1. Matthew 5:1-16 Let Your Light Shine

2. The Kingdom of Heaven Mt 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Mt 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Mt 5:19 Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and Teaches others to do the same 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. Mt 5:20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. Mt 7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

3. This Kingdom has a King Matthew is the Gospel of the King He was the King as a child He was King on a cross Jesus did not come to reform religion He rightly expects obedience The kingdom is now The kingdom is to come

4. This Kingdom is Blessed The Old Testament ends with the word ‘curse’ (Malachi 4:6) The Lord’s first recorded sermon begins with ‘blessed’ Blessed - Receiving God’s favour, fortunate, good, happy (feelings associated with receiving God’s favour) Citizens of the kingdom are blessed now There are more blessings to come

5. This Kingdom is in Hearts The sermon begins with the poor in spirit, citizens of the kingdom are spiritually bankrupt They receive the kingdom now They mourn for their own sin They will be comforted They hunger and thirst for righteousness They will be filled They are pure in heart They will see God

6. This Kingdom Changes Relationships Meek – strength under control, considered a bad thing in the ancient world They will inherit the earth, this must have stunned the hearers Merciful Will be shown mercy, how can they fail to be merciful when they have received mercy? Peacemakers They will be called sons of God, citizens are in the business of reconciliation, in relationships and between people and God

7. This Kingdom is Persecuted The kingdom is now for the persecuted The blessing is when we are persecuted for righteousness or because of Jesus “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18)

8. This Kingdom Shines This is not a secret kingdom This kingdom makes a difference It can be seen It lights the darkness It brings glory to God “Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations.” (Psalm 145:13)