Week 4: Do as He Did (A Foundation for Kingdom Living)
Text: Matthew 5-7 [The Sermon on the Mount]
Objective: Emphasize the call to live out Jesus' teachings and commands in our daily lives.
Outline:
- Scripture Reading:
- John 13:34-35, Matthew 28:18-20
- Main Points:
- Commission: Jesus commands us to make disciples.
- Love: The defining mark of a disciple.
- Action: Living out Jesus' teachings in practical ways.
1. Commission: Jesus Commands Us to Make Disciples
Highlighted Passage:
Matthew 5:14-16
Key Points:
- Being Salt and Light (Matthew 5:13-16): Jesus commissions His followers to influence the world by embodying the Kingdom values, being "salt" to preserve goodness and "light" to guide others to God.
- The Great Commission Connection: Though the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) comes after the resurrection, the Sermon on the Mount establishes the foundation for disciple-making by calling believers to live visibly and distinctly as representatives of God's Kingdom.
Cross References:
- Matthew 5:19: "Therefore, anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven." This verse emphasizes the responsibility of disciples to teach and model Jesus' commands.
- Matthew 7:12: "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." This Golden Rule highlights how living out Jesus' teachings leads others to understand and follow God's ways.
2. Love: The Defining Mark of a Disciple
Highlighted Passage:
Matthew 5:43-45
Key Points:
- Radical Love (Matthew 5:43-48): Jesus redefines love by commanding His followers to love not just their neighbors but also their enemies, reflecting God's perfect love.
- Love as a Kingdom Value: This kind of love distinguishes Jesus' disciples from the world, showing that they are children of God who act out of a transformed heart.
Cross References:
- Matthew 5:9: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." Peacemaking is a form of love that seeks reconciliation and reflects God's heart.
- Matthew 7:1-5: The teaching on not judging others is rooted in love, encouraging believers to approach others with humility and grace, rather than condemnation.
3. Action: Living Out Jesus' Teachings in Practical Ways
Highlighted Passage:
Matthew 7:24-27
Key Points:
- Putting Jesus’ Words into Practice (Matthew 7:24-27): The culmination of the Sermon on the Mount calls for action—building one’s life on the solid foundation of Jesus' teachings through obedience and practice.
- Action as Proof of Discipleship: It's not enough to hear Jesus' words; true discipleship is demonstrated through living out these teachings in everyday life.
Cross References:
- Matthew 5:16: "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." This verse emphasizes the importance of visible actions that reflect God’s character.
- Matthew 6:1-4: Jesus teaches about giving to the needy, emphasizing that righteous actions should be done in secret, purely for God's glory rather than for human recognition.
- Application:
- Specific ways to serve others and share the Gospel.
- Get Involved. Serve within the body and learn ways you can help in your community.
- Always Be Open. If God is moving you or calling you towards something, FOLLOW.
- Share In The Workplace. Many are in the workforce and missing a huge opportunity.
- Examples of modern-day discipleship and mission.
- Live Out The Great Commission, Daily!
