Perspective

A Change of Perspective

In Matthew 5 we find Jesus introducing a new perspective. Jesus is bringing God’s kingdom to the world. Things are going to change! The Old covenant is going to be replaced by the New Covenant. The people were going to need a change of perspective to receive the new Covenant.

Jesus said:

Mark 2:22 NKJV

And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine bursts the wineskins, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins.”

this He said after telling the cripple his sins were forgiven and after sitting at a table with sinners and calling Matthew the tax collector to follow Him.

The New Covenant required a change of perspective.

Perspective: a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.

You cannot change your ways unless our perspective changes. Our attitude and points of view if not ever changing will hinder our spiritual life.

Many have fallen into a dull critical spiritual life because they refuse to go higher in their perspective.

Perspective comes from the place we stand.

Where are you standing today should not be where you stand tomorrow! we are on a journey!

Without a change of perspective we cannot receive the new wine!

Romans 12:2 NKJV

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Ephesians 4:23 NKJV

and be renewed in the spirit of your mind,

Colossians 3:2 NKJV

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

In Matthew 5 Jesus begins shaping our views and attitude towards everyday things.

First we hear the beatitudes followed by the similitudes

Now we are going to start at verse 17

Matthew 5:17–20 NKJV

“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

The new Perspective here is:

Christ didn’t come to destroy the Law or the Prophets. The law was the instruction given by God to His people. The Prophets represent the word of God spoken by the Prophets:

Jesus came to fulfill the instruction and the word of God

Jesus defeated sin and death but this doesn’t means we should continue in sin and death.

It’s easy to say.. its not a big deal! everyone does it! God is full of mercy, He understands…

Jesus actually said that unless our righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes we won’t enter the kingdom of heaven.

The Pharisees were the standard of holy living in those days!

The new covenant makes it possible for a much higher way of living! But it requires a higher attitude and point of view!

God wants to lift us higher!

When tour outlook on life is grim we need a higher vantage point from which to look!

Romans 8:5–8 NKJV

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

A good perspective comes from a place of purpose!

We are called to preach the good news to all.

This calling in itself implies that people need the good news. That things aren’t good! It is our work to share the good news to be a light and to do the work that God has given us to do! It time for real life in the spirit!

We need the power of God to in us to reach the world!