This document provides an overview and summary of key aspects of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount from the Gospel of Matthew. It discusses how the sermon outlines the character and values of the Kingdom of God, including the Beatitudes which describe the inward attitudes of Jesus' disciples as the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. It also notes that true disciples are those whose character has been shaped and conduct changed by following Jesus, not just those who claim to follow him.

1. Living in two worlds A series on the Sermon on the Mount

2. Structure of the sermon Theme: Kingdom (reign) of God Kingdom character & influence 5:3-16 Kingdom laws & values 5:17-48 Kingdom actions 6:1-7:6 Kingdom demands 7:7-27

3. Living in two worlds The distinguishing marks of a Christian

4. What exactly is a Christ-follower? Not just someone who has made a decision … but someone who is becoming a disciple Disciple: one who learns (a student) one who follows (a pilgrim) one who imitates (a servant) Someone who’s character has been shaped … & who’s conduct has been changed . “ Not everyone who says to me “Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.” (7:22)

5. God’s process for change The shaping of character The changing of conduct The transformation of culture

6. Beatitudes (or blessed attitudes) Blessed are the poor in spirit Blessed are those who mourn Blessed are the meek Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness Blessed are the merciful Blessed are the pure in heart Blessed are the peacemakers Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness … … for theirs is the kingdom of heaven . … for they will be comforted . … for they will inherit the earth . … for they will be filled . … for they will be shown mercy . … for they will see God . … for they will be called sons of God . … for theirs is the kingdom of heaven .

7. The inward attitudes Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven . Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted . Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth . Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled . Recognize what they don’t have Grieve for what this means for them & the world Humble themselves before the one who can give it Yearn for it above all else

8. Life application How do you see yourself? Are you becoming a disciple? What do you hunger for?