Matthew 5

Class,

Last week we completed our study of the Beatitudes portion of the Sermon on the Mount.

Remember that the beatitudes reflect the "attitude" of Christ and should characterize our live as well.

Blessed are the merciful-we should be conduits of God's mercy to others

Blessed are the Pure in Heart-no hidden agenda-free from corrupt desires

Blessed are the Peacemakers-speak words of encouragement-no dissension-spread no rumors

Blessed are the Persecuted-only those who take a stand for Christ will be persecuted

We completed our class time discussing that we should view sin like God does. While the Pharisees looked to a list of do's and don'ts to guide their life Christ followers should have the mind of Christ with regards to sin.

The contrast between the Pharisee's approach to "right living" and the Christ way to "right living" could not be more distinct.

Verse 21-22

The Pharisees would be comfortable in their religion if they had never actually murdered someone but they ignored the root cause of murder which Christ addressed in these verses. Jesus' dealt with the attitude and exposed the wrong thinking of the religious leaders of His day.

Verses 27-30

The Pharisees would be comfortable in their religion if they had never actually committed the act of adultery but they again ignored the root cause of adultery which is lust.

This teaching tied in very nicely with our lesson in chapter 4 dealing with how we respond to temptation. It is important for us to construct "hedges" around our lives so that we are not as prone to give in to these temptations.

Jerry Welch will be leading our class time next Sunday and will continue our study of The Sermon on the Mount.

Faye and I will miss you and look forward to being with you the following week.

Blessings,

randy