Sermon on the Mount – Pt 1
Matthew 4:17 (NLT)
From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”
Matthew 5:1-12 (NLT)
5 One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, 2 and he began to teach them.
3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.
6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.
7 God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.
9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.
HOW TO VIEW OURSELVES, THE LORD, AND OTHERS IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN:
1. How to view ourselves.
– Blessed are the poor because they empty themselves of selfish ambition.
– Blessed are those who mourn because the process of sadness and comfort has a refining influence.
2. How to view the Lord.
– Blessed are the humble because they submit their will to God’s will.
– Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice because they seek right standing with God to be truly satisfied.
3. How to view others.
– Blessed are the merciful because they show mercy when it’s undeserved.
– Blessed are the pure in heart because they have no ulterior motives for loving God and others.
– Blessed are the peacemakers because they work toward reconciliation.
– Blessed are the persecuted because they remain faithful to Jesus in the face of resistance.
SMALL GROUP MEETING OUTLINE
Where your faith intersects with real life!
Reconnect:
Each person shares a recent high and low from their life.
Explore:
Review the message notes.
Big Idea: Jesus introduces the kingdom of Heaven and how it belongs to those who obey his teaching.
Consider:
Choose one or two questions for your Group to discuss as time allows.
▶ Read Matthew 5:1-12.
– How can we apply the teachings of this passage to cultivate unity and love among others and the Lord?
– What do these passages tell us about the Lord’s character?
– What insights can we gain about humility, righteousness, and mercy?
Activate:
Spend a moment in silence to consider your response, then share with the Group.
In Matthew 5:1-12 Jesus is teaching us how to live in his kingdom on earth as preparation for all eternity. Ask the holy spirit to reveal one step you can take to grow in this area.
Prayer:
Thank God for the highs and lift up the lows.
Pray that we would continue to grow as followers of Jesus through His word and our love for Him and His people.