Bible Chapter: Matthew 5
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
This chapter begins the Sermon on the Mount. This is one of the most important and foundational teachings of Jesus. The chapters covering this sermon cover so much materials, I can only comment on a few of the points.
Jesus laid out the foundational principles for righteous living. He said that His followers will face persecution. This is persecution for righteousness. Those who grow in their relationship with Jesus and live a righteous life will be on the receiving end of mockery, persecution and overall insults. If it really comes from living as Jesus taught, it will bring blessings from God.
Jesus said that His followers are salt and light. Salt is necessary for life to exist. Salt ads flavor. Life is not boring when you are staying close to the Lord. Salty Christians will influence the world around them and cause a thirst for Jesus in others. Jesus said believers are salt and light. Light guides people through the intricacies of life. Darkness is dangerous, but light gives confidence.
Jesus talked about righteousness. One of the issues I run into in life is the issue of good people. “I’m a good person.” That is a common statement. I meet lots of good people. The issue is not if someone is good or not. People are nice and help out and don’t kick little puppies. Jesus didn’t come to make us good, but righteous. Romans 3:10 says As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one;” (NKJV). Jesus said that our righteousness must exceed those religious folks He met. Being good is not the issue. Anyone can be good for a while if it suits their desires. Jesus came to change us and fill us with His righteousness.
As we are filled with His righteousness, it will impact every area of our lives. Jesus talked about morality. He applied our thought life to our moral standing. While many people would never consider committing adultery, they quickly fill their minds with sinful thoughts. Jesus said that to let our minds linger on immoral things is the same thing as committing adultery. It is adultery in the heart and that is just as bad.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
After a full commitment of my life to Jesus and receiving His forgiveness from sin, I must strive to live righteously continually living in His strength. Learning to see life from God’s perspective will impact the decisions I make. That means I must continually work at growing close to Jesus. I must continue to learn what righteousness really is. I must continue to learn what blessings, the spiritual well-being of believers, are in God’s sight. The Sermon on the Mount has been called the constitution of the church. The thought of application is strong in my thinking here. I must apply what Jesus taught.
3. How can I help someone?
Many people don’t understand how to take the Bible and apply it in life. They see it as a big book of rules and regulations that no person can fully understand. And, no person can actually live it. It’s nice theory, but not very practical. As I grow myself, I can help people see that they can, out of their own personal relationship with Jesus, mature spiritually and learn to apply scriptural principles and truths.
