Bible Study - Follow Jesus - Back to Bacics - Matthew 5 - September 2, 2012

Bible Study – Follow Jesus – Back to Basics – September 2, 2012

This begins a new series entitled “What It Means to Follow Jesus.”

Our scripture for this lesson is Matthew 5:1-16.

The five (5) lessons for this month will come from The Gospel of Matthew Chapters 5, 6 and 7.

Matthew was not written in chronological order, it was written topically. Doctor Luke wrote in chronological order. Therefore, if we look at the location of the Sermon on the Mount in Luke 6, we see that JESUS had been teaching and he had a number of disciples following HIM. Before JESUS chose HIS twelve disciples, HE went into earnest prayer about which ones to select.  HE chose twelve disciples from this larger group of followers/disciples and led them to the location described in Matthew. This was away from the larger crowds to begin their special teaching and training. Other disciples were there with them and others joined them as HE was teaching.

Up to this point in JESUS’ ministry, HE had been teaching in the area of Capernaum. HE took the chosen disciples and went up on a hillside/mountain and sat down. Sitting was a common position for teachers and Jewish rabbis. This was not a closed teaching session because at the end of JESUS’ sermon, we find that the crowds were amazed at HIS teaching – Matthew 7:28-29 – 28 When Jesus had finished this sermon,l Lit had ended these wordsm Mt 11:1; 13:53; 19:1; 26:1 the crowds were astonished at His teaching,n Mt 13:54; 22:23; Mk 1:22; 6:2; 11:18; Lk 4:32; Jn 7:46
29 because He was teaching them like one who had authority, and not like their •scribes. This was exactly the message that GOD wanted both the disciples and the followers of JESUS to hear. HE was NOT like the scribes or the other religious leaders.

The “Sermon on the Mount” is also called the Beatitudes. Beatitudes comes from the Latin word “beatus” which means “blessed is” or “happy is.” The intent of JESUS’ sermon was to contrast HIS teaching on the attitude of the heart of a true believer and follower of GOD versus the legalistic attitude and pious nature of the religious leaders (Scribes) of that day. It is no wonder that the crowds responded to JESUS’ sermon as a breath of fresh air. Having the right relationship with GOD is the result of the attitude of the heart and not outward hypocritical actions of a person pretending to know to GOD.

It is so easy for us to get caught up in the outward signs of doing and portraying that everything is just fine while on the inside we are crumbling Spiritually. When Christian faith is superficial and the Christian is subjected to the refiner’s fire, it brings the dross of unbelief to the surface and he/she has to deal with it. When the refiners fire has done its work, the Christian is on a firm Spiritual foundation and much stronger. Only GOD, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, can refine our lives to make HIS children more Spiritually honest in order for them to obediently serve HIM. It is no fun but rewarding.

The sudden death of our son, Ted, has resulted in my faith being tested. It has been a refiner’s fire that has caused me to examine, as I never have before, my relationship with GOD through CHRIST. My very foundation has been challenged but my foundation in CHRIST is firm and my faith in CHRIST stands firm. HE is the resurrection and the life and HE is the only way to GOD. Religion does not hold up but faith in CHRIST does because HE is the solid rock. When I exit my earth suit, I will not only see JESUS and GOD but our Teddy and the many others who have gone to heaven through faith in CHRIST.

When we read the “Sermon on the Mount” it seems to be something like the Ten Commandments. It seems like it focuses on different people who have certain qualities but JESUS is talking about one person having all these qualities. JESUS is describing the ideal Christian who has allowed the Holy Spirit to lead, guide and mold his/her life to reflect the image of CHRIST. HIS disciples were to have all the attributes HE stated in the sermon.

Our first reaction is, “That is impossible!” Yes, that is correct. The manifestation of these attributes in our lives, through our own effort, is impossible to achieve. But being indwelled by the Holy Spirit and yielded to the leadership of the Holy Spirit will result in these attributes being manifested in a Christian’s life. Again, it is all about having an honest and true relationship with CHRIST. But through it all HIS presence becomes a greater reality the longer we obediently serve HIM.

Why did CHRIST begin teaching HIS chosen disciples the Beatitudes?

-         Code of ethics and a standard of conduct for the ideal disciple.

-         Contrast the eternal values of obediently serving GOD versus the temporary values the world offers.

-         Contrast the superficial feel good worship versus the worship of GOD in truth from a heart that has been changed by GOD.

-         These were not attributes for believers to pick and choose what qualities they desired in their lives but qualities true believers will have in their lives when they are indwelled by GOD. The Holy Spirit had not come to indwell all believers at this time but after CHRIST gave HIS life and shed HIS blood to pay the debt for sin, was buried, resurrected and ascended into heaven, GOD sent the Holy Spirit to earth to indwell every true believer.

-         It is only through the indwelling Holy Spirit that a Christian can begin to manifest the qualities and attributes expressed in the Beatitudes. That is why a Christian cannot focus on the process but must focus on knowing CHRIST. When we are born and begin to grow and mature physically we don’t dwell on, “Did we grow today?” No, we focus on eating the proper things, studying, exercise, sleep, etc. When we go about living, we grow and mature naturally. The same is true of Christians. Once they experience the miracle of rebirth they need to take in Spiritual nutrients through Bible study, prayer, obedient service and building an intimate, loving relationship with GOD through CHRIST. Let the Holy Spirit lead and guide your life. That is easy to say but very hard to do because our flesh wants to be in control.

So let’s explore.

Your Inner Attitude

Let’s read Matthew 5:1-6:

The Sermon on the Mount

1 When He saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain,a Mk 3:13; Lk 9:28; Jn 6:3,15 and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him.
2 Thenb Lit Then opening His mouth He began to teach them, saying:c Ac 8:35; 10:34; 18:14

 

JESUS had been teaching in the area. When HIS disciples saw HIM sit down, they came over to HIM. It that day, teachers and the Jewish Rabbis sat to teach. So HIS disciples knew HE was going to teach. Some believe this sermon span more than one day. The focus of the sermon was on the attitude of the heart. The religious leaders of that day were generally arrogant and self-righteous but their true Spiritual condition was putrid. People spot a phony in a heartbeat. JESUS was genuine and that message was projected in HIS message. 

The Beatitudes

3 “The poor in spirit are blessed,d  Isa 57:15; 66:2for the kingdom of heavene Mt 19:14; 25:34; Mk 10:14; Lk 6:20 is theirs.
4 Those who mourn are blessed,f  Isa 61:2; Mt 11:29; 21:5; Jn 16:20; Rv 7:17for they will be comforted.
5 The gentle are blessed,g  Ps 37:11; Rm 4:13; Rv 21:7for they will inherit the earth.
6 Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed,h  Isa 55:1-2; Jn 4:14; 6:48; 7:37for they will be filled.

 

JESUS began by addressing the heart of the religious problem of that day. The religious leaders did not have a poor spirit. It was beneath them to acknowledge that they needed to be more spiritual than they were. They prided themselves in their self imposed piousness.

JESUS put HIS finger on the heart of the religious problem of that day, which was the lack of the need to change their relationship with GOD. To change one’s relationship with GOD begins in the heart; the very core of one’s being. Seeing and acknowledging the need for GOD and taking action toward GOD to meet that need will result in that person discovering what he/she needs to do from a Spiritual point-of-view to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. When the non-Christian understands the reality that CHRIST gave HIS life to pay the debt for his/her sin by HIS shed blood, he/she must make a  decision either to accept or reject CHRIST as his/her Savior. If the person accepts CHRIST as his/her Savior, then the Kingdom of Heaven is his or hers through the miracle of rebirth.

Once a person recognizes his/her poor Spiritual condition, he/she mourns over his/her sins. The person that mourns will be comforted by the assurance that CHRIST paid for his/her sins through HIS shed blood because of HIS resurrection. 

When people realize their poor Spiritual condition and are grieved over that condition but then realize that they have been rescued from that helpless condition, they are humbled. Those who have been forgiven much are more forgiving of others. A gentle person does not have a critical nature because the Spiritual process that produces gentleness reveals the sins of commission and omission in his/her own life.

Notice each stage of Spiritual recognition prepares the Christian for obedient service. In the fourth stage, the person who hungers and thirsts for righteousness will be filled. Christians are made righteous at the instant they ask CHRIST to forgive them for their sins and to come into their lives. So those hungering and thirsting for righteousness are seeking to walk the talk. Their desire is to reflect CHRIST because they are being made into the image of CHRIST.

Your Outward Relationships

Let’s read Matthew 5:7-12:

7 The merciful are blessed, for they will be shown mercy.i Pr 11:17; Mt 18:33; Lk 6:36; 2Tm 1:16
8 The pure in heart are blessed, for they will see God.j Ps 24:4; Heb 12:14; 1Jn 3:2; Rv 22:4
9 The peacemakers are blessed, for they will be called sons of God.k Mt 5:45; Lk 6:35; Rm 8:14; Jms 3:18; 1Jn 3:1
10 Those who are persecuted for righteousness are blessed, for the kingdom of heavenl Mt 19:14; 25:34; Mk 10:14; Lk 6:20; 22:29 is theirs.
11 “You are blessed when they insult and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of Me.
12 Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecutedm Mt 2:23; 2Tm 3:12 the prophets who were before you.n Mt 23:37; Ac 7:52; 1Th 2:15  

The first four Beatitudes focus on the heart of a follower of CHRIST and the personal Spiritual revelations that have taken place within. A Spiritual transformation has taken place within their hearts which is reflected in their changed nature. The Christian has encountered GOD, through CHRIST and gained knowledge of GOD. Knowledge gained is one thing but what a Christian does with that knowledge is another.

JESUS focused on what to do with the knowledge gained once followers of CHRIST go through the inward process of seeing their need for GOD in their life through a personal relationship with CHRIST. We must keep in mind that JESUS’ disciples and followers thought HE was going to over throw the Roman rule in their country and establish an earthly kingdom. Even HIS closest disciples did not fully comprehend this until after the coming of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. JESUS was describing a Spiritual process that contrasted the true work of GOD in a follower’s life with the superficial, hypocritical nature of the religious leaders of that day.

CHRIST’S sermon should lead followers to the conclusion that GOD has been merciful to them and in turn they must be merciful to others. Mercy begets mercy.

GOD shows mercy to all who come to HIM and asks for forgiveness. Once the person who asks for forgiveness has received GOD’S forgiveness the veil of Spiritual blindness is lifted and he/she comes into the presence of GOD with a pure heart. The person will behold GOD as he/she has never before.

Those who come into the presence of GOD with pure hearts have made peace with GOD. Once peace has been made with GOD by a follower of CHRIST, then peace can be made with their fellow man. Peacemakers reflect GOD in their lives and as such portray GOD and will be called the Sons and Daughters of GOD.

Satan wars against Godly peacemakers and will do all he can to prevent peace from happening. Folks, the followers of CHRIST are in spiritual warfare and they will be attacked. When Christians are attacked because of righteousness, rejoice because they know they are being effective for GOD. The key point is that a Christian is being attacked for obediently serving GOD through CHRIST. Christians can be attacked because they are being led by their flesh but when led by the Holy Spirit they are secure.

Notice that JESUS points to the follower being insulted and persecuted falsely. The promise is that their reward is great in heaven. This world is not our final destination and the accolades this world has to offer vanish. Obediently serving CHRIST has eternal rewards. It is a training ground for eternity.

Your Worldwide Influence

Let’s read Matthew 5:13-16:

Believers Are Salt and Light

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men.o Mk 9:50; Lk 14:34
14 “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden.p Pr 4:18; Jn 8:12; Php 2:15
15 No one lights a lampq Jn 5:35; Rv 21:23 and puts it under a basket,r A large basket used to measure grain but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house.s Mk 4:21; Lk 8:16; 11:33
16 In the same way, let your light shinet Or way, your light must shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.u 

Again, CHRIST was describing the ideal Christian who has all the attributes described in the beatitudes. When followers of CHRIST have this nature, they reflect GOD and influence all they come in contact with. JESUS compared the Spirit filled disciple to salt and light. Notice, that person is the salt and the light, it is not something yet to be achieved. He or She reflects GOD to others as a result of being born-again through the atonement of CHRIST.

Salt was used in that period to pay a person for their work, to preserve food and to make food more savory. Once salt lost its taste, it was only useful to build a road to be walked upon. 

Light dispels darkness. CHRIST’S followers know that HE is the light. HE is in them and they in turn reflect HIS light to others. JESUS said that it was so important that those who know the truth to share that truth with others. Christians have the truth of eternal life through CHRIST.

CHRIST knew the complete story and that after HIS passion, GOD would send the Holy Spirit to earth to indwell, teach, enlighten, secure, assure and empower all believers. If all that CHRIST had presented in the Beatitudes could be achieved by the will of a disciple and be acceptable to GOD, then CHRIST would not have had to give HIS life to pay for the penalty for sin. CHRIST knew that all Christians would be indwelled by the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit would lead and guide them through the process of sanctification. Sanctification is the process of being set aside for the purpose of GOD to be made more Saint like.

When we look at the Beatitudes, we must keep in mind that they reflect the attributes GOD produces in a follower of CHRIST. But do not be discouraged. It can be overwhelming from a flesh point-of-view. It is a process that can only be achieved through the indwelling Holy Spirit. Blessings.