A New Culture - Kingdom

The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) “The Way of the Kingdom” I. The Character of Kingdom People — Matthew 5 A. The Blessed Life (5:1–12) • The Beatitudes as a portrait of kingdom citizens • Blessing rooted in God’s favor, not circumstances • The paradox: the lowly are lifted, the persecuted are honored B. The Influence of Kingdom People (5:13–16) • Salt: preserving, purifying, creating thirst • Light: revealing truth, exposing darkness • The call to visible, embodied faith C. The Fulfillment of the Law (5:17–20) • Jesus as the true interpreter and fulfiller • Righteousness that surpasses the Pharisees: internal, not performative D. Six Transformations of the Heart (5:21–48) 1. Anger → Reconciliation 2. Lust → Purity of Heart 3. Divorce → Covenant Faithfulness 4. Oaths → Simple Honesty 5. Retaliation → Radical Non‑Vengeance 6. Hate → Love for Enemies Teaching emphasis: Jesus moves from external compliance to internal transformation. II. The Practices of Kingdom People — Matthew 6 A. Worship Without Hypocrisy (6:1–18) • Giving, praying, fasting: done for the Father, not for applause • The Lord’s Prayer as a pattern of kingdom-centered devotion • God’s name • God’s kingdom • God’s will • Daily dependence • Forgiveness • Deliverance B. Treasure and Loyalty (6:19–24) • Earthly vs. heavenly treasure • The eye as the lamp of the body • Serving God vs. serving wealth C. Freedom From Anxiety (6:25–34) • Birds and lilies as kingdom illustrations • Worry replaced by trust • “Seek first the kingdom and His righteousness” III. The Relationships of Kingdom People — Matthew 7 A. Judging and Discernment (7:1–6) • Avoiding hypocritical judgment • Removing the plank before addressing the speck • Discernment with “holy things” and “pearls” B. Confidence in Prayer (7:7–11) • Ask, seek, knock • God as a generous Father C. The Golden Rule (7:12) • The ethic of the kingdom in one sentence • “This sums up the Law and the Prophets” D. The Final Warnings (7:13–27) 1. Two Gates — narrow vs. wide 2. Two Trees — true vs. false prophets 3. Two Claims — true vs. false disciples 4. Two Foundations — wise vs. foolish builders Teaching emphasis: The sermon ends with a call to decision—hearing and doing. IV. Key Themes for Application • Kingdom identity shapes kingdom behavior • True righteousness flows from the heart • Spiritual practices are relational, not performative • Kingdom people trust God rather than anxiety or wealth • Jesus demands not admiration but obedience

“The Ministry of Listening” James 1:19 — “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” I. The Call to Listen Well A. Listening is a Biblical Command • Scripture doesn’t merely suggest listening — it commands it. • God ties listening to spiritual maturity (Prov. 18:13; James 1:19). • Jesus repeatedly said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” B. Listening Reflects the Character of God • God is the One who “inclines His ear” to His people (Ps. 116:1–2). • He listens before He responds. • When we listen well, we mirror His heart. C. Listening Is an Act of Love • Love “does not insist on its own way” (1 Cor. 13:5). • Listening is humility in action. • People feel valued when they feel heard. II. The Barriers to True Listening A. The Noise Around Us • Constant distraction: devices, busyness, multitasking. • We hear words but miss meaning. B. The Noise Within Us • Forming our response before they finish. • Defensiveness, assumptions, impatience. • Pride that says, “I already know.” C. Emotional Reactivity • Quick anger shuts down understanding. • When emotions rise, listening falls. III. The Practices of Godly Listening A. Be Fully Present • Put aside distractions. • Give your face, your eyes, your attention. • Presence communicates worth. B. Listen to Understand, Not to Reply • Slow down your internal reactions. • Seek meaning, not ammunition. • Ask: “What is this person really saying?” C. Attend to the Heart, Not Just the Words • Notice tone, emotion, and body language. • People often speak from pain, fear, or hope. • Reflect back what you hear: “It sounds like…” D. Ask Clarifying Questions • “Help me understand…” • “Can you say more about that?” • Clarifying prevents conflict and builds trust. E. Respond with Grace and Patience • Validate before you advise. • Speak gently. • Create a safe place for honesty. IV. The Fruit of Listening A. Stronger Relationships • Listening builds bridges. • It disarms conflict and deepens connection. B. Greater Wisdom • Proverbs: “The wise listen and add to their learning.” • Listening expands perspective and sharpens discernment. C. A More Christlike Witness • Jesus listened to the hurting, the broken, the confused. • When we listen well, people experience His compassion through us. V. The Ultimate Listener: Jesus Christ A. He Heard the Cry of the Blind Man • Others told him to be quiet; Jesus stopped and listened. B. He Heard the Woman at the Well • He listened beyond her words to her wounds. C. He Hears Us Still • “Before they call, I will answer; while they are yet speaking, I will hear” (Isa. 65:24). • His listening invites our trust. Conclusion: A Call to Practice • Who in your life needs you to listen with fresh grace? • Where have you been quick to speak and slow to hear? • What would change in your home, workplace, or church if you listened like Jesus? Listening is not weakness — it is leadership, love, and Christlikeness.