Introduction:

What makes Christianity unique among the world’s faiths?
Good News vs Good Advice

Good News for undeserving sinners.

The Setting:

Matthew 4:1-11 The Temptation of Jesus

Matthew 4:12-17 Jesus starts his ministry

Matthew 4:18-22 Jesus calls the first disciples

Matthew 4:23-25 Teaching, proclaiming the Gospel, and healing every disease

Matthew 5:1 He went on the mountain to teach

The Content of the Sermon on the Mount:

• The kingdom and character: The beatitudes - Matthew 5:3-12
• The kingdom and influence: Salt & Light - Matthew 5:13-16
• The kingdom and righteousness: Jesus our righteousness! Lust, Anger, Divorce - Matthew 5:17-48
• The kingdom and devotion: Generosity, Prayer, Fasting - Matthew 6:1-18
• The kingdom and ambition: Treasures in Heaven - Matthew 6:19-34
• The kingdom and relationships: Judging, The Golden Rule - Matthew 7:1-12
• The kingdom and wholeheartedness: The Narrow Gate, The Tree and its Fruit, I never knew you - Matthew 7:13-27

The Beatitudes:

Matthew 5:3-12

Happiness in the Kingdom is reserved for those who are surrendered to the King and have tasted His Grace!

• Blessed are the poor in Spirit
• Blessed are those who mourn
• Blessed are the meek
• Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness
• Blessed are the merciful
• Blessed are the pure in heart
• Blessed are the peacemakers
• Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake

Future Promises:
• for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (v.3)
• for they shall be comforted (v.4)
• for they shall inherit the earth (v.5)
• for they shall be satisfied (v.6)
• for they shall receive mercy (v.7)
• for they shall see God (v.8)
• for they shall be called sons of God (v.9)
• for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (v.10)

Application:
• Christianity is about the restoration of our relationship with God that was lost at the Fall.
• The King has come to restore the kingdom.
• The King has come to rescue His people.

CG QUESTIONS:

1. Read Matthew 5:3-12 - What jumps off the page for you?
2. Does the text create questions that need to be addressed?
3. Beatitudes are promised blessings. Have you heard the Beatitudes before? If not, how does this collection of promised blessings strike you? If yes, how was this treatment of the passage new/different?
4. What does it mean to be poor in spirit? Do you believe that’s you? Why - why not?
5. The sermon outlined a connection between the Beatitudes. What does that connection / progression mean for your life?