2. Matthew 5:1-12
The Sermon on the Mount

3. The theme of the sermon Citizens of the kingdom
Righteousness of the kingdom
Exhortation to enter the kingdom

4. Consider the character of kingdom citizens …
Must possess ALL these graces, they are inter-related

5. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  (2 Peter 1:5-11, ESV)

6. Consider the character of kingdom citizens …
Poor in spirit
But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ (Luke 18:13, ESV)

7. Consider the character of kingdom citizens …
For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words
and blameless in your judgment.
(Psalm 51:3-4, ESV)
Poor in spirit
Those that mourn

8. Consider the character of kingdom citizens …
Poor in spirit
Those that mourn
Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? (Romans 7:24, ESV)

9. Consider the character of kingdom citizens …
Poor in spirit
Those that mourn
And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly. (Matthew 26:75, ESV)

10. Consider the character of kingdom citizens …
Poor in spirit
Those that mourn
The gentle/meek

11. Consider the character of kingdom citizens …
Poor in spirit
Those that mourn
The gentle/meek
Hunger and thirst after righteousness
As a deer pants for flowing streams,
so pants my soul for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God,
for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?
(Psalm 42:1-2, ESV)

12. Consider the character of kingdom citizens …
But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ (Philippians 3:7-8, ESV)
Poor in spirit
Those that mourn
The gentle/meek
Hunger and thirst after righteousness

13. Consider the character of kingdom citizens …
Poor in spirit
Those that mourn
The gentle/meek
Hunger and thirst after righteousness
Merciful
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses (Matthew 6:14-15, ESV)

14. Consider the character of kingdom citizens …
Poor in spirit
Those that mourn
The gentle/meek
Hunger and thirst after righteousness
Merciful
Pure in heart
Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to what is false
and does not swear deceitfully.
(Psalm 24:3-4, ESV)

15. Consider the character of kingdom citizens …
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:18-21, ESV)
Poor in spirit
Those that mourn
The gentle/meek
Hunger and thirst after righteousness
Merciful
Pure in heart
Peacemakers

16. Consider the character of kingdom citizens …
Poor in spirit
Those that mourn
The gentle/meek
Hunger and thirst after righteousness
Merciful
Pure in heart
Peacemakers
Persecuted for righteousness sake
v. 11- insults, perscu., slander, false accusations
v. 12- not alone in persecution, won’t be the last

17. Citizens of the kingdom…
Must…
Realize their sinfulness, mourn over it
Be gentle, merciful as they seek righteousness
Keep a pure heart, make peace with others
Not fear persecution
And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’ (Acts 22:16, ESV)