Be Blessed!

A manifesto for change? Matthew 5:1-12

A manifesto for change? Matthew 5:1-12

Mis-hearing the sermon on the mount

Mis-hearing the sermon on the mount

J C Ryle said that "Such a sermon never was preached before. Such a sermon perhaps has never been preached since. Let us see that it has a lasting effect on our souls.”

The sermon on the mount is much used, abused and misquoted. “Do not judge” (). “Blessed are the poor” () etc.

We must ensure the Beatitudes are not misused by people who want it to mean what they want it to mean!

Need -> Fulfilment ()

THEN it was said, but NOW I say unto you ().

Law not abolished, but applied to the HEART () (, ).

A change of HEART!

The Law was becoming a set of outward rules.

The Lord concludes by telling the hearers to build on HIS ROCK and summarises with the GOLDEN RULE.

Unlike the Pharisees and monarchs and politicians of every age, Jesus was AUTHENTIC and had AUTHORITY. There was HOPE not oppression ()

Jesus was setting out a manifesto for change - but not social change, but the changes that were to be seen in the people He would call. The people who would build their house upon His rock.

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How high is the standard?

Tim recently said that he is sometimes amazed that he is the pastor of this church. I am amazed to be here today. There would be a lot of empty pulpits if the standard was perfection!

Last week, Aaron told us about the infinite greatness of God. Just how high is the standard?

How hungry are you? Do you hunger after righteousness? Not social justice, but moral perfection.

God dwells in unapproachable light. Just one transgression is enough to send you to hell ()

One transgression is enough to condemn you. The standard is very high! ()

But we can enter with confidence if we trust Jesus. This week’s GG video, Tim Keller -

Jesus was stripped naked so that we could be clothed in a spotless garment.

Jesus was crucified for the sins of the world. For OUR sins. Now we, the imperfect ones, can be friends with the perfect God.

22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

The New International Version (1984) The Vine and the Branches

15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

The New International Version (1984) The Vine and the Branches

15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Moses spoke to God as a man speaks to his friend.

The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend.

Have you ever noticed how you can set the standard for good sins and bad sins? Or even sins you are happy to ignore?

Splendid sins!

What do we do?

Hunger for God. Hunger for heart change. Build your house upon the Rock of Jesus Christ.

Rejoice! Stand firm - you will be rewarded (v12)

The New International Version (1984) The Beatitudes

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

The end result of following the beatitudes isn’t always easy! Witness the case of Asia Bibi. Persecution may follow.

Last Sunday morning I was at a birthday party with my son. I chatted with neighbours but soon realised that their interests and habits were different to mine. Evangelism is difficult when the people you are trying to reach are not like you!

Dom

Many of my attempts to ‘witness’ with the world have ended with no results and an uneasy conscience.

Tesco delivery lady: Busy Bees and coffee?

An important step in my salvation was hearing a colleague say he went to church. How difficult is that?

But BSEC do have opportunities to witness. Pub Quiz. PHSE consultation. Witness in the right way, through the right outlets.

Beware of the authorities! British values.

We need to PRAY and SPEAK.