday’s. In the end, the lover that gets the least time becomes hated! What is God’s advice to those who struggle with this war and worry about getting ahead and meeting daily needs? “So do not worry, saying,’What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and all these things shall be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:31-33) By putting God and His Kingdom first, all our physical needs will be provided. God is the true Lover and Master! Cast all your cares on Him and give up courting “money”!