Attributes of Kingdom Citizens 09/05/21

Series:  Sermon on the Mount  

Attributes of Kingdom Citizens     

Matthew 5-7

The Sermon on the Mount

This is the first of five sermons in Matthew.  Most of the teaching is found in different contexts in other gospels.  There are three types of material found in the sermon as printed:   Beatitudes, ethical commands, and contrasts between Jesus’ teaching and prevailing traditions. The focus is not so much on performance, but more on character.

Jesus starts to teach them about what people in His kingdom are like. 

Μακάριοι...  those who are/will be happy, fortunate or are to be congratulated.

Jesus’ teachings are counter cultural and counter intuitive.

Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.                            Matthew 5:3

Kingdom Characteristic #1:         

Recognizing spiritual bankruptcy without God. 

Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.                                              Matthew 5:4

Kingdom Characteristic #2:            

Comprehending the depth of their sin and grieving over it. 

I John 1:9

Blessed are the meek, 

for they shall inherit the earth.                            Matthew 5:5 (ESV)

Kingdom Characteristic #3  

Understanding that strength is from God and remaining humble.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.                                                                    Matthew 5:6       

Kingdom Characteristic #4     

Realizing that only God satisfies and choosing to desperately seek Him.  

I John 2:15-17

Today’s Takeaways

1.  Jesus’ teachings about are often paradoxical.  

2.  The heart is the true battleground of humanity.

3.  The directives of Jesus are unattainable without Him.