Scripture: Matthew 5:3-16
I. The kingdom’s norms are upside down compared to the world’s norms.
A. Jesus comforts His afflicted people by speaking about who is blessed in a series of what are called beatitudes in Matt. 5:3-12. Someone who is blessed is someone who has found God’s approval. To be poor in spirit (vs. 3) is to recognize that you are spiritually bankrupt before God. It is normal for Christians to mourn (vs. 4) over the sins that they commit against God and people. The meek (vs. 5) are humble and patient people who can wait for God’s blessings. Psalm 37:11: “But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.”
B. Righteousness is as important to the blessed Christian as food and drink (vs. 6). Merciful people are full of compassion and loving deeds toward others in need (vs.7). The pure in heart (vs. 8) are those whose moral character has been transformed by Jesus. Christians make peace (vs. 9) not only by spreading the Gospel but by easing tensions, seeking solutions in conflict, and helping people understand each other. We Christians live in a sinful world. So, we will be rejected by many for living a righteous life. But we are still blessed by God (vs. 10-12).
II. Living the normal kingdom life is a major part of your witness to the world.
A. Jesus says to His followers in vs. 13, “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored?” Salt preserved food in Jesus’ day. And Jesus is saying to us that the salt of our normal Christian lives is preserving the world from decay. Christians being Christians transform corrupt human societies. As salt we Christians are called to purify the earth on God’s behalf. But what happens if Christians become corrupt? What happens if they lose their saltiness? Their witness to God’s holiness and righteousness becomes counterproductive.
B. Jesus says in vs. 14, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” We are so full of the light of God that we cannot hide what God has done in us and for us. Light is so powerful. Light grows things. Light guides our feet along wherever we walk. And light brings us joy as the darkness is pushed back. When a Christian comes along who is full of God’s light, people notice. They say, “There’s something different about you.” And some of those people who notice your light will be changed. They will want the light of God that they see in you.
Application:
Jesus came so that you might share His light with a dark world around you.
Sources:
The Bible
Commentaries by J.C. Ryle, R.T. France, D.A. Carson and Craig Blomberg
Sermon Discussion Questions
~ In what ways have you noticed that Jesus’ kingdom is upside down in comparison with the world’s norms and values? When do people enter the kingdom of God? Is it only in the future or is it also now?
~ Which normal Christian behavior that Jesus calls blessed in vs. 3-12 is the hardest for you to live out? Where does the power come from to live such a normal Christian life?
~ What is a very important part of our witness to Jesus and His Kingdom according to vs. 13-16? What happens to our witness if we don’t live as salt and light?