Matthew 5:1–48

March 07 and 08, 2012

When Jesus began his teaching in Matthew 4, His first words were: "Change your hearts and lives, because the kingdom of heaven is near." Now in chapters 5–7, Jesus explains what He means; what changing your hearts and lives looks like; what the kingdom of heaven is like; and what He expects from us.  (Paraphrased)

• I want you to recognize that you have great spiritual needs. When you recognize that, it means you are no longer self-sufficient but instead are God-reliant—and the kingdom of heaven belongs to you.  
• I want you to understand that your self-sufficiency cannot bring you happiness. In fact, one way I can get your attention is for things to happen to you that you cannot fix. For when that happens you will turn to me—and I will comfort you and bring you happiness.
• I want you to empty yourself of "self." I want you to be humble. When you are empty I can fill you and you will be happy and the earth will be yours—not because of who you are but because of whose you are.  
• I want you to hunger and thirst for what is right. In all you do, I want honesty, fairness, and trustworthiness to be your highest goal—no matter what. When you do that, I will be the one who fully satisfies all your needs. Do what is right and wait for me—I will bring you satisfaction.
• I want you to show mercy to others. Don't take revenge. I am the one who avenges! When you set your "rights" aside and show mercy to others—I will show mercy to you.
• I want you to have pure motives and thinking. For when your heart is pure your actions will be pure as well—and my presence will be with you.
• I want you to be someone who works to bring about peace not someone who stirs up strife.  When you do this, not only will you know me—I will know you as my children.
• I want you to continue to do what is good and right, even if it means people treat you badly for doing what pleases me. I know. I see. When you put yourself in the line of fire to faithfully follow me—you will be rewarded. The kingdom of heaven belongs to you.

"People will insult you and hurt you. They will lie and say all kinds of evil things about you because you follow me. But when they do, you will be happy. Rejoice and be glad, because you have a great reward waiting for you in heaven. People did the same evil things to the prophets who lived before you." Matthew 5:11–12

The secret of happiness? Simple, and yet the most difficult thing. You have to empty yourself of—SELF. You have to understand and accept the

God

↓

 Man

relationship. Surrendering your ALL to Him so it becomes HIS will, HIS plan, HIS purpose, HIS... only HIS. YOUR will be done, I surrender ALL! THEN God blesses and God provides. 


Next Entry: Matthew 5:1–48 (Continued)