Matthew 5:1-16

Let Your Light Shine

The Kingdom of HeavenMt 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of

heaven. Mt 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of

righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Mt 5:19 Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments

and Teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Mt 5:20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Mt 7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

This Kingdom has a King

• Matthew is the Gospel of the King • He was the King as a child • He was King on a cross• Jesus did not come to reform religion • He rightly expects obedience • The kingdom is now • The kingdom is to come

This Kingdom is Blessed

• The Old Testament ends with the word ‘curse’ (Malachi 4:6)

• The Lord’s first recorded sermon begins with ‘blessed’

• Blessed - Receiving God’s favour, fortunate, good, happy (feelings associated with receiving God’s favour)

• Citizens of the kingdom are blessed now• There are more blessings to come

This Kingdom is in Hearts• The sermon begins with the poor in spirit,

citizens of the kingdom are spiritually bankrupt • They receive the kingdom now• They mourn for their own sin• They will be comforted • They hunger and thirst for righteousness • They will be filled • They are pure in heart • They will see God

This Kingdom Changes Relationships

• Meek – strength under control, considered a bad thing in the ancient world

• They will inherit the earth, this must have stunned the hearers

• Merciful • Will be shown mercy, how can they fail to be

merciful when they have received mercy?• Peacemakers • They will be called sons of God, citizens are in the

business of reconciliation, in relationships and between people and God

This Kingdom is Persecuted

• The kingdom is now for the persecuted • The blessing is when we are persecuted for

righteousness or because of Jesus• “I consider that our present sufferings are not

worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18)

This Kingdom Shines

• This is not a secret kingdom • This kingdom makes a difference • It can be seen • It lights the darkness • It brings glory to God• “Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and

your dominion endures through all generations.” (Psalm 145:13)