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