Unit 6

Kingdom Values

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Contents

RECAP
TEACHING

 

Note:

It is not the purpose of this unit to become too involved in difficult theological questions such as keeping the Sabbath, service in the military, re-marriage etc. These issues should be handled in the context of the local church teaching.

 

The Sermon on the Mount

The Sermon on the Mount is found in Matthew_5:3_-_7:29 and Luke_6:20_-_49. Here is found the greatest teaching about life ever brought together. This passage provides tremendous insight and understanding into the eternal values of the Kingdom of God.

Jesus took the laws of God beyond a literal or legalistic interpretation. He understood the deeper meaning to be a matter of attitudes and values - not just outward appearances. The kingdom of heaven involves a righteousness surpassing that of the Pharisees (Jewish religious leaders of the time) and the teachers of the law (Matthew_5:20).

Jesus expounded these kingdom values like building blocks, one upon the other. For example in the Beatitudes (Matthew_5:3-11) He brings to us the secret of true happiness:

The deepest blessings of God come to those who -
bulletAre poor in spirit (willing to be emptied of self and be filled with God's Spirit);
bulletMourn (over the poverty of their position before God and their needs);
bulletAre meek (humble and submissive to God);
bulletHunger and thirst for the righteousness which comes from God;
bulletAre merciful;
bulletAre pure in heart;
bulletAre peacemakers (seeking the spirit of peace, and reconciliation in relationships).
bulletAre persecuted because of righteousness.


What are the blessings which come
as a result of these attitudes?

Matthew_5:3
Matthew_5:4
Matthew_5:5
Matthew_5:6
Matthew_5:7
Matthew_5:8
Matthew_5:9
Matthew_5:10


Jesus elaborated on other specific commands such as:

Theme Ten Commandments Sermon on the Mount
Idols and money Exodus_20:4 Matthew_6:19-34
Use of God's name Exodus_20:7 Matthew_5:34
Murder Exodus_20:13 Matthew_5:21
Adultery Exodus_20:14 Matthew_5:27-28

 

The Sermon on the mount goes much wider than this small selection. It addresses so many practical issues of life and elaborates on many other O.T. injunctions. This is a subject for future personal devotions as we search out a better understanding of the values of the Kingdom.

Jesus wants to turn the motivation of our lives inside out, to liberate us from:


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The Great Commandment

"Which is the greatest commandment in the Law? 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 neighbour as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matthew_22:36-40)
We can't live this life under our own steam. We can't earn God's favour by our own good efforts! The secret is allowing God to live this life through us, and not settling for less.

Unit 6: Prayer and Worship

 

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