BEFORE YOU ARE FORCED TO MEMORIZE THE SAYINGS OF MAO, HEAR THE SAYINGS OF JESUS, LEARN THEM!

1. Jesus had spent the night in Prayer, Luke 6:12, selected his 12 Apostles - Lk6:13, now taught
2: Jesus begins to teach where others leave off; others demand perfection-he gives it
3. Though this is the inaugural address of His Kingdom - Perfect application during Millennium -

No law today can make you live this- but the person who claims it in Christ is Blessed.

I.- THE BLESSINGS OF HIS KINGDOM Matt 5:1-16

These Beatitudes- most beautiful language - In the heavenlies -touching heart, not the hand

A.- THE STRANGENESS OF THESE BEATITUDES - PEOPLE TODAY AVOID THEM LIKE THE PLAGUE, ILLUSIVE JOYS

1. Each one presents a paradox to the carnal mind-Old Jews in Talmud could not understand them
2. "Blessed" is Spiritual happiness- each one is defeat as seen in this world's psychology

B.- GOD TAKES OUR WEAKNESS & TURNS IT INTO VICTORY; WHEN WE ARE IN NEED, & TRUST HIM, HE BLESSES!

1. Those depressed with this life- v.3, look to God's kingdom, and He does not disappoint them
2. Those who mourn- v.4 are hurt by this world, so their comfort can be in Christ
3. The meek- v.5, are pushed around, but their hope is in Jesus and His Kingdom-& shall inherit
4. Those who want God's laws- v.6, find fulfilment in Christ- to want things, is to be never satisfied
5. Those who show mercy- v.7, will be the kind that seek it in Christ for themselves- & find it
6. The pure in heart- v.8, are not blinded by sophisticated world, so they see God
7. The peacemakers- v.9 not peace talkers!  Once you have made peace with God- you can with man
8. Those persecuted & reviled falsely- v.10 can rejoice, God will take their side v.11

Take a good look at these Beatitudes- In ourselves we cannot qualify for one- but in Christ!

C.- CHRIST CAME TO FULFIL, NOT TO DESTROY THE LAW AND THE PROPHETS, and IN HIM WE ARE FULFILLED

1. We lose our savor- v.13, hide our light v.14, we are to let our light shine-v.16
2. The Pharisees taught a dead ritualistic obedience - the Sadducees liberal violation of law
3. But Jesus came to fulfil -18, demanded they be taught v.19, and lived in inner life-v.20

II. THE SAYINGS OF JESUS GIVE HIS NEW LAW 5:21

The Jews stressed legalism, letter of the law; but Christ opened the heart of God's will

A.- THEY HAD BEEN TAUGHT LETTER OF LAW TO SURVIVE, JESUS TAUGHT SPIRIT OF LAW BECAUSE WE ARE ALIVE!

1. Not just murder- 21,22 but hatred, anger; settle your difference with love or be judged!
2. Not just adultery- 27-30 but lust; Today stimulated by Satan's elect super salesmen- deadly
3. Not legal polygamy -31-32, God's love demanded faithfulness, law demanded life contract
4. Not just swear by God- 33-34 but tell truth without oaths; word more precious than ill begotten wealth
5. Not just retaliatory revenge- 38,39 but humility, Kindness- let God settle it; He will & does!
6. Not love friends & hate enemies- 43,44 but love and kindness to all - God's special love

B.- AND WITH ALL THIS, GOD DEMANDS PERFECTION v. 48 -MEANS MATURE, FULLY DEVELOPED, GODLY! -

1. Alms to the poor- 6:1-4 quietly, For God's glory, not for self praise- 
2. Prayer as sincere talk with God- v.5-6 and not vain repetition- 7; so we repeat 9-13
3. Fasting as personal self denial- v.16-18 not for attention of men!
4. Treasure Eternal spiritual things- v.24 and you will have the right master -right treasure
5. Concern yourself with seeking righteousness- v. 33, stop worrying and start living positively
6. Don't Judge-(Condemn) others- 7:1 -use good sense to control your own actions, then help others
7. How can we possibly meet these conditions- see v.7 -Ask & God will help us live out His Word
8. The Law is summarized- v.12-would be fair play-but who is capable? We expect more of others

III.- ONE WAY TO KEEP HIS SAYINGS ! Matt 7:13-

When we look at the straight and narrow way- 13,14, we must have a guide- It is Jesus

A.- BEWARE OF THE FALSE TEACHERS - THERE ARE 2 Ways, 2 Prophets, 2 Professions, 2 Foundations

You are to Judge Prophets by their fruits- 15-20 & Good sense will tell you who God's man is

B.- BEWARE OF THE FALSE PROFESSION v.21-23 -NOT LIP SERVANTS, BUT THOSE WHO KNOW JESUS ARE SAVED

Great deeds never replace doing God's will! -not even healing miracles! Do You Know Jesus?

C.- BEWARE THE FALSE FOUNDATION v.24-27 THE AMOUNT OF LABOR IS IMPORTANT, BUT NOT ETERNAL!

I wish more would work wisely! But if wrong foundation-it is in vain! The Rock?- JESUS!
Jesus did not theorize He taught with authority-v.29 and we need this Authority today!

YOUR LIFE HANGS IN THE BALANCE, THE ONDY WAY INTO THE KINGDOM IS WITH THE NEW BIRTH!

1. Social changes & equal rights cannot bus you into God's Kingdom!- in heart or not at all!
2. If you could get in without being Saved- changed-born again- you would not be happy!--
3. You get saved by accepting Christ; then you find happiness by obeying Him as your King!

He demands nothing of you but that He supplies.  Will you trust Him?  Walk with Him?