2025.02.09 Sermon Notes MATTHEW 5.1-16 True Disciples. BE Attitudes.
Blessings, Salt & Light
William Akehurst, HSWC
BIG IDEA: The BE-Attitudes, Salt and Light. JESUS describes the spiritual qualities and conditions of a disciple, and their role and influence in this world. And important lesson for every believer.
Scriptures: Matthew 4:23-25, Matthew 5:1-16, Isaiah 66:2, Isaiah 61:3, Psalms 37:11, Revelation 21:7,
Matthew 11:29-30, Jeremiah 29:13, Matthew 6:33, Luke 6:36-38, 1 Samuel 16:7, Jeremiah 17:9-10, James 4:8,
1 Corinthians 13:12, Hebrews 12:14, Romans 5:10, Romans 5:1-2, 2 Corinthians 5:19-20, 2 Corinthians 4:17-18,
1 Peter 3:14-15, 1 Peter 4:14, John 15:18-20, 1 Corinthians 3:8, Revelation 22:12, 2 Corinthians 4:17-18,
2 Thessalonians 2:6-8, John 8:12, John 9:5, Philippians 2:15, Ephesians 5:8
Last Time. Matthew 4:23-25
JESUS’ Ministry began. REPENT, THE KINGDOM IS AT HAND.
He had a great following as he taught, preached, healed sickness and disease. People were flocking to him from the whole region.
Matthew 4:23-25 Jesus Heals a Great Multitude (Mark 1:35–39; Luke 4:44; 6:17–19)
23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. 24 Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them. 25 Great multitudes followed Him—from Galilee, and from Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan.
LIFE IN HIS KINGDOM
1-2 PREACHING THE KINGDOM
Matthew 5:1-16 The Beatitudes (Luke 6:20–26)
1 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. 2 Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:
Seeing the multitude
He went up on a mountain, a hill, a higher elevation.
The teacher sits and the students stand.
Jesus sat. Disciple usually stand.
Define Disciples. People who decided to follow or submit. Learners.
DISCIPLE: a personal follower (or student) of Jesus (teacher) during his life, especially one of the twelve Apostles.
12 APOSTLES: While they were disciples, these were the Ones who were SENT and AUTHORIZED as Messengers.
THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT: THE BEATITUDES
The Blessedness of CHRIST.
The Beatitudes gives us a picture of the true disciple of GOD.
I look at it as BE – attitude. The attitude we should be as a follower, believer, student and disciple of JESUS.
JESUS is teaching about the spiritual condition.
What’s your spiritual condition?
RIGHT ATTITUDES
3-6 MADE TO BE DISPLAYED
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Isaiah 66:2 For all those things My hand has made, And all those things exist,” Says the LORD. “But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word.
The phrase "poor in spirit" refers to a spiritual condition of poverty. It describes a person who recognizes his or her need for God.
"The kingdom of heaven" refers to people who acknowledge God as King.
One poor in spirit knows he or she is spiritually bankrupt apart from Jesus Christ.
It took the Blood of Christ to get us into the Kingdom
KEY WORD: Humility: A disciple recognizes their spiritual poverty and dependence on God.
Paraphrase: "Blessed are those who humbly recognize their need for God, for they will enter into his kingdom."
4 Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.
Isaiah 61:3 To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.”
Mourning comforted. Mourning find help through their grief. Comfort is assured.
The Comforter is Holy Spirit.
Those who mourn" speaks of those who express deep sorrow over sin and repent from their sins.
The freedom found in forgiveness of sin and the joy of eternal salvation is the comfort of those who repent.
KEY WORD: Repentance: A disciple grieves over sin and the brokenness of the world, seeking God's comfort
Paraphrase: "Blessed are those who mourn for their sins, for they shall receive forgiveness and life eternal."
5 Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.
Psalms 37:11 But the meek shall inherit the earth, And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
Revelation 21:7 He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.
Revelation 21:7 says God's children will "inherit all things."
JESUS showed us meekness
Matthew 11:29-30 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Inherit the earth. His kingdom will come and will be done.
Meek, Humble
Like "the poor," "the meek" are those who submit to God's authority and make him Lord.
The meek are also imitators of Jesus Christ, who exemplified gentleness and self-control.
KEY WORD: Gentleness: A disciple exhibits humility and gentleness, trusting in God's strength rather than their own.
Paraphrase: "Blessed are those who submit to God as Lord, for they will inherit everything he possesses."
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.
Jeremiah 29:13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
"Hunger" and "thirst" speak of deep need and driving passion.
This "righteousness" refers to Jesus Christ.
To "be filled" is the satisfaction of our soul's desire.
KEY POINT: Desire for Righteousness: A disciple has a deep longing for God's righteousness and justice.
Paraphrase: "Blessed are those who passionately long for Christ, for he will satisfy their souls."
Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
RIGHT ACTIONS - DEVELOPING HIS HEART IN US
7-9 KINGDOM QUALITIES
7 Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.
Luke 6:36-38 36 Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. 37 “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
We reap what we sow.
Those who demonstrate mercy will receive mercy.
Likewise, those who have receive great mercy will show great mercy.
We show mercy through forgiveness, kindness, and compassion toward others.
KEY WORD: Compassion: A disciple shows mercy and compassion to others, reflecting God's mercy.
Paraphrase: "Blessed are those who show mercy through forgiveness, kindness, and compassion, for they will receive mercy."
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.
1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
Jeremiah 17:9-10 9“The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it? 10 I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings.
We need to be purified. James 4:8
James 4:8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
The "pure in heart" are those cleansed from within. Being "pure in heart" is not exhibiting an outward righteousness men can see but inward holiness that only God sees.
Hebrews 12:14 says that without holiness, no one will see God.
1 Corinthians 13:12 says “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face.”
KEY WORD: Purity: A disciple strives for purity in thoughts and actions, seeking a close relationship with God.
Paraphrase: "Blessed are those who have been purified from the inside out, being made clean and holy, for they will see God."
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.
Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:
JESUS IS OUR PEACE
Romans 5:10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.
Romans 5:1-21 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
The Bible says we have peace with God through Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Reconciliation through Christ brings restored fellowship (peace) with God.
2 Corinthians 5:19-20 says God entrusts us with this same message of reconciliation to take to others.
2 Corinthians 5:19-20 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.
KEY WORD: Peacemaking: A disciple works towards reconciliation and peace, embodying God's peace.
Paraphrase: "Blessed are those who have been reconciled to God through Jesus Christ and bring this same message of reconciliation to others. All who have peace with God are his children."
BE CAREFUL, THERE WILL BE ENEMIES
10-12 LIFE OF A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST, PERSECUTION FOR THE KINGDOM’S SAKE
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Just as Jesus faced persecution, so will his followers.
Those who endure by faith rather than hide their faith to avoid persecution are genuine followers of Christ.
KEY POINT: Endurance in Persecution: A disciple remains steadfast in faith despite persecution, trusting in God's promise of the kingdom of heaven.
Paraphrase: "Blessed are those daring enough to openly live for Christ and suffer persecution, for they will receive the kingdom of heaven."
11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.
1 Peter 3:14-15 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;
1 Peter 4:14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
John 15:18-20 18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.
KEY POINT: Joy in Suffering: A disciple finds joy and hope in the midst of suffering for Christ's sake, knowing their reward is in heaven.
POINT: PERSECUTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS IS EVIDENCE OF LIVING IN GOD’S KINGDOM
JOY IN ADVERSITY. REJOICE AND BE GLAD. YOUR REWARD IS IN HEAVEN.
12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
1 Corinthians 3:8 8 …each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.
Revelation 22:12 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.
Look forward to reward.
It's worth it.
Paul. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 These light and momentary afflictions are worth Heaven.
James 1:2 "Count it all joy..."
SALT AND LIGHT - THE ROLE AND INFLUENCE OF CHRIST’S DISCIPLES IN THE WORLD
13-16 SALT AND LIGHT
Believers Are Salt and Light (Mark 9:50; Luke 14:34, 35)
13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
Preservation: In ancient times, salt was used to preserve food and prevent decay. Similarly, disciples are called to preserve the moral and spiritual integrity of the world.
Flavor: Salt enhances the flavor of food. Disciples are meant to bring the flavor of God's goodness and truth into the world, making life more meaningful and purposeful.
Warning Against Losing Effectiveness: If salt loses its saltiness, it becomes useless. This serves as a warning to disciples to maintain their distinctiveness and effectiveness in their mission.
Salt. Food preservation. Unique characteristics makes it Valuable.
You have unique distinct preserving in this world.
THOUGHT: What would world be like without Christians?
I think of the scripture about the end of the age and the restrainer.
2 Thessalonians 2:6-8 6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.
YOU ARE LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS. BRIGHTEN THE CORNER WHERE YOU ARE.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Illumination: Light dispels darkness and reveals what is hidden. Disciples are called to illuminate the world with the truth and love of God, exposing sin and guiding others to righteousness.
Visibility: A city on a hill is visible to all. Similarly, the lives of disciples should be visible and exemplary, serving as a beacon of hope and guidance.
Purposeful Living: Just as a lamp is placed on a stand to give light to everyone, disciples should live in a way that their good deeds are evident to others, leading them to glorify God.
John 8:12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
John 9:5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
Philippians 2:15 …shine as lights in the world,
LIGHT LIT FOR PURPOSE. STRATEGIC PLACEMENT.
Ephesians 5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.
LIGHT NOT HIDDEN. YOU STAND OUT. YOU BRING CLARITY. YOU CARRY THE TORCH OF CHRIST.
LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE. DO NOT HIDE YOUR FAITH.
BUT LIVE OUT FAITH AND LIGHT SHINE.
Dangers of dark. Misled and Misguided
Light reveals. Brings Clarity.
We are to be Different to make a difference.
And it is HOLY SPIRIT WHO makes that difference in us.
SALT AND LIGHT Together, emphasize the importance of disciples living out their faith actively and visibly, influencing the world positively and pointing others to God through their actions and character.
So what is your Spiritual condition?
The Be-attitudes collectively paint a picture of a disciple who is:
Humble, Repentant, Gentle, Righteous, Compassionate, Pure, Peace-Loving, and Enduring in the Face of Persecution.
A disciple and follower of Christ is to reflect a deep, transformative relationship with God and a commitment to living out His values.
Realizing that GOD loves you so much (even at your worst point) that HE gave HIS only Begotten Son. So that you could experience the JOY of HEAVEN.
If you are truly a disciples and follower of Christ; Then live out your FAITH in your walk of daily life, as Salt and Light, making a difference.
PRAYER
FATHER, Thank YOU for teaching us YOUR WORD by the Power and Presence of HOLY SPIRIT. Apply YOUR WORD to our hearts. Train our minds in YOUR ways and thoughts. Teach us to know YOU and experience YOUR KINGDOM now. Help us to live out our FAITH each day, as set apart from this world, as SALT and LIGHT, while bringing YOUR JOY and HOPE to those we encounter. Let us make a difference in someone else’s life. In JESUS’ Name. Amen.
BENEDICTION
Jude 1:20-25 (KJV)
20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:
23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
