SUMMER QUARTER 2011
PRAYER & BIBLE BAND
"But be ye doers of the word
and not hearers only,
deceiving your own selves." James 1:22
TAKE UP WHERE
JESUS LAID DOWN
JUNE THIRD WEEK
June 22, 2011
THE CHRISTIAN'S CONTENTMENT
Matthew 5:1-16
DEVOTIONAL READING
Matthew 5:1-16
CENTRAL VERSE: "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after
righteousness: for they shall be filled." (Matthew 5:6)
The first five chapter of Matthew are known as the Sermon on the Mount. You will
find in these sermons Jesus gives details regarding the kind of righteousness Christians
should have. Christians way of living should far exceed that of the sinner. We will
discuss this week, how to be truly happy in our everyday lives in our quest to be more
like Christ.
Kingdom norms lead to happiness (Matthew 5:1-12).
Jesus began to teach that Christians are already blessed when they become a part
of God's family. What the world may see as true happiness is Christian can be truly
happy when he knows that he is nothing without God. The happy person is humble,
pure and merciful. The Christian desires to be more like Christ, helping make peace
wherever possible. However, instead of a Christian receiving wealth, success or fame
for doing good, he will experience a great deal of ridicule and persecution.
Jesus explains that Christians who desire to be more like Christ are already part of
the kingdom of heaven. They shall be comforted and will receive the mercies of God.
What can be better than being called a child of God and one day see Him.
Kingdom witness leads to fulfillment (Matthew 5:13-16).
Christians are called by Jesus to be salt and light to the world around them. Salt
preserves, gives flavor, and helps heal. The salt of a Christian's witness brings a thirst
in an unsaved person for the things of God.
Jesus also called us to be the light of the world. The lyrics to a song say to us
"Jesus is the light, He's the light of the world and He ever shineth in my soul.”Light also
exposes error, Jesus called on us to shine our light so that it can be seen by all.
When we become more like Jesus, we will experience true happiness. Will it be
smooth sailing? Far from it! Jesus' life certainty was not an easy one. Why should we
expect ours to be? Though we could have a life of fulfillment here on earth, we will
have it in Heaven.
ESSENTIAL THOUGHT:
Complete restoration comes when Jesus touches.
ESSENTIAL THOUGHT: It is impossible to have a Christ-like Spirit with a demonic
attitude.
QUESTIONS:
1. What is the true meaning of "blessed" in these verses?
2. What is a meek person like?
3. What are the characteristics of a peacemaker?