Matthew 5:1-12

Matthew 5:1-12

"Would we know what kind of people Christians ought to be? Would we know the character at which Christians ought to aim? Would we know the outward walk and inward habit of mind which become a follower of Jesus? Then let us often study the sermon on the mount."

"Christianity is eminently a practical religion. Sound doctrine is its root and foundation, but holy living should always be its fruit."

Questions:

1. We have here the opening to the sermon on the mount, which consists of 8 characteristics that Jesus calls blessed. As you listened to them, I trust you will agree with the pastor who said that we need to be told these things are blessed because it certainly doesn't feel like it! Ryle declares that these are the things we should compare ourselves to, that the world utterly rejects, and that many professing Christians are ignorant of. As you consider being poor in spirit, mourning, meekness, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, being merciful, being pure in heart, peacemaking and persecution, which ones do you struggle with the most? Why? Which ones do you need to go to God with for more grace?