Matthew 5-6-7 is the handbook for a disciple of Jesus.
Three Hebrew Words
1 – Hagah = take the word in
2 – Halak = walk the word out
3 – Hazak = with strength and courage
Read Joshua 1:7-9
Why are relationships so hard?
Read Genesis 2:21-25
Their deepest needs were met by God. And therefore, they didn’t have to get their deepest needs met by one another.
The need for , the need for , and the need for .
Read Genesis 3:9-13
Read Genesis 6:5-6
Read James 4:1-5
So what did God do after the fall of humanity to bring order into the chaos of broken human relationships?
God gave the Law, the 10 commandments, to govern human relationships.
Read Exodus 20:12-17
If the 10 commandments are the base-level of morality, what is the ceiling? The ceiling is the teaching of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount.
Don’t insult someone nor call them a fool (worthless).
Don’t lust (making another less than human and only an object).
Don’t throw away your marriage relationship which God gave you for good.
Turn the other cheek when someone offends you.
Give to the one who begs from you.
Love your enemies.
Pray for those who persecute you.
Don’t judge the speck in your neighbor’s eye.
If Jesus’ disciples don’t look any different from the rest of the world, how will anyone know the Kingdom of God is near?
There is more at-stake in being a disciple of Jesus than your own personal salvation. The salvation of others and the reign of God’s Kingdom on earth is also at-stake.
Friends, we were made for more than to sit on our salvation and wait on Heaven. We were made to take back territory from the enemy.
#1 – One day Jesus will right every wrong.
#2 – We are to seek our reward from Jesus alone.
If you took Jesus’ teaching seriously, what would be different about your life tomorrow?
If it were up to you and your obedience to Jesus, would anyone ever taste or see the Kingdom of God?