IT STARTS WITH THE HEART.

Matthew 5:1-12 1Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.

2And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

3″Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4″Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5″Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

6″Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

7″Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

8″Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9″Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

10″Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11″Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

YOU ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH.

Matthew 5:13 You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.

Colossians 4:2-6 2Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. 5Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD.

Matthew 5:14-16 14You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Philippians 2:14-16 14Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

THE WORLD WILL KNOW!

John 13:34-35 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

QUESTIONS TO DISCUSS IN LIFE GROUP OR WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS:

Passages to consider: Matthew 5:1-20

1. What passage or principle from the sermon is God using to strengthen your understanding of who He is and your relationship with Him?

2. Read Matthew 5:1-20. Who is Jesus talking to? What does He want people to understand?

3. What thought process is He challenging with His teaching?

4. What belief or behavior in your life is being challenged?

5. How will you respond to what God is showing you about Himself and you?