Gospel Light Church Matthew series #7

April 26th, 2026

“The Character of True Followers”

Matthew 5:1–20 (NKJV)

INTRO:

The Blueprint of the Blessed Life

Jesus begins the Sermon on the Mount by defining the DNA of His disciples. This is not about religion—it is about identity.

“God is more interested in who you are than in what you do—because who you are determines what you do.” – Greg Laurie

• Before Jesus talks about actions, He shapes attitudes.
• This is the “Declaration of the Kingdom”

Blessed = Happy – not in a modern sense but in the truest, Godly sense of the word

• I Tim. 1:11 – “according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God”

What truly makes you HAPPY?

Philippians 3:20

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

THE ATTITUDE OF KINGDOM CITIZENS (5:1–12)

“Blessed are…”

The Beatitudes describe the inner life of a true disciple.

A Heart That Is Empty Before God (v. 3–4)

• • • Poor in spirit…. spiritual bankruptcy
    • Those who mourn ……grief over sin

“The way to rise in the kingdom is to sink in ourselves.” C.H Spurgeon

• You must first be emptied of yourself before you are filled with the Spirit of God!

A Heart That Is Submitted to God (v. 5–6)

• • • Meek…. surrendered strength / strength in control
    • Hunger and thirst for righteousness …. spiritual appetite

“These are not natural traits—they are supernatural qualities produced by a life surrendered to God.” David Guzik

*What you hunger for reveals who you are. **

A Heart That Reflects God (v. 7–12)

• • • Merciful
    • Pure in heart
    • Peacemakers
    • Willing to suffer persecution

“If you live like Jesus, you will not always be applauded—but you will always be blessed.” –

Greg Laurie

• Do I see my need for God daily?
• What am I truly hungry for?
• Am I willing to stand for Christ even when it costs me?

THE ASSIGNMENT OF KINGDOM CITIZENS (5:13–16)

“You are the salt… You are the light…”

Jesus moves from character to calling.

Salt: Preserving Influence (v. 13)

• • • Slows decay
    • Adds flavor
    • (Illustration of Magdala in Israel)

*We are called to impact culture, not blend into it.

“The follower of Jesus must be distinct—if we are not different, we are not effective.” – David Guzzik

Light: Visible Witness (v. 14–16)

• • • A city on a hill
    • (Illustration of Sussita – a city set on a hill)
    • A lamp on a stand

Christianity is not private—it is visible.

“We are to shine, not to hide; to be seen, not concealed.” – C.H Spurgeon

• • • For a world in darkness, even the smallest light shines bright!
    • Be a GLOW WORM!
    • Am I influencing others or being influenced?
    • Is my faith visible in everyday life?
    • Would anyone come to Christ because of what they see in me?

THE AUTHORITY OF KINGDOM CITIZENS (5:17–20)

“I did not come to destroy but to fulfill…”

Jesus clarifies His relationship to the Law.

• Jesus was the ONLY one that could ever live by the law.

Jesus Fulfills the Law (v. 17–18)

• • • He completes what the law pointed toward
    • He embodies righteousness

“Jesus fulfilled the law in every sense—He obeyed it, revealed its true meaning, and accomplished its purpose.” – David Guzik

True Greatness in the Kingdom (v. 19)

• • • Obedience matters
    • Teaching others matters
    • Discipleship / teaching is of upmost importance in the kingdom.

A Greater Righteousness (v. 20)

• • • Not outward religion
    • Checklist Christianity must be replaced with a devoted walk with Christ
    • Inward transformation is greater!

“It’s not about external compliance—it’s about internal change.”

Identity Before Activity

Before Jesus tells us what to do, He tells us who we are.

*You are:

• • • Blessed
    • Salt
    • Light
    • Called to true righteousness

SO WHAT?………..

• • • Are you living from your identity in Christ? Or are you trying to earn what God has already given?

The kingdom life begins on the inside—and works its way out.