Developing the Right Qualities The Weekend of September 22nd & 23rd, 2012

Why Is Today’s Study Important? Many people do not understand what it means to be a follower of Jesus. They assume it’s just a matter of thinking the right thoughts and doing the right things. But, being a Christian is having a personal relationship with Jesus that changes us from the inside out – thus developing the right qualities. Let’s pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide and direct our study!

Your Inner Attitude Matthew 5:1-6 Jesus … began to teach them, saying: 3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

The Beatitudes Blessed are the poor in spirit: This is small “s” spirit referring to our inner attitude. It means to recognize we CANNOT please God. God’s standards are very high = Holy! When we recognize our vast spiritual need, we have an attitude adjustment. This is the first step to receiving God’s gift of salvation in Jesus. This is where it all begins – recognizing our spiritual poverty.

The Beatitudes He never leaves us! Blessed are they who mourn – they will be comforted. Have you every mourned over your sinfulness? You will be assured of forgiveness. We mourn also our sin’s destructive effects. Losses bring sadness – that’s life’s reality. Mourning over a loss is just as natural as bleeding when cut. Our Jesus walks with us through our grieving process. He never leaves us!

The Beatitudes Blessed are the meek – they will inherit the earth. Being meek is a spiritual challenge; Being meek does not mean being a “push-over.” We can be meek even while standing up strongly for Jesus. The world says, “the meek are losers.” God says, “the meek will inherit the earth.” We will reign with Jesus, in the same way He did, “like a lamb let to slaughter.”

The Beatitudes Blessed are the hungry and thirsty for righteousness – they will be filled. This is not salvation righteousness – but a desire to live our lives for Jesus. We will grow in our desire to please Jesus more and more with how we live. We want to grow in “right living” and not think “well, I am saved…that’s good enough.”

How Do You Fair? How would you rank or rate these inner attitudes as you display them in your life? 1 = very obvious…..to…..4 = less obvious ____ Poor in Spirit; _____ Mourning; ____ Meek and Gentle; ____ Hunger & Thirst for Righteousness; How might this evaluation shape your ongoing prayers for growth?

Your Outward Relationships Matthew 5:7-12 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Your Outward Relationships 11 "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

The Beatitudes Blessed are the merciful – they will be shown mercy. Ever refused to show mercy because “you didn’t want to get involved?” Showing mercy comes in all kinds of ways: We can’t help everyone, but we can determine how we can help and when before we come face to face with those situations. Offering money, kind words, practical deeds, sharing tears, forgiveness for failure, transportation, meals, encouraging letters/emails and caring phone calls.

The Beatitudes Blessed are the pure in heart – they will see God. Our heart is the very core of our being – our thoughts, feelings, intentions, values and longings come from this center core. When our hearts are cleansed by Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit; We see God, meaning we better understand His ways and His purposes.

The Beatitudes Blessed are the peacemakers– they are sons of God. God is supreme peacemaker – making peace between sinners and Himself. Being won by peace, God uses us to reconcile others to God and to each other; The Church’s outreach efforts are good illustrations of believers making peace between God and people.

The Beatitudes Blessed are the persecuted – theirs is the Kingdom of God. This sounds paradoxical – doesn’t seem to fit. This is persecution for the sake of Jesus; It can include insults, false accusations, slander, gossip and even death. But even in persecution, the promise of God’s Kingdom is sure. Persecuted Christians = Persecuted Prophets

How Do You Fair? How would you rank or rate these outward relationships in your life? 1 = very obvious…..to…..4 = less obvious ____ Merciful; _____ Pure in Heart; ____ Peacemakers; ____ Persecuted for Righteousness; How might this evaluation shape your ongoing prayers for growth?

Your Worldwide Influence Matthew 5:13-16 13 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.

Your Worldwide Influence 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Your Worldwide Influence Our influence in the world is to be like salt that both preserves and flavors food. To preserve meat or flavor food, salt must get in the foods. We, too, cannot flavor our world by avoiding it. We are to be the most upright, friendly, available, thoughtful, considerate and helpful people of the world. As salt, we can check bad behavior and create a thirst for the water of Life – Jesus.

Your Worldwide Influence We are the light of the world as we reflect Jesus to those around us. Cities built on high places are easily seen. Lamps are placed on elevated stands to fill the whole room with light. Likewise, we believers are to be open and obvious Christians in all activities, shining the light of God’s truth in a spiritually darkened world.

This is a “No-Light” Lighthouse This is a REAL Lighthouse What’s the difference? Which One are We? This is a “No-Light” Lighthouse This is a REAL Lighthouse

Your Worldwide Influence Our works are not only to be “good” but especially attractive, meaning admirable and reflective of the quality of Jesus’ character. Our good works are NOT intended to draw the spotlight to us but to God. Jesus doesn’t want us to be spiritual “show-offs.” He wants us to live and serve in ways that show God at work in our lives.

How Do You Fair? As you consider being “salt of the earth” and “light of the world,” what percentage of your typical day do you send around people who need that salt or light? _____ % Is this adequate for you to exercise an influence on their lives? In other words, if the salt stays only in the salt shaker, what influence will it have on the food? 20 50

How Do You Fair? How can you be more intentional about being salt and light in your world? One answer among many would be to consider joining our group called Light 516. We are dedicated to making a difference in our community and to let our light shine. Our next meeting date is October 7th!