The Prophesy Fulfilled

Following the King – Chapter 5The Life & Times of a Follower – Part II

THE SQUIRMIM’ SERMON

Ever squirmed in the pews?

Ever get your toes stepped upon by the Sunday message?

Ever feel that the Pastor was talking directly to you in the sermon?

The “Be-Atitudes” set the stage for what should be our attitudes when following Christ.

Sermon on the Mount – God’s “Heartbreak Ridge”

If we were to summarize the Sermon on the Mount in a single sentence, it would be something like this: How to live a life that is dedicated to and pleasing to God, free from hypocrisy, full of love and grace, full of wisdom and discernment.

5:21-26 - Anger and Murder5:27-30 - Lust and Adultery5:31-32 - Divorce and Remarriage5:33-37 - Oaths5:38-42 – Going the Second Mile5:43-48 - Love your enemies

Chapter 66:1-4 - Give to the Needy6:5-15 - How to Pray6:16-18 - How to Fast6:19-24 - Treasures in Heaven6:25-34 - Do not worry Chapter 7

7:1-6 - Do not judge hypocritically7:7-12 - Ask, Seek, Knock7:13-14 - The Narrow Gate7:15-23 - False Prophets7:24-27 – Wisdom: Build on The Rock

Chapter 55:3-12 - The Beatitudes5:13-16 - Salt and Light5:17-20 - Jesus fulfilled the Law

SALT & LIGHT…Our Condition and Our MissionThe Beatitudes are followed by a summary statement of the basic character of the Christian's life as salt and light. • YOU are the salt of the earth…• YOU are the light of the world…

Salt? Why?

What happens to salt when it looses it’s saltiness??

The salt adds flavoring, acts as a preservative, melts coldness and heals wounds.

Salt was often put in ovens to intensify the heat.  When the salt was burned off and no longer useful it was thrown out on the road or on the roof top where it would easily get trodden upon.

VALUE OF SALT

Compare the value and uses of salt with the life and call of Christians?

Roman soldiers were at certain times paid with salt: “worth your salt”; The word salary originates from Latin: salarium which referred to the money paid to the Roman Army's soldiers for the purchase of salt.Salt was a precious commodity for trading; comparable to gold.

Roads and routes were established just to transport salt

Salt was a major ingredient for flavoring food

Sodium and Chloride ions, the two major components of salt, are needed by all known living creatures in small quantities. Salt is involved in regulating the water content (fluid balance) of the body. The sodium ion itself is used for electrical signaling in the nervous system.Salt and salt water are used to heal various wounds and ailmentsSalt was critical in preserving food that were prone to spoilage

The Mission of Light

Light guides, illuminates, reveals, warms, comforts, and promotes life.

The Light of Christ came into the world to clearly shine forth into the darkness of the human heart & the human condition.

Why are we to let His light shine forth in and through our lives?

People, plants and animals are all drawn to light.

His light and the light of life He pours into us is to be set up on a candlestick, not hid under a basket.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

THE LIGHT OF CHRIST

The LIGHT shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is LIGHT, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the LIGHT, as he is in the LIGHT, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:5-7

To open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to LIGHT and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ Acts 26:18

For you are all children of LIGHT, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. 1 Thessalonians 5:5And this is the judgment: the LIGHT has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the LIGHT because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the LIGHT and does not come to the LIGHT, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the LIGHT, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” John 3:19-21Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the LIGHT of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the LIGHT of life.” John 8:12

FULLFILLMENT OF THE LAW & PROPHETS

“Do not think that I have come to abolish [do away with or undo them] or the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them [do away with or undo them], but to fulfill them.” Matt. 5:17

The New Testament gospel is not contradictory to the Old Testament law; rather it is the ultimate fulfillment of the spiritual intention of the law. Where the law had degenerated into legalism by the Pharisees, Jesus now takes the law beyond mere outward observance to the inner spiritual intention of God

Did Jesus fulfill the law? Did Jesus fulfill the prophets declarations?

“For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.” Matt. 5:18

Jot

Tittle

FULLFILLMENT OF THE LAW & PROPHETS

Let’s jump ahead to the Transfiguration…Who appears in the presence of Jesus?

“This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” Matt 17:5

“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the Lord. “This is the covenant I will make with the peopleof Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”. Jeremiah 31:31-34

Following Him…Faith, Sacrifice, and Excitement“Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matt 5:19-20

Why does Jesus condemn those who negate any of the Commandments?

What does Jesus mean by his statement that “unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven”

JOY: JESUS, OTHERS, YOU

From the beginning of Chapter 5, Jesus is instructing his followers about their “attitudes” toward His Father, God. (Matthew 5:1-14)

Beginning with Matthew 5:21 and running through verse 48, Jesus is addressing how his followers are to treat others. (Matthew 5:21-48)

Beginning with Matthew 6:1 and running through the chapter, Jesus is addressing how his followers are to regard themselves. (Matthew 6:1-34)

 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40

Murder? Matthew 5:21-26

Ever commit murder? Ever contemplate murder?

Ever get angry with another brother or sister in Christ?

Do you consider them the same offense?

“But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.” Matthew 5:21-22

“You have heard that it was said…‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’”

Ra´ca    (rā´kå)a.1. An Aramaic term of

reproach used by the Jews in Jesus’, meaning "worthless”, “empty”, “vain”, signifying a lack of intellect (i.e. Imbecile or blockhead). A word of contempt towards an object that is despised. It is derived from a root word “to spit”.

a.

Are you participating in the offertory today?

Bringing a “gift” to the alter? Presenting yourself, your talents, your time to the Lord?

If so, what does Jesus require of His followers?

Have you offended a brother or sister in Christ? Is there enmity between you and another believer?

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” Matthew 5:23-24

soul searching…

Do you really want to take them to court? (or be taken to court?)

“Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.” Matthew 5:25-26

Scenario: You and your neighbor are not on good terms. His late night partying keeps you awake. Your German shepherd barks at every noise they hear and often wakes up your neighbor early. Your large oak tree hangs over his property and blows over onto his new fence and destroys it. He wants to take you to court. What do you do?

Adultery? Matthew 5:27-30

Ever commit adultery? Ever contemplate adultery?

Ever look on another with lustful thoughts? Have you ever pursued sexual fantasies regarding another

Do you consider them the same offense?

“But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.” Matthew 5:27-30

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’”

Divorce? Matthew 5:31-32

Is God saying divorce is not permitted?

“But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” Matthew 5:31-32

“It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ ”

When is a certificate of divorce issued?In Deuteronomy 24:1 we are told: if

one finds no favor in the other’s eyes because that one has “found some indecency, uncleanness, vileness” in the other, the one may write them a bill of divorce.

Divorce?Marriage was the first institution established by God in the book of Genesis (Chapter 2). It is a holy covenant that symbolizes the relationship between Christ and his Bride (the Body of Christ). Most Bible-based Christian faiths teach that divorce is to be seen only as a last resort after every possible effort toward reconciliation has failed. Just as the Bible teaches us to enter into marriage carefully and reverently, divorce is to be avoided if at all possible. Honoring and upholding the marriage vows brings honor and glory to God. Sadly, divorce and remarriage are widespread realities in the body of Christ today. Many Christians have questions about divorce and remarriage. Generally speaking, Christians tend to fall into one of four positions on this controversial issue:

Position 1: No Divorce

Position 2: Divorce - But No Remarriage Divorce, though not God's desire, is sometimes the only alternative when all else has failed. The divorced person must remain unmarried for life thereafter.

Position 3: Divorce - But Remarriage Only In Certain SituationsDivorce, though not God's desire, is sometimes unavoidable. If the grounds for the divorce

are biblical, the divorced person can remarry, but only to a believer. Position 4: Divorce – RemarriageDivorce, though not God's desire, is also not the unforgivable sin. Regardless of the circumstances, all divorced persons who have repented, should be forgiven and allowed to remarry.

Oaths? Matthew 5:33-37

What Is God saying about oaths?

“But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” Matthew 5:33-37

“Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ ”

What is the “heart issue” regarding swearing an oath ?

The handshake is commonly done upon meeting, offering congratulations, expressing gratitude, or completing an agreement. In sports or other competitive activities, it is also done as a sign of good sportsmanship. Its purpose is to convey trust, respect, balance, and equality.

Eye for an Eye? Matthew 5:38-42Ever wanted to “get even”? Get revenge? “Save face”? “Defend your pride”? Wrestle out “justice”?

“But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you..” Matthew 5:38-42

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ ”

Love for Enemies? Matthew 5:43-48Ever wanted to “get even”? Get revenge? “Save face”? “Defend your pride”? Wrestle out “justice”?“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ ”“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who loveyou, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?” Matthew 5:43-47

Sunshine & Rain for all?

Why is it good that the sun rises on the evil and the good, and rain falls on the just and unjust.?Who said you’re “good”? Gods love us all and all good

things come from God All things work together for

good to those who love God Often time God uses rain to wet

one's appetite for Him Rain keeps us appreciating the

sunshine

Rain teaches us to seek shelter Sunshine invites all people to

get outside and enjoy God’s creation…and perhaps they see His hand and get to know His heart

Love those who persecute me? Can you name some of those who have loved their persecutors?

Be Perfect? Matthew 5:48

What does Jesus mean “to be perfect”?“You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matt. 5:48 (Amplified)

“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

The great purpose of salvation, the goal of the gospel, and the great desire of the Father is that men would be conformed to the image of His Son, the only One Who ever lived a perfect life. If a man could live the way Jesus has told us to in this chapter, he would truly be perfect.  Perfection is our continual goal in this life, but in the life to come will be our everlasting possession and experience.

Be Perfect? Matthew 5:48

This phrase without a doubt is the most unsettling, even shocking aspect of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount for if the gauge of righteousness is absolute perfection, what hope is there for anyone?

Jesus eliminated all human standards of morality and conduct when He spoke forth these words for even the "righteous" Pharisees, who were generally considered to be the embodiment of the highest human righteousness, could not qualify according to this standard.

“For I am the Lord your God; so consecrate yourselves and be holy, for I am holy; neither defile yourselves with any manner of thing that multiplies in large numbers or swarms.” Leviticus 11:44 (Amplified Bible )

“When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, I am the Almighty God; walk and live habitually before Me and be perfect (blameless, wholehearted, complete).” Genesis 17:1 (Amplified)

Jesus however did not create a new standard, for God has never had any other standard for man other than perfect holiness.

Be Perfect? Matthew 5:48

The Hebrew word rendered "blameless" (NKJV) or "perfect" (KJV) in Genesis 17:1 means "entire, complete, full, without blemish." The Greek word found in Matthew 5:48 translated "perfect" means "finished, complete, having reached its end," and implies being fully grown or mature.

Even Paul illustrated this divine dynamic in his own life writing...

“Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.” Col 4:12

“He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.” Col 1:28-29

Be Perfect? Matthew 5:48And we proclaim Him (Christ in us the hope or absolute assurance of glory),

admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom,

that we may present every man complete (teleios - fully mature) in Christ.

For this purpose (to present every man complete or fully mature in Christ)

also I labor (present tense = continually working to the point of exhaustion)

striving (present tense = continually agonizing)

according to His power (energeia - God's effectual working in believers)

which mightily works (present tense = continually) within me.

Press on toward the goal Phil. 39-149 And that I may [actually] be found and known as in Him, not having any [self-

achieved] righteousness that can be called my own, based on my obedience to the Law’s demands (ritualistic uprightness), but possessing that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ (the Anointed One), the [truly] right standing with God, which comes from God by [saving] faith.

10 [For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope]

11 That if possible I may attain to the [spiritual and moral] resurrection [that lifts me] out from among the dead [even while in the body].

12 Not that I have now attained [this ideal], or have already been made perfect, but I press on to lay hold of (grasp) and make my own, that for which Christ Jesus (the Messiah) has laid hold of me and made me His own.

13 I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,

14 I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.

APPLICATION – MATTHEW 5