The Witness of the Kingdom
The Witness 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.”
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.
What does a citizen of the Kingdom look like?
1. The way I relate to people is different.
“Blessed are the merciful…”
- I become a forgiving person.
Matthew 18:33 (TLB) ‘…shouldn’t you have mercy on others, just as I had mercy on you?’
Mark 11:25 (NLT) “But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”
- I become a distinctly generous person.
Luke 10:34-35 (NIV) “He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’”
Luke 22:42 (NIV) “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
2. The way I interact with the world is different.
“Blessed are the pure in heart…”
More than religious reformation, it’s personal transformation.
Ezekiel 36:25-27 (NIV) “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.”
3. My purpose changes!
“Blessed are the peacemakers…”
Romans 8:7-8 (NIV) The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.
4. I find myself at odds with the thinking of “the world.”
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness…”
2 Timothy 3:12 (NIV) In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…
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.
Reread Matthew 5:1-12. Shane talked about how the beatitudes build on one another. Where are you in this growth process? Pray over each one and ask God to reveal to you where he would have you focus for growth and change.
- Shane spent time talking about the costliness of God’s mercy. As you prepare your heart for Easter, spend time considering the three points he made:
- The quality of Christ’s suffering.
- The quantity of his suffering.
- The willingness to suffer for your salvation. How do Christ’s actions move you toward mercy? How do they draw you toward him and his great love for you? What will you do in response to his love and sacrifice? How will you be changed because of it? Commit yourself anew to Christ today! If you have questions or want to talk or pray with someone, come to the Prayer Lounge or find a host or volunteer – we’d love to come alongside you.
Of the eight qualities described in the beatitudes, which two do you desire most in your life? Who (family, friends, small group) do you associate with each? Which of these qualities are you most tempted to avoid?
Based on the beatitudes, is the light of your life shining like a 300-watt-bulb? 100-watt? A night light? Why? How can Jesus enable you to ‘shine brighter’?