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Matthew 5:10 LEB

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, because theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

John 4:5 LEB

5 Now he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the piece of land that Jacob had given to his son Joseph.

Matthew 5:2 LEB

2 And opening his mouth he began to teach them, saying,

Living Beyond Expectations

Matthew 5

Summary: Matthew 5 contains the well-known Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus teaches about the Kingdom of God and how His followers are to live a life that exceeds societal expectations.

Application: This passage challenges Christians to live a life that goes beyond mere external behaviors, but to truly embody the teachings of Jesus in all aspects of their lives. It encourages believers to be salt and light in the world, making a difference through their love, mercy, and purity.

Teaching: This sermon teaches us the importance of having a transformed heart that reflects the character of Christ. It emphasizes the values of humility, meekness, peacemaking, and righteousness that should mark the lives of His followers.

How this passage could point to Christ: In Matthew 5, Jesus is presented as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. He is the perfect example of how to live a life that pleases God. His sacrificial death and resurrection enable believers to walk in newness of life, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Big Idea: Living a life that exceeds expectations by embodying the teachings of Jesus transforms our hearts, impacts the world around us, and reflects the character of Christ to others.

Recommended Study: In preparing this sermon, delve into the cultural context of the Sermon on the Mount using Logos resources to understand how Jesus' teachings challenged societal norms. Explore the connections between the Beatitudes and the rest of Scripture, highlighting the continuity and fulfillment found in Christ. Additionally, study the concept of righteousness in Matthew 5 in light of Jesus' teachings on living a life of integrity and obedience.

1. Blessings of a Transformed Heart

Matthew 5:1-12

Perhaps beginning with the Beatitudes, you could explore how these blessings demonstrate Jesus' call to live beyond societal norms—emphasizing a heart transformation that reflects the character of Christ. This section sets the foundation for understanding the rest of the chapter, showcasing the values of the Kingdom of God.

2. Being Distinct Influencers

Matthew 5:13-16

You might discuss the metaphor of salt and light, encouraging believers to influence the world positively by living out the teachings of Jesus in a way that exceeds expectations. This can illustrate how Christians are to be distinct and impactful, embodying Christ’s teachings not just in words but through their lives.

3. Righteousness Redefined

Matthew 5:17-20

You could highlight how Jesus fulfills the Law and provides the example for exceeding righteousness beyond mere legalism. This sermon point can delve into the significance of internal versus external righteousness, pointing to Jesus as the embodiment of true righteousness that His followers are called to imitate.

4. Love Exceeds Law

Matthew 5:21-48

Maybe explore Jesus' teachings on relationships, love for enemies, and authentic living as examples of exceeding the Old Law's expectations. This can serve as a call to action for believers to embody the ethics of Jesus in every aspect of their lives, showing mercy, purity, love, and integrity as reflections of Christ’s character.