Practical Christianity Jesus’s lessons of application and conclusion February 2019

Readings Matthew 5 : 13-22; 27-28; 31-32; 33-40; 43-48 Matthew 5 -7 Reference: Martyn Lloyd-Jones “Studies in the Sermon on the Mount”

Building Something Tangible Practical Christianity Meekness is real strength “Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth Blessed are the poor in Spirit for theirs is the KOG Humility before Christ “Without sorrow there is no joy” Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted Blessed are the Pure Hearted for they shall see God Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called Sons of God Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness for theirs is the KOH Jesus‘s lessons of application and conclusion Righteousness the road to blessedness and fulfilment Mercy – the ultimate Christian test! Building the Foundation

Our focus Matthew 5 vs 13-48 The examples Jesus gives us of how to live according to the beatitudes and therefore be the salt of the earth and the light of the world

An overview of the SOM The foundation and context Jesus teaches the beatitudes Effect of the beatitudes is to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world How do we do this? Key principles of application Examples of application

The context and foundation Jesus was preaching to believers These believers were steeped in Judaism and the law. Their history was that of being religious but not Christ followers Sceptism & hesitancy of this new “way” was the order of the day Jesus presents them with the absolute truth with three simple messages: He is in the Father and the Father is in him His Word is the truth He is the only way If we accept Jesus as our Saviour we will be empowered by the Spirit to live lives as characterised by his teaching in the beatitudes

Absolute Truth & God’s Word What is it? It is irrefutable and provides the basis from which we move The rising of the sun in the east God’s word is irrefutable. There are many mysteries yet to be revealed God works in realms that the human mind can never hope to understand God’s Word clearly teaches: That every man is sinful and separated from God Belief in and acceptance of Jesus is the only way to salvation So – if we don’t believe God’s word as the absolute truth then what are we doing here today?

The consequences of choice Non acceptance of God’s word as absolute truth results in: Sin being treated as nothing more than an irritating headache Believing we have lots of time before death to get our souls right with God Superficial Christian lifestyles characterized by: Being religious and striving to do good as an end in itself Choosing what faith we want to apply and when it suits us Its all a a matter of priorities

So ..... Do you believe the Word of God as the irrefutable absolute truth? Read the Word of God like a child!

Jesus knew all this so he teaches, those who claim to be His, the beatitudes The beatitudes describe Godly values and ways of living that distinguishes the Christian from others We cannot live our lives as taught in the beatitudes as part of our natural beings – only through empowerment by the Holy Spirit

“The most terrible sermon ...” The beatitudes cut us to the core There is nowhere to hide They describe the Perfect Christ follower But by the GRACE OF GOD all we have to do is believe in and accept Jesus as our Saviour Receive the Holy Sprit to empower us!

How do we shape up? How aligned is your life with the beatitudes Does the Holy Spirit create a conscience of absolute obedience in your life? How often do you read the beatitudes?

The Effect If we live our lives as spelled out by the beatitudes we will become Trophies of Grace in our Father’s eyes. We will be the salt of the earth and the light of the world We will be his instruments of worship and His witnesses to the world

How do we do this? By accepting the His Word as the absolute irrefutable truth By being obedient to and trusting in the principles of application that Jesus gives us in His Word By being Spirit led Jesus does not leave us on our own to live the impossible. He gives us structure in His Word and a Counsellor as guide and teacher

The 4 Principles of application Jesus came to fulfill the law – keep our eyes on Jesus. He is all sufficient! Our righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees – we must be perfect as Jesus is perfect. As Christians we are clothed with the righteousness of Jesus and as His children we have inherited His perfection Jesus is Love and we have the love of Jesus in us - Being the salt and light of the world means as Christians we must be the Love of the World! It is the spirit rather than the letter of the law that lies at the heart of us being able to live as beatitude abiding trophies of Grace

Jesus’s examples Thou shall not kill Taking of oaths Divorce Application Beatitude Thou shall not kill Taking of oaths Divorce Eye for an eye The cloak and the second mile Love your enemies Poor in spirit Mourn Meek Hunger & thirst for righteousness Merciful Pure in heart Peacemakers Persecuted

How does Jesus conclude His challenge to each of us? What do you do more than others? Matthew 5:48 “Be perfect therefore, as your heavenly father is perfect”

An overview of the SOM The foundation and context Jesus teaches the beatitudes Effect of the beatitudes is to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world How do we do this? Key principles of application Examples of application

The Beatitudes, more than anything teach about, and illustrate, the Grace of God. Let’s watch a video that sums up so much of what we have covered over the past year

Let us pray!