INTRODUCTION - HERE IS THE GREATEST SERMON EVER PREACHED - INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF THE KING - Matt. 4:23,5:17

• It describes the condition of the God blessed life - new law of Spirit - and the demands of God
• But the demands of the King are such that no person here has lived up to what the Preacher sets forth
• Nor can we until the Lord establishes His government and enforces His will -
• Though there were no recorded decisions - anyone who tries His laws will find blessing today

I. THE CONDITION OF THE GOD BLESSED LIFE - 5:1-16

The Beatitudes - most beautiful language - in the heavenlies - touching the heart - not the hand

THE STRANGENESS OF THE BEATITUDES - SOMETHING THAT VERY FEW PEOPLE FIND TODAY - ILLUSIVE JOYS

• Each one presents a paradox to the carnal mind - the old Jews - in Talmud could not understand
• "Blessed" is a spiritual happiness - the conditions show where God can give Spiritual Happiness
• Each one is a defeat as far as this world's psychology - God turns it into Victory!

1. Those depressed in this life - look to God's kingdom, and God does not disappoint them!
2. Those who mourn are not in love with this world - so their comfort can be in God - Spiritual
3. The meek are pushed around - and are wanting the Lord's kingdom to come and it will for them
4. Those who desire God's laws can find satisfaction - those who want Things - never satisfied
5. Those who show mercy will find that God is merciful to them - and the opposite is true
6. Those who are pure in heart are not blinded by the sophisticated world - and see God
7. Those who are persecuted and reviled falsely - can rejoice - God will take their side

But which of us can qualify for these?  We don't see much gain from these today

II. THE NEW LAW OF THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST!!

The Jews were stressing legalism - letter of the law - but Christ speaks of the spirit of law -

THE KING WAS EXPECTED TO SATISFY EVERYONE, BUT JESUS TELLS JUST WHAT HE WILL DO!

• Some seem to think that in Heaven we can do our own will - Jesus stated - not one law destroyed
• In fact Jesus told them plainly that they must do better than the Pharisees - v. 20
• Jesus called for more than legal obedience to every law - He called for heartfelt submission

1. Not just murder - but hatred, anger - 21-22 - Settle your differences, or be judged by God!
2. Not just adultery - but lust - 27-30 - and today's fashions are created to stimulate this! Clothe yourself
3. Not just legal divorce - but adultery - 31-32 - adults in divorce - half of marriages not made in heaven
4. Not just swear by God - but tell the truth without swearing - 33-34 - written contract or not!
5. Not just retaliatory revenge - 38-39 - but humility - kindness and let God settle it - know He will
6. Not love friends and hate enemies - 43-44 - but love and kindness to all - God's special love

AND WITH ALL THIS - GOD DEMANDS THAT YOU BE PERFECT! - v.48 Mature, full developed GODLY!

• Almsgiving to the poor - quietly - 6:1-4 - for God's glory, not for your own praise
• Prayer as sincere talk with God - 5-6 - and not vain repetition - 7 - so we repeat 8-13
• Fasting - self denial - as personal - not for pity of men - 16-18 - apply this today to dieting
• Treasure eternal spiritual things - 24 - and you will have the right Master -
• Concern yourself with seeking righteousness - v. 33 - and stop worrying and start living!
• Don't judge (condemn) others - v. 7:1 - use good sense on your own actions - not others!
• How can we possibly meet these conditions?  Ask - v. 7 - God will help us if we will
• The law is summarized - v. 7:12 - but who can keep it - even among Christians today!  You don't

III. THE SECRET OF ENTERING CHRIST'S KINGDOM

When we look at these requirements - 7:13,14 - on the straight gate are certainly true

BEWARE OF THE FALSE TEACHERS - There are two ways, two prophets, two professions

• You are to  judge to Prophets by their fruits - good tree bringing forth good fruit - v. 15-20

BEWARE OF THE FALSE PROFESSION - v. 21-23 - not the lip servants enter Heaven - KEY TO SALVATION

• Even great deeds will not replace doing God's will - the only ones who can - know Jesus!  Do you?

BEWARE THE FALSE FOUNDATION - v. 24-27 - The amount of labor is important - but not eternal

• It is the one with the right foundation that survives - that  foundation is Christ!

Jesus did not theorize - He taught with authority - v. 29 - We must have authority today!

CONCLUSION - YOUR LIFE HANGS IN THE BALANCE - THE ONLY WAY INTO THE KINGDOM IS WITH THE KING!

• You cannot meet the conditions of the King without His forgiveness - and changing - New Birth
• If you could get into His kingdom - you would not be happy without being born again!
• Come and receive Jesus Christ as your Saviour today - Seek His kingdom because you love the King - Do you know Him?

You can't please God in your flesh - so come to Jesus and love Him!