The Gospel Series Part V
Matthew 5:1 NKJV — And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him.
Much can be said about the most famous sermon Jesus ever gave. “The Sermon on the Mount.” Covering several different topics from being a light onto the world, anger, lust and divorce. The Sermon also gives us an understanding on how to live a life dedicated to and pleasing to God, free from hypocrisy, full of love and grace, full of wisdom and discernment. To understand this fully, we will allow the Holy Spirit to guide us and help us understand as we read the words spoken by Jesus.
Matthew 5:2-12 NKJV — Then 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 filled. Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
The Beatitudes list seven characteristics which make up the Christian character. The eighth Beatitude deals with the reaction of the world to these traits. These characteristics are all interrelated. The Beatitudes are not natural characteristics, and they actually create a sharp distinction between the Christians and non-Christians in the things they admire and the things they seek.
Matthew 5:13-16 NKJV — “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. “Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
When Jesus ministered here on Earth, salt was used as a preservative to kill bacteria and slow down spoilage. In addition, it was also used to add flavor and create thirst. As we witness to others about the Gospel, one lesson we should take about being the “salt” of the Earth is we should have a preserving type of influence and create a thirst within others to know Jesus Christ.
Jesus is also reminding us, we are the light of the world. A lighthouse, if you will, to help those in search of a passage to a safe harbor. The Word of God tells us we will be known by the fruits we bear. As believers and followers of Christ, the Light that is within us will shine so bright, many will be attracted to His presence. The Commission we are called to gives us the opportunity to shine in a world of darkness. People are going to notice we are children of God with a message of hope and salvation.
When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, our lives are changed forever. The Holy Ghost fire that burns within us feels as if it could consume everyone and everything around us. We should never try to hide our relationship with God. We have the assurance He will never let us down. No matter where we go, to Mozambique, Afghanistan or across the street to the local convenience store, sharing and ministering the Gospel of Jesus Christ will be the greatest work you will ever love. Jesus is inside your heart and the gift of peace and everlasting life is with you always. Blessing the poor, the hungry and helping the lost find their way back into the Light are works that should draw attention to Christ.
Matthew 5:17-20 NKJV — “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. “For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. “Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. “For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.
There were many, including Judas Iscariot, who believed Jesus had come to overthrow the Romans and establish His eternal earthly kingdom. Finally, the old Mosaic laws, old traditions and superstitions would be put to rest and make way for the new Messianic law. They either misunderstood or misinterpreted the teachings of the Prophets, not realizing this was not the correct time. The Messianic Age will come, but Jesus wanted His disciples to understand that some things, or laws, would still be in place. The law had a lot of specifics and if someone did not take the time to read the “fine print” of the law, that person could have a lot to answer for. The law condemns all men to death and has no power to save. Christ’s death upon the Cross fulfilled the righteousness of the law. When Jesus came, He fulfilled over 300 prophecies from the Old Testament.
Jesus continues the Sermon dealing with subjects that many had misunderstandings or misgivings about the Mosaic law they had lived under for so many years.
In our ongoing series dealing with the Gospel, we will continue the Bible study on “The Sermon on the Mount.”
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