Matthew 5:1-12

The theme of the sermon Citizens of the

kingdom Righteousness

of the kingdom Exhortation to

enter the kingdom

Consider the character of kingdom citizens …

Must possess ALL these graces, they are inter-related

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with

knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness

with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if

these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever

lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from

his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if

you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and

Savior Jesus Christ.  (2 Peter 1:5-11, ESV)

Consider the character of kingdom citizens … Poor in spirit But the tax

collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven,

but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful

to me, a sinner!’ (Luke 18:13, ESV)

Consider the character of kingdom citizens … Poor in spirit Those that mourn

For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.Against you, you only,

have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight,

so that you may be justified in your wordsand blameless in your

judgment.(Psalm 51:3-4, ESV)

Consider the character of kingdom citizens … Poor in spirit Those that mourn

Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me

from this body of death? (Romans 7:24, ESV)

Consider the character of kingdom citizens … Poor in spirit Those that mourn

And Peter remembered the saying of

Jesus, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three

times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.

(Matthew 26:75, ESV)

Consider the character of kingdom citizens … Poor in spirit Those that mourn The gentle/meek

Consider the character of kingdom citizens … Poor in spirit Those that mourn The gentle/meek Hunger and thirst

after righteousness

As a deer pants for flowing streams,

so pants my soul for you, O God.

My soul thirsts for God,for the living God.When shall I come

and appear before God?(Psalm 42:1-2, ESV)

Consider the character of kingdom citizens … Poor in spirit Those that mourn The gentle/meek Hunger and thirst

after righteousness

But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake

of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because

of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my

Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish,

in order that I may gain Christ

(Philippians 3:7-8, ESV)

Consider the character of kingdom citizens … Poor in spirit Those that mourn The gentle/meek Hunger and thirst

after righteousness Merciful

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your

heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your

trespasses. (Matthew 6:14-15, ESV)

Consider the character of kingdom citizens … Poor in spirit Those that mourn The gentle/meek Hunger and thirst

after righteousness Merciful Pure in heart

Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD?

And who shall stand in his holy place?

He who has clean hands and a pure heart,

who does not lift up his soul to what is falseand does not swear

deceitfully.(Psalm 24:3-4, ESV)

Consider the character of kingdom citizens … Poor in spirit Those that mourn The gentle/meek Hunger and thirst

after righteousness Merciful Pure in heart Peacemakers

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge

yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written,

“Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the

contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for

by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but

overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:18-21, ESV)

Consider the character of kingdom citizens … Poor in spirit Those that mourn The gentle/meek Hunger and thirst

after righteousness Merciful Pure in heart Peacemakers

Persecuted for righteousness sake

v. 11- insults, perscu., slander, false accusations

v. 12- not alone in persecution, won’t be the last

Citizens of the kingdom… Must…

Realize their sinfulness, mourn over it

Be gentle, merciful as they seek righteousness

Keep a pure heart, make peace with others

Not fear persecution

And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash

away your sins, calling on his

name.’ (Acts 22:16, ESV)