The Disposition of the Kingdom

Posted in Message Notes

The Disposition Of The Kingdom

Matthew 5:1-10 (NIV84) 1Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him 2and he began to teach them saying: 3“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” 7Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. 10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

John 3:3-5 (NIV) Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.”

I’m in the Kingdom of God when I come under the influence or power of Christ’s new administration.

Matthew 3:1-3 (NIV) In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’”

Matthew 4:23 (NIV) Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.

Mark 4:26 (NIV) He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground.

I have a new set of priorities.

I have a new set of values.

I have a new set of strategies.

What “entering the Kingdom” looks like:

1. I come to understand that I’m broken.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit…”

Ecclesiastes 12:1 (NIV) Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them”—

2. I come to understand that my problem is bigger than I think.

“Blessed are those who mourn…”

3. I become humble.

“Blessed are the meek…”

4. I want desperately to be right with God!

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness…”

Matthew 6:33 (ESV) But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV) God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Thought for the day:

Christ’s record can become my record.

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV) God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Growing Deeper Together (Group Discussion Questions)

Use these points throughout the week as part of your quiet time, in your small group, or over coffee with a friend to help you apply what you learned in today’s message.

Jesus taught his disciples eight key principles for happiness in this life and preparation for the next; we call them The Beatitudes. In your time with God this week, read and re-read Matthew 5:1-12. Pray that God would give each area deeper meaning & impact in your daily living as you think about these descriptions:

- POOR IN SPIRIT – I recognize my spiritual bankruptcy & my need for God. Because my relationship with God depends on his grace, I know I’m incapable of earning God’s love. - MOURN – I feel the pain that sin, including my own, causes. I can let others know when I am hurting without embarrassment. I can weep like Jesus did. - MEEK – I don’t have to be the strong one who is always in control. I can be tender & gentle. I’ve given control of my life to God, and I don’t always have to win. - SPIRITUAL HUNGER – I want to know God & his will for my life more than anything- including my own pleasure, status, or success. My heart truly longs for God. - MERCIFUL – I can share the feelings of people who are hurting, lonely, or distressed, & walk alongside them in their pain. God has given me a sensitivity for the suffering of others. - PURE IN HEART - I am completely honest with God & others. I don’t have to put on a false front or pretend to be something I’m not. My life is marked by openness & integrity. - PEACEMAKER – I look for opportunities to show others how to make peace with God and experience his life-changing love. I work hard to keep channels of communication open with others & help those around me work out their differences without hurting one another. - PERSECUTION – I know for whom & for what I am living. And for this I am willing to suffer & (if need be) stand alone for what is right. I can take criticism without reacting defensively or feeling self-pity.

Adapted from the Serendipity Bible, 1988