Values of the Kingdom
|
|
- Cornelius Sutton
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 S The 6th Sunday after Epiphany (A) - 12 February Values of the Kingdom John Zondag, First Presbyterian Church, Portage la Prairie, Man. Scripture readings: Micah What does the LORD require of you? Psalm 15 - LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? 1 Corinthians God s foolishness vs. human wisdom Matthew The Sermon on the Mount: The Beatitudes Note: The readings are actually those for the 4th Sunday after Epiphany, Year A Three weeks ago, we read Matthew s account of the beginning of Jesus ministry. We read Matthew s summary of the message that Jesus proclaimed: Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near (Matthew 4.17). We read how Jesus recruited his first four disciples, all of them fishermen: Peter, Andrew, James, and John (Matthew ). We read how Jesus began traveling throughout the region of Galilee, teaching and healing (Matthew 4.23). And we read how people flocked to him from all over not only from Galilee itself, but also from Judea, the region east of the Jordan River, and even the Dekapolis, which was largely Gentile territory (Matthew ). That reading took us to the end of Matthew Chapter 4, and today s reading from the beginning of Chapter 5 comes immediately afterward. In Chapters 5, 6, and 7, we have a block of Jesus teaching that has come to be called the Sermon on the Mount. It s called that because Matthew presents it as a single speech by Jesus, given on a mountainside, primarily to his disciples, but probably to others as well. A careful reading of the Sermon on the Mount shows that it s more likely a collection of various teachings of Jesus rather than an accurate transcript of a single sermon or address. One of the unique features of Matthew s Gospel is that there are five such collections of Jesus teachings, the others being in Chapters 10, 13, 18, and 24 and 25. Each of these collections of sayings concludes with the same or similar words: When Jesus had finished saying these things, dot, dot, dot (Matthew 8.1; 11.1; 13.53; 19.1; 26.1). The Sermon on the Mount is the first and also the longest of these collections of Jesus teachings, and the teachings in this collection all have to do with the values of the kingdom of God. In commenting on the Sermon on the Mount, theologian Fred Craddock has said that a good title for it would be Life under the Reign of God, or The Law of Christian Society. 1 The teachings all have to do with how the people of God should act not only toward God, but also toward each other. In the Sermon on the Mount we find teachings such as Turn the other cheek, Love your enemies, Do not worry, and Do to others what you would want them to do to you. We also find the Lord s Prayer, as well as teaching on charitable giving and on fasting. Aside from the one-sentence summary of Jesus teaching that we read in Chapter 4, this is the first teaching of Jesus that we run into in the Gospel of Matthew. We could say that the Sermon on the Mount serves as Jesus inaugural address. The Sermon on the Mount begins with the passage in today s reading, a series of brief sayings called the Beatitudes. The Beatitudes serve as an introduction and prologue to the Sermon on the Mount.
2 S The 6th Sunday after Epiphany (A) - 12 February There are nine of them in all. The first eight are brief and all follow the same pattern; the ninth one, on the other hand, is longer, and doesn t quite follow the same pattern as the rest. The Beatitudes all begin with the word Blessed Blessed are the poor in spirit; Blessed are those who mourn; Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, and so on (Matthew 5.3, 4, 6). The word Matthew uses in his original Greek is makarios, which means not only blessed, but also fortunate, happy, or even enviable. The Good News Version of the Bible translates this word as happy. Theologian David Buttrick prefers to translate it as congratulations so his translation of the Beatitudes is, Congratulations to the poor in spirit; congratulations to those who mourn, and so on. 2 Each Beatitude, except for the final one, is a simple two-part saying, in which the first half declares a specific group of people to be blessed or happy, and in which the second half gives a reason: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven, and so on. For the first and eighth Beatitudes, the reason given is the same: theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5.3, 10). For the six Beatitudes in between, however, the reasons given are all different, and are all in the future tense: they will be comforted; they will inherit the earth; they will be filled; they will be shown mercy; they will see God; they will be called children of God (Matthew 5.4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9). What Jesus is implying here is that these things will happen in the age to come, when the kingdom of God has been fully established in the world. In other words, then, they are not just reasons, but also promises. Notice also that four of these promises use passive verbs: will be comforted; will be filled; will be shown mercy; and will be called children of God. What Jesus is implying here that it is God who will do those things. He could just as easily have said, God will comfort them ; God will fill them ; God will show mercy to them ; and God will call them his children. In the Beatitudes, Jesus commends particular attitudes and behaviors, and in some cases, offers consolation to people who find themselves in difficult or unpleasant situations, by promising that there will be some kind of reward, compensation, or vindication in the age to come. There are Beatitudes in the Gospel of Luke as well, but there are only four of them, rather than nine; and, although they are similar to the ones in today s reading, the overall message is slightly different. In Luke s Beatitudes, Jesus offers words of comfort and consolation to people who get the short end of the stick in the present. The first three of Luke s beatitudes read as follows: Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. (Luke ) In other words, those who suffer in the present age will find their fortunes reversed in the age to come. As well, Luke s Beatitudes are accompanied by a series of corresponding Woes to those who get the long end of the stick in the present. They read as follows: Woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. (Luke ) In Luke s version of the Beatitudes, then, Jesus promises a simple reversal of fortunes in the age to come, God will turn the tables, so that the poor will have plenty and the rich will have to do without, and so on.
3 S The 6th Sunday after Epiphany (A) - 12 February In Matthew s version of the Beatitudes, however, the message is not quite so straightforward. For one thing, Matthew has no corresponding Woes, just the Beatitudes themselves. And for another, in Matthew, Jesus speaks not of those who are literally poor, but of the poor in spirit ; he speaks not of those who are literally hungry, but of those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Rather than promising a straight reversal of fortunes for those who suffer hardship in the present, Matthew s version of the Beatitudes appears to commend those who have particular attitudes and who act in particular ways, and, by implication, to challenge all followers of Jesus to have those attitudes and act in those ways. What does Jesus mean by being poor in spirit, then? Interpreters debate what Jesus means here, but I like the interpretation that Douglas Hare suggests in his commentary on Matthew: that Jesus is referring to an attitude of dependence on God that is often found among people who are poor, and is often lacking among people who are well off. People who are poor know that they depend on God to provide the things they need, whereas people who are well off often believe that everything they have is the result of their own efforts. To be poor in spirit, then, means to recognize that we depend on God for everything we need, and that everything we have ultimately comes from God whether we have nothing or whether we have more than enough. 3 For those who mourn, in the second Beatitude, Douglas Hare suggests that Jesus is thinking of the passage in Isaiah 61 in which the prophet says he has been anointed by the Spirit, to, among other things, comfort all who mourn (Isaiah ). In that context, the mourning had to do with the fact that Israel had come under foreign domination. In Jesus time, Israel was again under foreign domination, and the ones who felt it the most were those who were poor, because the system, particularly the taxation system, was rigged in favor of the rich and powerful. 4 Those who mourn, then, would be those in that society and also in our own, who mourn the unequal distribution of wealth, and the fact that, for so many people, life is a daily struggle for survival. In Beatitude number three Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth Jesus was no doubt thinking of two verses in Psalm 37 that say, A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land, and enjoy peace and prosperity. (Psalm ) The meek, says Douglas Hare, are non-violent people, who are humble and gentle in their dealings with others because they have humbled themselves before the greatness of God. 5 As for those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, in the fourth Beatitude, interpreters debate whether this refers to their desiring to be righteous themselves, or to their desiring the righteousness and justice that will be established in the world when the kingdom of God is established in all its fullness. Douglas Hare favors the latter interpretation, that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are those who yearn for the establishment of social justice in the world as a result of God s establishing his kingdom. 6 The meaning of Beatitude number five Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy is more straightforward than some of the others. It anticipates the line in the Lord s Prayer (which is also found in the Sermon on the Mount) that says, forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us (Matthew 6.12).
4 S The 6th Sunday after Epiphany (A) - 12 February To understand the sixth Beatitude Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God we need to keep in mind that the ancient Israelites attributed to the heart the activities that we attribute to the mind. When we think of the heart, we usually think of love and compassion; but to ancient Israelites, the heart was the organ with which a person thought, planned, and set priorities. To say someone was hardhearted, then, didn t mean that such a person was lacking in compassion; rather, it meant that such a person was stubborn. So, then, Douglas Hare argues that by pure in heart Jesus means people who are completely devoted to God; people who don t have mixed or divided loyalties. 7 The meaning of the word peacemakers in the seventh Beatitude is self-evident. They are people who not only strive to live in peace with others, but who also strive to create and promote peace by working for reconciliation between individuals or groups that are hostile to each other. In Beatitude number eight, Jesus speaks of those who are persecuted because of righteousness that is, people who face hostility from others because of their loyalty to God and their commitment to God s ways. It s no secret that those who promote fairness and justice in society often face opposition from those who benefit or profit from unfairness or injustice. And in the ninth and final beatitude the long one that doesn t follow the same pattern as the rest Jesus also speaks about persecution. He tells his listeners that those who experience persecution because of their loyalty to him are in good company that many of the prophets of the Old Testament had also experienced persecution because of their loyalty to God. In the Beatitudes, then, Jesus commends people who possess the values of the kingdom of God, both in their attitudes and their actions, by declaring them to be blessed, and by promising them vindication in the age to come. Implicitly, Jesus also challenges his followers to adopt these values, attitudes, and behaviors themselves. In this respect, then, the Beatitudes serve as an excellent introduction to the Sermon on the Mount as a whole, for, in the rest of the Sermon, Jesus has much more to say about the values of the kingdom of God, and he challenges both his original hearers and us today to adopt those values and live by them. The Beatitudes give us a picture of what life in the age to come will be like, and also of what people who are citizens of the kingdom of God in the present age are like. Needless to say, the values of the kingdom of God are counter-cultural in the present age, where the prevailing values are self-interest, aggression, and greed. Not only that, the values of the kingdom of God go against our own basic instincts that is, our sinful nature. It goes against our nature to acknowledge our dependence on God, to be non-aggressive and non-violent, to have undivided loyalty to God, to work for reconciliation and peace, and so on. It s no wonder, then, that people often feel that the values Jesus speaks of in the Beatitudes are totally unrealistic and out of reach for people living in this age. Yet, these values are in line with the ethical teaching of the Old Testament, and, in that respect, they teach nothing new. It s an old, old story that human beings and human society haven t turned out the way God wanted or intended. The Beatitudes, like all biblical teaching prod us in God s direction, and promise us that if we live by the values of the kingdom of God in the present age, we will be vindicated in the age to come. Footnotes: 1. Fred B. Craddock, et al., Preaching Through the Christian Year, Year A, Harrisburg, Pa.: Trinity Press International, 1992, p. 100
5 S The 6th Sunday after Epiphany (A) - 12 February David Buttrick, Speaking Jesus: Homiletic Theology and the Sermon on the Mount, Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2002, pp Douglas Hare, Matthew ( Interpretation commentary series), Louisville: John Knox Press, 1993, pp Hare, pp Hare, p Hare, pp Hare, p. 41
THE BEATITUDES ANNOUNCEMENTS OF THE SURPRISING, UPSIDE-DOWN KINGDOM
THE BEATITUDES ANNOUNCEMENTS OF THE SURPRISING, UPSIDE-DOWN KINGDOM MATTHEW 5:3-10 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be
More informationThe Beatitudes As An Ethical Document. Paul Versluis (March 1, 2015)
The Beatitudes As An Ethical Document Paul Versluis (March 1, 2015) The Sermon on the Mount is an ethical document. Jesus is teaching his core values, his ideals, that are rooted in the love of God, self
More informationGood morning! This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Good morning! This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Today, we d like to begin a new sermon series called, Enough. It will be our church-wide study and worship emphasis
More informationLIFE 101 THIS SUNDAY S MESSAGE:
The Sermon on the Mount: Foundations and directions for life from Jesus LIFE 101 THIS SUNDAY S MESSAGE: This is Bliss Matthew 5:3-12 Primary New Testament Beatitudes The Poor in Spirit Those Who Mourn
More informationWeek 1: The Character of the Kingdom
Week 1: The Character of the Kingdom Matthew 5:1-16 "If you believe what you like in the gospels, and reject what you don't like, it is not the gospel you believe, but yourself." Augustine Start Here The
More informationBlessed comes from the Greek word makarios which means:
Beatitude comes from the Latin beatus meaning blessing, to make happy or the promise of true happiness Blessed comes from the Greek word makarios which means: To be fully satisfied The classical definition
More informationBlessed to be a Blessing
January 29, 2017 Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany Mic. 6:1 8 Ps. 15 1 Cor. 1:18 31 Matt. 5:1 12 Blessed to be a Blessing Goal for the Session Adults will explore the promises of the Beatitudes and affirm
More informationFinish this line: i m most happy when...
HAPPINESS IS... Finish this line: i m most happy when... BIBLE READING PLAN Jesus said that He had come that we may have life and have it abundantly John 10v10 Over the next two months we ll be discovering
More informationPRAYER: Father, as we study the Beatitudes and Similitudes, please show me how I, as Your disciple, ought to live.
Matthew 5 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them Matthew 5:1-2 PRAYER: Father, as we study the Beatitudes
More informationSt Charles RC Primary School
St Charles RC Primary School 1) Blessed are the poor in heart for theirs is the kingdom of heaven 2) Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted 3) Blessed are the meek for they will inherit
More informationGet Real! Beatitudes: The Ethics of Grace
June 14, 2009 College Park Church Get Real! Beatitudes: The Ethics of Grace Matthew 5:1-12 Mark Vroegop Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2
More informationTHE NEW REALITY --- THE BEATITUDES
THE NEW REALITY --- THE BEATITUDES Water from Rock, January 10, 2017, Tim Smith The Gospel of Matthew concludes with Jesus Great Commission sending His disciples to the whole world: Matthew 28:18-20 18
More informationSunday School Lesson for September 21, 2008 Released on September 17, "Finding True Happiness"
Sunday School Lesson for September 21, 2008 Released on September 17, 2008 "Finding True Happiness" Printed Text: Matthew 5:1 16. Background Scripture: Matthew 5:1 7:28. Devotional Reading: Numbers 6:22
More informationIntroduction to the greatest sermon ever spoken: Jan 25, 2017
Introduction to the greatest sermon ever spoken: Jan 25, 2017 1 Introduction Often called the Magna Carta of Jesus : (Constitution) Don t think I ve come to abolish the Law or the Prophets: I have not
More informationWho Thrives in the Kingdom of God? (Part 1) Matthew 5:1-6
Who Thrives in the Kingdom of God? (Part 1) Matthew 5:1-6 This morning we begin to wade out into the deep waters of the Sermon on the Mount (SoM) as recorded in Matthew 5, 6 and 7. John Stott comments
More informationLiving in Contradiction
Living in Contradiction Living in Contradiction Genesis 1:27-28 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said
More informationGuide. Study. Matthew 5:3-6 August 27, 2017 Characteristics of True Disciples (Part One) Welcome (40 Minutes) Word (45 Minutes) Worship (5 Minutes)
Study Guide Matthew 5:3-6 August 27, 2017 Characteristics of True Disciples (Part One) Welcome (40 Minutes) Be intentional to have authentic relationships Worship (5 Minutes) As the group transitions from
More informationCreative. Communications. Sample
SESSION 1 Blessed Are You SESSION 2 Salt and Light SESSION 3 Prayer and Fasting SESSION 4 Do Not Worry SESSION 5 Judge Not SESSION 6 Build on Rock A 6 SESSION BIBLE STUDY FOR LENT leader s guide INTRODUCTION
More informationGod Chooses What is Foolish and Weak
God Chooses What is Foolish and Weak FOURTH SUNDAY OF THE EPIPHANY [a] MATTHEW 5:1-12 1 Seeing the crowds, [Jesus] went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 And he opened
More informationThe B Attitudes. The B Attitudes. The B Attitudes. The B Attitudes. The B Attitudes. Matthew 5:3a (NIV) 3a Blessed are the poor in spirit
Matthew 5:a (NIV) a Blessed are the poor in spirit Matthew 5: (NIV) Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:4a (NIV) 4a Blessed are those who mourn Matthew 5:4 (NIV)
More informationCOUNTER REVOLUTION: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT
COUNTER REVOLUTION: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT We re in the world. And we re for it. But we re not of it. We don t march to it s beat. We march to a beat that transcends this city and its culture, this world
More informationWhen Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to Him and He began to teach them, saying
When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to Him and He began to teach them, saying The Beatitudes MATTHEW 5:1 12 Sermon On The Mount Theme: Kingdom Life
More informationThe Eight Beatitudes Matthew 5:1-10. Something Catholic Extended 2/12/2015 By Michael Delaney
The Eight Beatitudes Matthew 5:1-10. Something Catholic Extended 2/12/2015 By Michael Delaney This is a Painting of a Happy Man More on this later The Sermon on the Mount, the traditional name for the
More informationE to F Matthew 5:1-6. New because Jesus invites into something totally new: a new life and new way of living.
Introduction: Pg. 809 - Dismiss Kids E to F Matthew 5:1-6 This morning we are going to begin our journey through what has been referred to as Jesus Magnum Opus The Sermon on the Mount is his longest and
More informationExcerpt from The Gospel According to Matthew (1st c. CE)
Excerpt from The Gospel According to Matthew (1st c. CE) Matthew 5:1-12; 5:21-26; 5:38-48; 6:8-13; 7:7-12.The Bible. New American Standard Version. The Gospel According to Matthew 5-7 features the Sermon
More informationQUESTION 69. The Beatitudes
QUESTION 69 The Beatitudes We next have to consider the beatitudes. On this topic there are four questions: (1) Do the beatitudes differ from the gifts and the virtues? (2) Do the rewards attributed to
More informationSeek First the Kingdom
THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF WEST TEXAS Seek First the Kingdom The Kingdom of Heaven in the Gospel of Matthew Session Three: Second Sunday in Lent Important Clues to Kingdom Living Opening Prayer Grant us,
More informationBlessed. As we begin this morning, let s read from the first Psalm.
Blessed As we begin this morning, let s read from the first Psalm. How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path (or way) of sinners, Nor sit in the seat
More informationWesley United Methodist Church January 29, 2017 Text: Micah 6:1-8 Matthew 5:1-12 Title: Who Are You? Embody Beatitude Living
Wesley United Methodist Church January 29, 2017 Text: Micah 6:1-8 Matthew 5:1-12 Title: Who Are You? Embody Beatitude Living We have just heard the beginning of the section of Matthew s Gospel known as
More informationUpper Level Discipleship
Upper Level Discipleship Date: February 17, 2019 Place: Lakewood UMC Text: Luke 6:17-26 Theme: Beatitudes, discipleship, Occasion: Epiphany 6, Year C happiness Anyone who has been a teacher will appreciate
More informationWeek of September 23, 2012 Back to Basics
Week of September 23, 2012 Back to Basics Passage Outline: 1. Your Inner Attitude (Matt. 5:1-6) 2. Your Outward Relationships (Matt. 5:7-12) 3. Your Worldwide Influence (Matt. 5:13-16) What s This About?
More informationTHE BEATITUDES. A GAMES WORKSHOP written by Amy Crane
THE BEATITUDES A GAMES WORKSHOP written by Amy Crane Note: Amy revised and improved this lesson and posted it in the Writing Team s Beatitudes Games Workshop (open to supporting members) http://www.rotation.org/forum/beatitudes-lessons
More informationBible Passages Way of Life
Ways to prepare a set of Bible Passages cards: 1 Write the passage on one side of a file card and the reference/content summary on the other side. Suggestion: laminate the cards. 2 Download the ready-to-print
More informationWhat matters is living the good life
What matters is living the good life What matters in life The Sermon on the Mount - Session 1 i 1 To explore whether being a follower of Jesus is ultimately the good life (from Matthew 5:1-16). Matthew
More informationTRANS Today I will introduce the BE God s People series to frame our expectations for God s Word each week.
03 June 2018 BE God s People: A Study of the Beatitudes Matthew 5:1-12; 1 Peter 2:9-10 Summer 2018 Main Point of Series: Jesus sets people free and transforms to live in God s blessing by Kingdom values.
More informationTHE SERMON ON THE MOUNT: POWER OVER PRIDE
THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT: POWER OVER PRIDE Introduction: IN God s New Humanity Matthew 5, 6 & 7 1. The context of the sermon (1) The occasion.--immediately following a night of prayer and the selection
More informationBLESSED MEN OF GOD. Questions based on the article (Page 3) 1. Why is Matthew 5:3-12 regarded as the true description of a blessed person?
Blessed Men of God Bible Witness (Volume 9, Issue 3) Page 1 BLESSED MEN OF GOD Questions based on the article (Page 3) 1. Why is Matthew 5:3-12 regarded as the true description of a blessed person? 2.
More informationHungering and Thirsting for Righteousness
B Hungering and Thirsting for Righteousness Psalm 1:1-6; Matthew 5:1-12 (text) Rev. Nollie Malabuyo February 25, 2018 (BSCC) eloved Congregation of Christ: Our text this morning, commonly known as the
More informationChapter 4. The Ministry and Message of Jesus Christ
Chapter 4 The Ministry and Message of Jesus Christ Chapter Outline Jesus invites us all, especially those on the margins, outsiders, outcasts, into the Kingdom of God Jesus is unorthodox in his approach
More informationJESUS GREATEST HITS PT4 Growth Group Notes Week 1 PASTOR BOB RICE: SUNDAY FEBRUARY 4, 2018
Main Text: Matthew 5:1-12 Hit: Happy JESUS GREATEST HITS PT4 Growth Group Notes Week 1 PASTOR BOB RICE: SUNDAY FEBRUARY 4, 2018 Premise: Happiness is found in unusual places that we may never look. This
More informationSpiritual Mountain Climbing Destiny Lessons from the Beatitudes Ken Birks, Pastor/Teacher
Spiritual Mountain Climbing Destiny Lessons from the Beatitudes I. Introductory Remarks - Matthew 5:3-12 In this lesson we will be focusing on the beatitudes of Christ as an upward Journey towards fulfilling
More informationThe BE Attitudes Matthew 5: Part 1 of 3 (vv. 1-5)
The BE Attitudes Matthew 5:1-1616 Part 1 of 3 (vv. 1-5) True Righteousness What is true righteousness? Vs 20 is, I Think the key to understanding the purpose for the Sermon on the Mount 20 For I say to
More informationSermon on the Mount Lesson 2 Video, Kay Arthur (24:52) [On the Mount of Beatitudes] 1/21/2010
Sermon on the Mount Lesson 2 Video, Kay Arthur (24:52) [On the Mount of Beatitudes] 1/21/2010 You Can Know Heaven s Yours Blessed = makarios = to have a change of mind. Poor = so poor, so destitute, so
More informationYEAR A, EPIPHANY 4 RCL, SUNDAY MASS: MICAH 6:1-8; PSALM 15; 1 CORINTHIANS 1:18-31; MATTHEW 5:1-12
The First Lesson. The Reader begins A Reading from the Book of Micah Hear what the LORD says: Arise, plead your case before the mountains, and let the hills hear your voice. 2 Hear, you mountains, the
More informationThe Sermon on the Mount
Sermon on the Mount 2b - 1 The Sermon on the Mount The Beatitudes - Part 2 (Matt 5:3-12) INTRODUCTION: I. When Jesus began His ministry, the Scriptures tell us He began preaching in the region of Galilee.
More informationSTEWARDSHIP. Rethinking. Terri Martinson Elton. re think
re think verb gerund or present participle: rethinking rēˈthingk/ think again about (something such as a policy or course of action), especially in order to make changes to it. "the government was forced
More information#jesusisenough l part 7 SOM 3 l Satisfied. Retief Uys
#jesusisenough l part 7 SOM 3 l Satisfied Retief Uys #jesusisenough ENCOUNTER, CONNECTION and RELATIONSHIP #2019 Year of RESURRECTIONS #1 Need to be the BURNING ONES #2 Mary Moments @ His feet #3 Found
More informationRefine Women s Ministry Introduction To The Beatitudes: Matthew 5:1-12 Beatitude #1 September 13, 2017 by Kim Peelen
Refine Women s Ministry Introduction To The Beatitudes: Matthew 5:1-12 Beatitude #1 September 13, 2017 by Kim Peelen The Bible is not an end in itself, but a means to bring men to an intimate and satisfying
More informationBlessed are the Meek
Series on Walking & Talking Prayer & Holiness - Communication With God - Living in Light of Holiness - Pictures of Practical Holiness Life in this Kingdom - Drawn to Demonstrated Power & Authority Jesus
More informationThe Beatitudes of Jesus
The Beatitudes of Jesus Lesson 1 Introduction Read Matthew 5:1-12 A business man, upon hearing a series of sermons on the Beatitudes, walked out of church services one day and never returned When asked
More informationStart a Fire! Rock Spring Congregational United Church of Christ Rev. Dr. Kathryn Nystrand Dwyer February 5, 2017
Start a Fire! Rock Spring Congregational United Church of Christ Rev. Dr. Kathryn Nystrand Dwyer February 5, 2017 Isaiah 58:1-12 58Shout out, do not hold back! Lift up your voice like a trumpet! Announce
More informationRev. Troy Lynn Pritt February 6, 2011 Page 1
Rev. Troy Lynn Pritt February 6, 2011 Page 1 The Sermon on the Mount Part 1 - BEATITUDES Matthew 5:1-12 What is the nature of true happiness? How can we find happiness in this life of sin, violence, corruption,
More information1 SOPHIA INSTITUTE FOR TEACHERS. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 5:3. Who are the poor in spirit?
HANDOUT A Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 5:3 Who are the poor in spirit? A. James 2:5 B. 2 Corinthians 6:10 How is Jesus poor? A. 2 Corinthians 8:9 B. Three
More informationSeek First the Kingdom of God New Year Sermon 2014
Seek First the Kingdom of God New Year Sermon 2014 Welcome: At start of the service I want to begin by wishing you all a Happy New Year May God fulfil his purposes in you this coming year It is a time
More informationGOSPEL READINGS please choose one
GOSPEL READINGS please choose one G-1 + A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 5:1-12a When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to
More informationTeachings of Jesus Blessed Are the Merciful Matthew 5:7
Teachings of Jesus Blessed Are the Merciful Matthew 5:7 Introduction The beatitudes are the eight statements of blessing spoken by Jesus at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew Chapter 5.
More information52 STORIES OF THE BIBLE
52 STORIES OF THE BIBLE by Dr. Bill Mounce Brought to you by your friends at 30. The Beatitudes I. Introduction Early on in Jesus ministry he went up on a mountain and there he preached his most famous
More informationThe Call to Discipleship
The Call to Discipleship (Worksheet for Sponsor & Student) Goals: To help the candidate realize that by their Baptism they have been called as members of the Christian community. To help them understand
More informationSession 13: The Gospel of Matthew Bible Study in Plain English
Session 13: The Gospel of Matthew Bible Study in Plain English By Bill Huebsch Session Thirteen: The Gospel of Matthew The Gospel of Matthew: A sermon book? The Gospel of Matthew might have been written
More informationMeeting With Christ. THE BEATITUDES AND THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT (part one) Searching for an internal unity. Paul, a commentator of Jesus teaching
Meeting With Christ Practical and Exegetical Studies on the Words of Jesus Christ Yves I-Bing Cheng, M.D., M.A. Based on sermons of Pasteur Eric Chang www.meetingwithchrist.com THE BEATITUDES AND THE FRUIT
More informationThe Synoptic Gospels 4A
The Synoptic Gospels 4A Read Mark 1:14-15; 1:35-39; Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25; 5:1-7:28; 14:3; Luke 4:14-30; 6:20-49 and answer the following questions. 1. Who, exactly, is Herod the Tetrarch of Matthew 14:1?
More informationClark Nolen Ken Broom
Clark Nolen Ken Broom I do think we re all kind of in this big, worldwide reality television game. And we re all competing to see who has the best life with the best boyfriend or girlfriend having the
More informationFebruary 18, 2018 Matthew 5:1-12
February 18, 2018 Matthew 5:1-12 Today we continue our series of messages on the Beatitudes, with a message on the seventh beatitude blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
More informationHomily Resources for Epiphany 4 January 29, 2017
Homily Resources for Epiphany 4 January 29, 2017 The year 2017 marks two important events in the life of our churches: The 500th anniversary of the Reformation, and the 50th anniversary of the Lutheran-Roman
More informationSetting the Context. Jesus is beginning his three years of public ministry.
Setting the Context. Jesus is beginning his three years of public ministry. He has been baptized by John, and spent 40 days in the wilderness being tempted by Satan. (Mt. 3-4) John has been arrested and
More informationCHAPTER FOUR. Jesus as Moral Guide. Called to Beatitude. Called to Beatitude. beatitude
CHAPTER FOUR Jesus as Moral Guide Called to Beatitude beatitude An attitude guiding us to follow Jesus more closely in order to achieve holiness and happiness. Called to Beatitude In the Beatitudes, we
More informationThe Gospel of Matthew Week Four Matthew 4:12-5:12. Day One
The Gospel of Matthew Week Four Matthew 4:12-5:12 Day One 12 When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee. 13 Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by
More informationQUARTER ONE The Life Of Christ Part One Birth thru Great Galilean Ministry
QUARTER ONE The Life Of Christ Part One Birth thru Great Galilean Ministry *Day 5 of this weeks study introduces us to the Sermon on the Mount. *This sermon goes from Matthew 5 thru Matthew 7 and can be
More informationPrayers Your Children Need To Know. First Grade
Prayers Your Children Need To Know First Grade Sign of the Cross In the name of the Father + and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Hail Mary Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you! Blessed
More informationSyro Malabar Church UK On The Path of Salvation Year 7 Teachings of Jesus Revision Notes
Lesson 1: To Attain Eternal Life Learn the 10 commandments Syro Malabar Church UK Greatest commandment or the two commandments which summaries all the 10 commandments: You shall love the Lord your God
More informationSession 1: Introduction to the Themes of Catholic Social Principles
Session 1: Introduction to the Themes of Catholic Social Principles living the Faith celebrating Prayer promoting Justice ready to Serve Song Blest Are They - David Hass Blest are they, the poor in spirit;
More informationMatthew 5:12, Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.
All Saints Sunday Year A Matthew 5:1-12 Blessed in Christ Goal: That the hearers believe more firmly that they are blessed eternally through the merits of Jesus Christ. Matthew 5:12, Rejoice and be glad,
More informationImproving Your Serve Lesson 9 Matthew 5:1-12
Improving Your Serve Lesson 9 Matthew 5:1-12 Portrait of a Servant Our study opens with what might seem to be a very straightforward question, what do you want to be when you grow up? However, as we carefully
More informationBLESSED COMMUNITY. Psalm 15 January 29, 2017
BLESSED COMMUNITY Epiphany 4, Year A: Micah 6:1-8 Rainey Gamble Dankel Psalm 15 January 29, 2017 Matthew 5:1-12 Trinity Church Key Passages: He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord
More informationPOWERLESS. Step One We admitted we were powerless over alcohol [sin] that our lives had become unmanageable.
First Sunday in Lent Matthew 5:1-16 POWERLESS Step One We admitted we were powerless over alcohol [sin] that our lives had become unmanageable. Most of you are not in AA. I am aware that it may annoy you
More informationA SERVICE OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY
A SERVICE OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY SUNDAY, JANUARY 24TH, 2016 @ 4:00 P.M. ST. JOHN S DIXIE - PEACE CHAPEL 737 DUNDAS ST. E, MISSISSAUGA Processional Hymn: #10 WE, THE LORD S PEOPLE Please stand &
More informationMatthew 5:1-12 Beatitudes. A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew:
Matthew 5:1-12 Beatitudes A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew: G-A When he saw the crowds, Jesus went up the mountain and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach
More informationGOD HAS VISITED HIS PEOPLE (LUKE 7:16) READING LUKE IN THE HOLY LAND. Sermon on the Plain
GOD HAS VISITED HIS PEOPLE (LUKE 7:16) READING LUKE IN THE HOLY LAND Sermon on the Plain READING LUKE IN THE HOLY LAND 1. Introduction 2. Preaching in Nazareth 3. Sermon on the Plain 4. Prayer 5. Transfiguration
More informationThe Beatitudes Matthew 5:3-12
The Beatitudes Matthew 5:3-12 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
More informationPRETEEN. June July August 2018 Unit 1 Judges: Muscles, Morals, and Miracles
PRETEEN June July August 2018 Unit 1 Judges: Muscles, Morals, and Miracles Unit Bible Truth: Sin brings serious consequences, but God faithfully shows mercy to His people. Unit Realize the importance of
More informationTEN ATTITUDES OF VICTORIOUS LIVING
TEN ATTITUDES OF VICTORIOUS LIVING Part 10 Loving Servant Philippians 2:1-11 11 Presented by Pastor Matt MacCollin August 20, 2017 What a wonderful summer study these past ten weeks have been. In your
More informationThe Golden Rule of Love
In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Matt 7:12. It is from this statement, and Jesus declaration of the greatest commandments,
More informationTHE STRUCTURE, MEANING, AND KINGDOM RELATIONSHIPS OF THE BEATITUDES: MATTHEW 5:3-12. By Stephen B. Plaster, Ph.D.
THE STRUCTURE, MEANING, AND KINGDOM RELATIONSHIPS OF THE BEATITUDES: MATTHEW 5:3-12 By Stephen B. Plaster, Ph.D. 1 One of the many highlights of the Gospel of Matthew is the introduction to the Sermon
More informationWho is the Spiritually Prosperous Person?
HOME BIBLE STUDIES & SERMONS ABIDING IN CHRIST SEARCH DEVOTIONS PERSONAL GROWTH LINKS LATEST ADDITION Matthew 5:3 Who is the Spiritually Prosperous Person? There are three questions people in the media
More informationPreaching Discipleship: The Preamble Matthew 5:1-12 January 30, 2010
Preaching Discipleship: The Preamble Matthew 5:1-12 January 30, 2010 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught
More informationThe Sermon on the Mount Matthew 5 Don Ruhl Savage Street, Grants Pass, Oregon November 22, In the year of our Lord, 2017
Prelude: The Sermon on the Mount; Matt 5; 04111; Page 1 of 8 The Sermon on the Mount Matthew 5 Don Ruhl Savage Street, Grants Pass, Oregon November 22, In the year of our Lord, 2017 I. What do you think
More information2. Please examine these word studies of some of the key words used for this passage.
Lesson 3 Matthew 5:3-7 Introduction The lesson this week will focus on Matthew 5:3-7. Please allow the message that the Holy Spirit has for you to penetrate your spirit. I challenge you to not read the
More informationFrom that time Jesus began to preach and to say, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matt. 4:17
From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matt. 4:17 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen
More informationLuke 6:20-26 Sooner or Later
Luke 6:20-26 Sooner or Later A quick survey of the bookshelves of Barnes and Noble or a quick search on Amazon.com will bring to view a seemingly endless number of books on how to live well. We are obsessed
More informationSESSION 1 : THE BEATITUDES, PART 1
SESSION 1 : THE BEATITUDES, PART 1 SCRIPTURE MATTHEW 5:1 5 WELCOME Welcome to this study of the Sermon on the Mount! Together we will be challenged by Jesus teachings, and we will find in God and this
More informationGrowing Up with Jesus. Part 1: Firstborn Among Many
Growing Up with Jesus Part 1: Firstborn Among Many Friends & Fellowship Taught by the Holy Spirit through Wilfred Ju Study Plan Session Date Topic Title 1 June 10 The Coming of God's Anointed 2 June 17
More informationBlessings and Woes. Luke 6: 17-26
Blessings and Woes Luke 6: 17-26 It is amazing to me how God always gives us the word we need to hear in a particular time and in a particular place. Notice I did not say Want to hear. I said that God
More informationPersecution. 1. Relevant or Irrelevant?
Series on Prayer & Holiness - Practical Holiness Matthew 5-9 - Beatitudes blessed are.. * radical in teaching vs religion of the day * transformational in living vs rules that are imposed * powerful in
More information4 th GRADE Alive in Christ
4 th GRADE Alive in Christ Begin 4 th grade with the Opening Lesson - an Introduction to the year The church year feasts and seasons can be found in the beginning of the text. These can be done throughout
More informationThe Story of Redemption
The Story of Redemption How Does God Want Me To Live? Copyright James Nored 2003 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any
More information#TheGreatestBook. Adult Studies. Rediscovering God s Word
#TheGreatestBook Adult Studies Rediscovering God s Word Being Involved with Jesus as Participants in His Mission by Mark Naylor Text: Matthew 5:1-16 Key Question: What does it mean to follow Jesus, to
More informationThe Beatitudes Matthew 5:1-12
Lesson 222 The Beatitudes Matthew 5:1-12 MEMORY VERSE MATTHEW 5:12a Rejoic e and be exc eedingly glad, for great is your rew ard in heaven..." WHAT YOU WILL NEED: A clear glass, water, food coloring, vegetable
More informationDive Justice. Year 3, Unit 2
Dive Justice Year 3, Unit 2 Dive Dear Family, Thanks for sending your young teen to church each week to spend time in God s Word. Here s what we ll be exploring together in the following weeks: Session
More information(Matthew 5:1) When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him.
Commentary on Matthew 5:1-12 By L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Series) for Sunday, October 30, 2011, is from Matthew 5:1-12. Five Questions for Discussion and
More informationMarks of a Christian: 3 Blessed January Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6: 1-8, I Corinthians 3: 18-31
Marks of a Christian: 3 Blessed January 23.2004 Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6: 1-8, I Corinthians 3: 18-31 What does the word blessed mean to you? You may think this is a silly question; you may say, We all
More information