1. “An Overview of Kingdom Character” Matthew 5:1-16

2. So, What’s New in 2015? Speaking of new – Jesus’ arrival on scene Matthew 1– Birth narratives Matthew 3 – John the Baptist, Baptism Matthew 4 – Temptations Matthew 4:17 – “The Onset!” Matthew 4:18 – “Gathering disciples” Matthew 4:23-25 – Kingdom revelation! Kingdom foundations rest in character (Mt. 5-7)

3. The Caution of Religious Lists Lists may suggest conditions of eternal life; Gospel = “Jesus loves me this I know!” Christ died for all our sins (1 John 1:9) ** saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9) ** appointed to bear fruit (John 15:8,16) Having been saved, the Beatitudes suggest targets/goals for God’s work in our lives – the RESULTS of living in the Master’s hands! / Road map/ Blueprints

4. Fundamental Principles of Kingdom Character 1. Being precedes doing. Ephesians 1:3-4; Luke 6:13 2. Good works do not make good character. Jesus makes good character. Good works flow from godly character. Isaiah 64:6, Rom. 3:20 Conclusion: Inside is more important that outside Matthew 23:25-28

5. A Present, But Yet Future, Kingdom! “Blessed” = or “Happy” from Makarios “macro” Vss. 3,10 = “IS” the Kingdom of heaven Emmanuel = “here and now! See Matthew 4:17 – “the Kingdom is at hand!” ** both “present possessions” of the Kingdom are experienced under adversity in the world * vs. 3 – “poor in spirit” * vs. 10 – “persecuted for righteousness sake” But SOME Kingdom blessings are future!

6. Future Elements of the Kingdom Vss. 4,5,6,7,8,9 = “shall” – future tense fulfillment “meek” “hunger and thirst for righteousness” “merciful” “pure in heart” “peacemakers” Kingdom-living is faith-based; anchored in His presence with us today – “Emmanuel”

7. How Character Gets Changed 1. Learn the standard – Matthew 5:1-2 Matthew 5:48 “Be ye perfect” 2. Meet the heart-changer: Jesus! Zaccheus - Luke 19:1-11 Saul to Paul in Acts 9 (new kingdom, new values) 3. Monitor fruit – Matthew 3:5-8 * matters beyond your control * face of temptation * attitude toward difficult people

8. The Kingdom is Inextricably Tied to The King – Jesus Christ! “…Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21) “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17) “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16) “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani” (Matthew 27:46). “Go ye therefore and make disciples” (Matt 28:19)