Righteousness In the Kingdom of Heaven

01) Righteousness in the Kingdom of Heaven

16 April 2017

An overview of the sermon on the mount, reminding us that it is a lesson about Jesus, and righteousness and that we should live by righteousness.

02a) You Can Be Blessed!

23 April 2017

Synopsis: Blessed is the key word Jesus uses to describe the essential character of the citizen of the kingdom. Often simply translated as “happy”, it means much more than this.

02b) God, Be Merciful to Me, A Sinner!

7 May 2017

One who is poor in spirit realizes that they have nothing, they are nothing, except what God gives them and makes them. Jesus demonstrates being poor in spirit to us when he left heaven and came to earth.

 

02c) Are You Sad?

14 May 2017

Why does God bless those who mourn? Jesus mourned sin and the consequences of sin, reminding us that the reason we mourn is because of sin in the world, among my brethren and (especially?) my own sin. Such mourning reflects the seriousness of our failure to be holy as he is holy and the devastation of sin in this world.

02d1) Are You Under Control? (part 1)

21 May 2017

Meekness is strength under control. It is reflected in my relationship with God and with other people.

02d2) Are You Under Control? (part 2 – The Example of Moses)

28 May 2017

Meekness is strength under control. It is reflected in my relationship with God and with other people. In this lesson, we use the example of Moses to better understand our struggles to be meek.

02e) What Do You Long For?

4 June 2017

The fourth aspect of the character of the citizen of the kingdom of heaven is that we desire righteousness. In this lesson, we’ll focus on understanding what righteousness means.

02f) Are You Merciful?

2017 June 11

Mercy has two necessary components: compassion and action to alleviate the suffering. In this lesson, we’ll see Jesus’ mercy and learn his instruction about mercy through two of his parables.

02g) Are You Pure?

2 July 2017

God approves of the man who is pure in heart. Men such as David and Jesus remind us that this means we are to be utterly sincere and wholly true to our God. Our prayer, like David, is that He would unite our hearts to fear Him.

02h) Are You A Peace Maker?

9 July 2017

Peace means much more than absence of conflict; it means to bring into harmony. In this lesson we’ll see what it means to be a peace maker by seeing what Jesus has done for us and the example of Abigail.

02i) Are You Rejoicing?

16 July 2017

The last character trait is not as easily recognized in this text. What is the proper reaction for a citizen of the kingdom when we are persecuted? We are to rejoice and be glad. In this lesson, we’ll consider what this means and how we can realistically rejoice while suffering for our Savior.

02j1) The Rewards – part 1

2017 July 23

Synopsis: For each of the character traits, our Lord also explains the corresponding reward from God. Our Father rewards those who seek him and here we find wonderful reasons for making that choice in our lives. In this lesson, we’ll discuss the importance of rewards, the kingdom of Heaven, and comfort.

02j2) The Rewards – part 2

2017 July 30

For each of the character traits, our Lord also explains the corresponding reward from God. Our Father rewards those who seek him and here we find wonderful reasons for making that choice in our lives. In this lesson we discuss “inherit the earth”; “satisfied”; and “receive mercy.”

02j3) The Rewards – part 3

2017 August 6

For each of the character traits, our Lord also explains the corresponding reward from God. Our Father rewards those who seek him and here we find wonderful reasons for making that choice in our lives. In this lesson, we’ll discuss “see God”; “sons of God”; and “kingdom of heaven”.

03) What’s Your Basket?

2017 August 13

Jesus tells us that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. But he also warns us of a great trap that many disciples of Jesus today have succumbed to: we might stop being salty and we might stop shining. We’ll examine some ways in which we hide from the world in this lesson.

04) Fulfilling the Law

2107 August 27

As Jesus continues teaching about righteousness in the kingdom, he’s about to say some things that will sound very different to his audience, so he warns them that he is not abolishing the law but fulfilling it. In this lesson, we’ll examine what that means.

05) Exceeding Righteousness

2017 September 3

Jesus’ first shocking statement to the Jews is that their righteousness is to exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees and Scribes. To them, this is a very high standard of righteousness. In this lesson, we’ll consider the righteousness that Jesus would have us pursue and find that it is only possible through Him.

06) God is Life

10 September 2017

The Scribes and Pharisees relaxed the command to not murder by diminishing the judgment involved; but Jesus teaches us about true righteousness that we are not to devalue our fellow man and we should reconcile quickly when there are issues between us. Ultimately, Jesus is reminding us that God is life, and we must value life to be like Him.

07a) God is Faithful! (Part 1)

24 September 2017

Jesus’ second example of true righteousness is exemplified by the prohibition of adultery and divorce, both of which the Scribes and Pharisees had relaxed, failing to understand that the problem was in the heart. True righteousness understands that this is really about faithfulness. In marriage we covenant to be one flesh, adultery violently violates that relationship, as does divorce. In this less we also consider ways that we can actively demonstrate our faithfulness to our spouse and to our God.

 

07b) God Is Faithful! (Part 2) Demonstrating Faithfulness to My Spouse

1 October 2017

Jesus’ second example of true righteousness is exemplified by the prohibition of adultery and divorce, both of which the Scribes and Pharisees had relaxed, failing to understand that the problem was in the heart. True righteousness understands that this is really about faithfulness. In marriage we covenant to be one flesh, adultery violently violates that relationship, as does divorce. In this less we also consider ways that we can actively demonstrate our faithfulness to our spouse by being content, rejoicing and considering the consequences.

07c) God is Faithful! (Part 3) Demonstrating Faithfulness to My God

8 October 2017

Jesus’ second example of true righteousness is exemplified by the prohibition of adultery and divorce, both of which the Scribes and Pharisees had relaxed, failing to understand that the problem was in the heart. True righteousness understands that this is really about faithfulness. In marriage we covenant to be one flesh, adultery violently violates that relationship, as does divorce. In this less we also consider ways that we can actively demonstrate our faithfulness to our God. This first lesson focuses on contentment.

07d) God Is Faithful! (part 4) Demonstrating Faithfulness to My God

2017 October 15

Jesus’ second example of true righteousness is exemplified by the prohibition of adultery and divorce, both of which the Scribes and Pharisees had relaxed, failing to understand that the problem was in the heart. True righteousness understands that this is really about faithfulness. In marriage we covenant to be one flesh, adultery violently violates that relationship, as does divorce. In this less we also consider ways that we can actively demonstrate our faithfulness to our God through rejoicing and discipline.

08) God is Truth! (Matthew 5:33-37)

22 October 2017

Jesus’ third example of true righteousness is the taking of oaths. The Scribes and Pharisees had made oath taking into an art of deceit. Jesus teaches that our answers shouldn’t need oaths; a simple yes or no demonstrates the integrity of our heart. It further teaches us that our God is the God of Truth and he desires his children to be truthful in all things.

09a) God is Merciful! part 1 (Matthew 5:38-42)

5 November 2017

Turn the other cheek. So well known, but so misunderstood. Jesus is teaching us not just to turn away from vengeance, but to choose to be merciful and kind to those who are evil.

  • Slides (pdf, notes included)

09b) God Is Merciful! Part 2 (Matthew 5:38-42)

12 November 2017

Turn the other cheek. So well known, but so misunderstood. Jesus is teaching us not just to turn away from vengeance, but to choose to be merciful and kind to those who are evil. In this portion, we’ll learn that mercy triumphs over judgment and that we are to overcome evil with good.

10a) God is Love! (Part 1) Matthew 5:43-47

19 November 2017

The last example of righteousness that exceeds the Scribes and the Pharisees is that of love. While the law of Moses taught loving one’s neighbor, it didn’t teach hatred for enemies. Yet the misinference of the Scribes and Pharisees had lead them to teach this. Jesus corrects this by teaching them to love their enemies, pray for those who persecute them and ultimately to be like their Heavenly Father.

10b) God is Love! (Part 2) Matthew 5:43-47

26 November 2017

The last example of righteousness that exceeds the Scribes and the Pharisees is that of love. In this lesson, we’ll examine more deeply what it means that God is love using the example of Hosea.

11) You Must Be Perfect – Matthew 5:48

3 December 2017

Jesus concludes his thoughts on exceeding the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees by changing our perspective and understanding. Our righteousness must rise to the standard of God’s perfection. Perfection, in this context, is not sinlessness, but maturity. Our God wants our character to be mature like His Character.

12) You Must Be Perfect: Hindrances to Growth – Matthew 5:48

10 December 2017

Jesus teaches us that true righteousness is about being like our Father, about being fully-grown up in Him. However, there are several reasons why some disciples grow to be like them. In this lesson, we’ll discuss some of the things that hinder us.

 

13) Practicing Your Righteousness – Matthew 6:1

17 December 2017

Understanding righteousness correctly is only the first step, Jesus now reminds us that there are correct and incorrect ways to practice our righteousness. Righteous acts should be done to glorify God, but all to often what we really care about is that others see us doing good.

14) Open Wide Your Hands – Matthew 6:2-4

24 December 2017

Jesus’s first example of properly practicing your righteousness is about giving to the needy. Our God is a giving God and He has consistently expected his people to help those who are in need. However, as the contrast between Joseph and Ananias and Sapphira demonstrates, it’s vital that we help because we want to help not because we want to be noticed. Paul reminds the Corinthians, and us, of the proper way to give righteously.

15) Exalt Jehovah Our God: Matthew 6:5-8

7 January 2018

Jesus’ second example of practicing righteousness is about prayer. Some pray to be seen and some pray in ways that dishonor God. The purpose of prayer (any worship) is to exalt God for who is and for his wonderful deeds. Before I pray, I must be sure that I am exalting Him in all that I do.

16) Pray Like This

14 January 2017

To help us practice our righteousness, Jesus provided us with an example of a prayer that exalts God in every respect.

17) The Fast That I Choose

21 January 2017

Matthew 6:16-18

Jesus’ final example of practical righteousness is about fasting righteously. Fasting is not really about food, but about humbling myself before God, seeking the gracious help of my Father. The fasting that God chooses is not about going with out food, but about righteously and graciously helping others in their time of need and being glad to aid them.

18) Your Heavenly Father’s True Treasure (Matthew 6:19-24)

 2018 February 4

Jesus reminds us that practicing true righteousness is about my heart, my eye, and who I serve. There is peace in knowing that the only true treasure comes from our Father who rewards us generously as we choose to follow only Him.

19) Your Heavenly Father Knows, Is Near and Cares for You (Matthew 6:24-34)

2018 February 11

Jesus continues to reminds us that when our treasure is in heaven we no longer need to be anxious about the things of this world and this life. Because our God is Faithful, he knows our needs, is near to help us, and takes care of us. So I must seek His kingdom and righteousness and will so find peace and joy in Him.

20) Judge NOT: How the Pharisees Judged (Matthew 7:1-2)

2018 February 18

Jesus teaches us that when we practice our righteousness we must never judge others. It seems to me that the Pharisees excelled in harsh judgment of others as an aspect of their practicing righteousness. To many of their brethren, they would have assumed that this type of judging was righteous, but it is not.

21) Judge NOT: Your Own Eyes (Matthew 7:3-6)

2018 February 25

Continuing our study of Jesus teaching us about how to practice our righteousness, He has taught us that we must not judge. In this lesson we examine the beam and speck in the eye. The emphasis probably should be on the condition of my eye, and that I be concerned about my brother, not being the Judge. God is Judge, I’m the brother and my job should be to aid my brother, not judge.

22) Judge NOT: What I Must Do Instead of Judging (Matthew 7:1-6)

2018 March 4

Synopsis: In this lesson  we’ll learn about what we must do instead of judging by looking at the instruction from various passages. Three areas are examined: those in the world, a brother in sin, and a weak brother. Above all, we must show mercy!

23) Good Gifts (Matthew 7:7-11)

2018 March 18

Because our understanding of God is sometimes skewed by erroneous concepts, we fail to come before our Heavenly Father confidently and seek His gracious gifts. Often when we practice our righteousness, we are seeking to earn our Father’s favor as if He is hard to please and often angry. When we remember that we have a good Father, who gives us good gifts, we can practice our righteousness with joy and contentment, knowing that He will always do what is best for us.

24) Do Also To Them

2018 March 25

Jesus comes to the climax of his thoughts on practicing righteousness, reminding us of what it is all about. It’s all about love.

25) Two Ways

2018 April 8

Jesus’ conclusion to the sermon reminds us that we must make a choice in this life. We must look to the way that leads to life, not the way that leads to destruction.

26) Beware of False Prophets (Matthew 7:15)

2018 April 15

 Jesus warns us that on even on the path of life we must beware of false prophets, especially since they disguise themselves among us.

I’m sorry there is no audio for this slideshow, but there were technical difficulties. (I’m sure it was something I did, or didn’t do.)

27) Recognizing False Prophets (Matthew 7:16-20)

2018 April 22

Jesus has warned us to beware of false prophets and goes on to remind us that we can know them by their fruits. His sermon on the mount has provided an understanding of good fruit: true righteousness. Other passages help us understand bad fruit and amplify our our knowledge of good fruit. 

28) the one who DOES the will of my Father (Matthew 7:21-23)

2018 May 6

On the path of life, another danger we face is that of self-delusion. Jesus warns us that we must not convince ourselves that God must approve of us because we believe, we are zealous, or because we do many works. The one who does the will of the Father will enter the kingdom, and Jesus has taught us in this sermon what that means.

29) Dig Deep (Matthew 7:24-27)

2018 May 13

Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount with a powerful parable reminding us that having heard these words, we are only wise men when we do them. The key to building our house, though is that we must build on the right foundation which requires digging deep.