Introduction:
The Kingdom principles Jesus preached in the Sermon on the Mount form the essential foundation for a disciple’s life. These teachings, found in Matthew 5-7 and paralleled in Luke 6:17-49, emphasize qualities like humility, righteousness, sincere worship, trust in God, and wise living. In Luke 6:48, Jesus compares these foundations to a house built on rock, stable and unshakable. Let’s explore these principles and reflect on questions designed to deepen our understanding of Kingdom living.
1. Humility and Dependence on God: In the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12), Jesus highlights the importance of humility, blessing those who are “poor in spirit,” “meek,” “merciful,” and “pure in heart.” These qualities reflect a deep reliance on God rather than on self. Isaiah 66:2 reminds us, “But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit.” Other references include Psalm 51:17, James 4:10, Micah 6:8, and Philippians 2:3.
Question: 5:3 How is your attitude? Matthew 5:3 – “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” Reflect on Micah 6:8 and Philippians 2:3 as they encourage humility.
2. Living as Salt and Light: Jesus calls His followers to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-16), calling them to be a positive influence in the world and reflect God’s character. As Philippians 2:15 says, “…shine as lights in the world.” See also Colossians 4:6, Ephesians 5:8, and John 8:12.
Question: 5:13 Are you salty and bright? Matthew 5:13-14 – “You are the salt of the earth… the light of the world.” Also consider John 8:12 and Ephesians 5:8.
3. Heart-based Righteousness: Jesus calls His followers to go beyond mere actions and reach into the heart (Matthew 5:17-48), dealing with anger, lust, honesty, retaliation, and love for enemies. See Proverbs 4:23, Jeremiah 17:10, Romans 2:29, and 1 Samuel 16:7.
Question: 5:28 Are you controlling lust? Matthew 5:28 – “Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery.” Also reflect on Job 31:1 and Psalm 119:37.
4. Sincerity in Worship and Spiritual Disciplines: Jesus warns against performing acts like giving, praying, and fasting for human approval (Matthew 6:1-18). Instead, seek God’s approval as instructed in Colossians 3:23, John 4:23-24, and 1 Thessalonians 2:4.
Question: 6:6 How is your prayer life? Matthew 6:6 – “Pray to your Father who is in secret.” Reflect on 1 Thessalonians 5:17 and James 5:16.
5. Trusting God and Pursuing His Kingdom: Jesus teaches to seek God’s Kingdom and not worry about material needs (Matthew 6:19-34). Trust in God’s provision as seen in Philippians 4:6-7, Proverbs 3:5-6, and Hebrews 13:5.
Question: 6:21 Where is your treasure? Matthew 6:21 – “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Also see Luke 12:33-34 and 1 Timothy 6:17-19.
6. Graceful and Disciplined Judgment: Jesus cautions against harsh or hypocritical judgment, urging His disciples to be humble and compassionate in their assessments (Matthew 7:1-6). See also Galatians 6:1, James 4:12, Romans 2:1, and Romans 14:13.
Question: 7:3 Are you critical of others? Matthew 7:3 – “Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye?” Reflect on Romans 2:1 and James 1:23-24.
7. Discerning True Teachings and Living by Them: Jesus warns His followers to be discerning about false prophets and to build their lives on His teachings, which form a solid foundation (Matthew 7:15-27). Additional insights can be found in 1 John 4:1, 2 Timothy 2:15, Psalm 119:105, and Acts 17:11.
Question: 7:16 How do you identify a false teacher? Matthew 7:16 – “You will recognize them by their fruits.” Also see 1 John 4:1 and Jude 1:4.
Conclusion: These principles from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount offer a powerful foundation for living as citizens of God’s Kingdom, focusing on humility, righteousness, sincerity, and trust. Reflecting on these principles invites a life aligned with Christ’s teachings, grounded in faith and a commitment to God’s will.