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PrayerOne useful tool to help shape our prayers is the ACTS model, stated below. Take timeindividually to identify at least one prayer you have for each category and then praythose ACTs prayers together.A - AdorationC - ConfessionT - ThanksgivingS - SupplicationA-C-T-S-20

Sermon on the MountMatthew 5:1-11Lesson 3: Beatitudes Part 3Living Under the WordSermon Notes21

Personal Bible StudyViewing the sermon from 50.000 feet provides the context needed to understand thelifestyle Jesus is describing. The temptation is to take each familiar chunk of Jesus’steaching and view it as a standalone message, which might lead us to think of theseteachings as a moralistic code or something we can accomplish by being disciplinedenough.In Matthew 4:17, Jesus tells his followers to repent, for the kingdom of heaven is here.He then describes the lifestyle of those who belong to the kingdom. Only in Christ arewe able to attain the level of righteousness that Christ describes. He wants his disciplesto know that he is here. That is why he came. To live as he lived and die as he died.When we trust our lives to Christ he regenerates us from the inside out. He gives us anew heart. The prophet Jeremiah alludes to this in Jeremiah 31. He says,“Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a newcovenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, not like thecovenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by thehand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke,though I was their husband,” declares the Lord. “For this is the covenant thatI will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares the Lord: “I willput my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be theirGod, and they shall be my people. And no longer shall each one teach hisneighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all knowme, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I willforgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”Keep this context in mind as you dive into the sermon.1. Read Matthew 5:1-7:29 and focus on Matthew 5:3-11.2. Define righteousness. (Strong’s #1343).3. Who is our righteousness? Read I Corinthians 1:26-31.4. What does Jesus promise to those who hunger and thirst after righteousness?22

5. How can you tell if you are satisfied in Christ? Or are you hungering andthirsting for things that will never satisfy?6. What is mercy? (Strongs #1655) How are being merciful and receiving mercyrelated?7. What are indicators of someone who is pure in heart?8. Who does Jesus say is blessed in verses 9-11?9. How can you be a peacemaker with the people in your life? What are somepractical ways you can do this?23

10. What is the context of the persecution that Jesus describes in verse 10? Sharesome examples of what this type of persecution looks like.11. Rewrite the beatitudes in your own words.12. What is the overarching theme of the beatitudes?24

Living Out Our Faith TogetherGroup Discussion Questions1. Reflect on the sermon. What resonated with you? What questions or insights doyou have?2. How does the world’s view of blessed, or blessing, differ from what Jesustaught? What do you count as blessings?3. What challenges you as you consider Jesus’s description of life as a citizen ofthe kingdom of God?4. Were there any warnings that captured your attention?5. How can you be a peacemaker with the people in your life? What are somepractical ways you can do this?25

6. What is the context of the persecution that Jesus describes in verse 10? Sharesome examples of what this type of persecution looks like.Perhaps reading the beatitudes has left you with a growing awareness of yourown inadequacy and inability. Do not lose hope. Jesus is purposely exposing thedeep core issues about the state of our hearts and calling us to a deeperobedience. Jesus moves toward his people as their righteous king and shows ushow to live.26

PrayerMatthew 5:10 says, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, fortheirs is the kingdom of heaven." Share with one another about a place in your liveswhere you felt persecuted, reviled, or underappreciated, and pray for each other. Werecommend going around the room in a circle sharing, then praying for the person onyour right.27

Sermon on the MountMatthew 5:13-16Lesson 4: Gospel Salt and Gospel LightLiving Under the WordSermon Notes28

Personal Bible StudyAt the end of the Beatitudes, in verses 10 and 11, it becomes clear that followers ofChrist will face persecution because of their belief. The Beatitudes raise questions like:How are we to fulfill what Jesus calls the believers to be? How are we to respond topersecution? How do we live as members of God’s kingdom when we are on earth?Jesus begins to explain using real life examples that everyone is familiar with: salt andlight.1. Read Matthew 5:1-7:292. Read Matthew 5:13-16.3. What are the uses for salt? What was salt used for during the time Jesus wason earth?4. What are some characteristics of salt (taste, cost, texture, etc.)?5. Look at these passages to discover other uses of salt in the Bible:a. Ezekiel 16:4b. 2 Kings 2:21c. Judges 9:45d. Leviticus 2:1329

6. Why are believers called the “salt of the earth”? What do you think Jesus issaying here? Compare the uses and characteristics of salt to followers of Christ.7. How can salt lose its taste? How can followers of Jesus lose their saltiness?8. What does verse 13 say should be done with salt that has lost its taste?a. Read Mark 9:42-50 to further understand what it means for a believer tolose their saltiness.b. Why is this very serious?9. In Colossians 4:6, what area of our life is specifically called to be seasoned withsalt? Why is this important?30

10. Read these passages where light is mentioned. Note what the light representsand what is commanded:a. John 8:12b. 1 John 1:5-10c. Colossians 1:13-14d. Isaiah 9:1-2e. Ephesians 5:8-1411. Where do we get our light? How do we become a “light of this world”?12. Having this light, what are we called to do (v.16)? What does this mean?13. Having this light, what are we not supposed to do (v.14-15)? What does thismean?31

Living Out Our Faith TogetherGroup Discussion Questions1. Reflect on the sermon. What resonated with you? What questions or insights doyou have?2. How are believers to be “salt of the earth”? What are some practical ways todo this?3. What areas of society are “dark”? How can you be a light, specifically in theseareas?4. Do you ever find yourself hiding your light? What is causing or tempting you tohide your belief in the Lord?5. Darkness affects your ability to see clearly. How does your sin and darknessaffect your relationship with God? How does the brokenness of the world affectyou having a kingdom mindset?32

6. Have you seen your saltiness and light affect those around you?7. How have you seen other believers' salt and light affect your life and lives ofothers? How can you help other believers in this?8. In what areas of your life can you be salt and light to nonbelievers? How canyou share the light with them?33

PrayerRead verse Matthew 5:16 again. In order to shine a light for each other, share as agroup where you have seen God's faithfulness recently. Take time together to praisehim for these things and how we can rely on his faithfulness and steadfast love.34

Sermon on the MountMatthew 5:17-20Lesson 5: Christ the Fulfilled LawLiving Under the WordSermon Notes35

Personal Bible Study1. Read Matthew 5:1-7:29.2. Read Matthew 5:17-20.When Jesus talks about the “Law and the Prophets” he is referring to the wholeof the Hebrew Bible including the Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus,Numbers, and Deuteronomy) and the Prophets (the prophetic and poetrybooks). This is the whole story of God’s grace and the Mosaic Covenant thatGod made with Israel. The Law and the Prophets included much more thanwhat commandments or rules God’s people must obey; it also encompassesJesus’s relationship to the covenant that God made with Israel.3. What do the following verses teach about the law and prophets?a. Mark 7:1-13b. Luke 24:13-23c. Acts 10:34-43d. Romans 13: 8-1036

4. The word abolish (Strong’s Greek #2647, katalyo) means to destroy, throwdown, demolish, overthrow, dissolve, or loosen. Jesus says that he has not cometo katalyo (abolish) the Hebrew scriptures, rather he will fulfill them.What does Jesus say in verse 17? Why does Jesus make this statement? Thinkof some reasons why his listeners might think that he had come to abolish thelaw and prophets?5. Look up fulfill in the Greek. (Strong’s Greek #4137). Write the definition here.In his gospel Matthew refers to the fulfillment of scripture 15 times. He clearlywants his readers to know that Jesus is the promised Messiah, the one aboutwhom the prophets had spoken.Take some time to read through some of these verses in Matthew’s gospel andnote what they say about fulfillment.Matthew 1:22-23Matthew 2:15Matthew 2:17-18Matthew 2:23Matthew 4:14-16Matthew 5:17Matthew 8:17Matthew 12:17-21Matthew 13:14-15Matthew 13:35Matthew 21:4-5Matthew 27:9-1037

What does this definition and these verses add to your understanding of whoJesus is and what he came to do?6. List some of the ways that Jesus has fulfilled scriptures. Include scripturereferences.PromiseFulfillment38

When Jesus says “For truly, I say to you” in verse 18, he is making a distinctionbetween himself and the Old Testament prophets. The Greek word, amen,which is translated “truly” or “I tell you the truth” signified that important andauthoritative words would follow. Jesus is in essence saying to his listeners:Listen to me. Pay attention. I need to tell you something extremely important!He speaks with personal authority and that sets him apart from the otherteachers.7. When Jesus speaks with authority in Matthew 5:18-19, what is Jesus saying aboutscripture?8. How did the apostle Paul affirm the authority of scripture in 2 Timothy 3:15-17?9. An” iota” or a “dot” refers to the Hebrew letter yod, the smallest letter in theHebrew alphabet. Think of it like a comma or a small stroke in the Englishlanguage. How does Jesus regard even the smallest letters in scripture?10. Describe the consequences someone who relaxes one of scripture’s smallestcommands will face.39

11. What do these verses teach us about following God’s commands and teachingothers to do the same?a. John 14:15b. John 15:10c. I John 2:3d. I John 3:24e. I John 5:312. Look up the word righteousness. (Strong’s Greek 1343) What is righteousness?13. What type of righteousness must one possess to enter the kingdom of God?Note: Who were the Scribes and Pharisees?Scribes were experts in the interpretation and application of the law. They weregreatly respected by fellow Jews and treated with honor. They were paidprofessionals.Pharisees were members of a religious sect committed to meticulouslyobserving the law. They were concerned with keeping the Sabbath, tithing, andrituals.40

14. Read the following verses to gain a deeper understanding of the righteousnessthat God requires and how we attain this surpassing righteousness.Isaiah 64:6Ezekiel 36:24-28Romans 3:21-222 Corinthians 5:21Galatians 2:2015. In what ways do you try to obtain this righteousness on your own?41

Living Out Our Faith TogetherGroup Discussion Questions1. Reflect on the sermon. What resonated with you? What questions or insights doyou have?2. Read Matthew 5:17-203. Share what you learned about the Law and the Prophets.4. How does Jesus view the Old Testament scriptures?5. How does knowing that Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament scripturesimpact the way you view them?6. Why is righteousness necessary for us to enter the kingdom of God?7. What type of righteousness are you pursuing, an external, legalisticrighteousness or an internal, spiritual righteousness? Share some examples ofeach.42

8. As a group, reflect on the following verses:Isaiah 64:6Ezekiel 36:24-28Romans 3:21-222 Corinthians 5:21Galatians 2:2043

Prayer“A unique and special Korean prayer style is called Tongsung Kido. Tongsung means,‘cry out together loudly,’ and Kido means, ‘pray.’ So, Tongsung Kido means, ‘prayingtogether out loud.’ This unique form of Korean prayer is an important part of prayerlife among the spirit-filled prayer life of Korean Christians.” (Pastor Yohang Chun)As a group, try Tongsung Kido, with each of you simultaneously presenting yourreflections from today's Scripture and lesson with God.44

Sermon on the MountMatthew 5:21-26Lesson 6: Heart of AngerLiving Under the WordSermon Notes45

Personal Bible StudyAs Jesus began his ministry, he was revealing God’s kingdom to living, breathingpeople who existed at a real time and real place. He affirmed the Old TestamentScriptures. He established his authority over the law. And he challenged theinterpretation of the law that had been given to them. His listeners hear that Godsees and cares about our hearts, not just our external good deeds, calling us to agreater and deeper obedience.In Matthew 5:21-48, Jesus shares six examples, or antitheses, of what it means for hisdisciples to live according to Old Testament laws. Each of these examples begins with“You have heard it said . . ., but I say to you.” His point is not to contradict the law,rather to illuminate the true meaning of the law which goes beyond external actionsto motivations and attitudes of the heart.Our next five lessons will focus on these six antitheses. As you read and study, askGod to give you insight into what it looks like to live in greater obedience to Him asone of his disciples.Read Matthew 5:1-7:29.Read Matthew 5:21-26.1. Read these passages in the Old Testament and note what they say aboutmurder.a. Exodus 20:13b. Leviticus 24:17c. Genesis 9:6d. Exodus 21:1246

2. What is the comparison Jesus is making between murder and anger?3. What do both murder and anger reveal about a person’s heart?4. Anger also often leads to other sins such as slander and gossip―like in verse22.a. Read what the Bible says about gossip in these passages:Ephesians 4:29James 1:26James 4:11b. What other sins does anger cause you to do? What other sins doesanger lead you to?5. In verse 22, there is a consequence of being “liable to the hell of fire”. Whatdoes this mean? What does this tell us about the seriousness of these offenses?47

6. With the example of reconciling with a brother before offering a gift at thealtar in verses 23-24, what can we learn about the importance of reconciliation?7. What else does the Bible say about reconciliation? Read these passages tofurther understand:a. Colossians 3:13b. Ephesians 4:32c. Hebrews 12:14d. Matthew 18:15-178. What does the phrasing “your brother has something against you” in verse 23indicate? Who is angry with whom? Who is called to seek reconciliation? Why?9. Is anger always wrong? What is an example of righteous anger in the Bible?48

10. What is the difference between righteous and unrighteous anger? Give someexamples of both in your life.11. Does God refuse to reconcile with us? How does he reconcile with us?49

Living Out Our Faith TogetherGroup Discussion Questions1. Reflect on the sermon. What resonated with you? What questions or insights doyou have?2. What often prevents you from seeking reconciliation with others? Or forgivingsomeone?3. God reacts to us sinning against Him by sending his Son to die for us andreconcile us back to Him. How can we extend this grace to those who have hurtus?4. What are some sources of anger in your life?5. How can you respond in a Christ-like manner, instead of unrighteous anger?6. Read Genesis 1:26-27. Since we are all made in the image of God, are we totreat people as if they have different value? Treat others with contempt?Seeing people as worthless? What are some people or people groups you arebiased against? Identity these groups and ask God to help you love thesepeople.50

7. As you read these passages, you might be convicted to reconcile with others.Share with one another, pray for one another, and hold one anotheraccountable.8. Re-read Matthew 5:21-26. Is what Jesus calls us to easily obtainable? What hopedo we have in Jesus, knowing we cannot live completely without sin?51

PrayerVerse 23 and 24 say, “So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there rememberthat your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altarand go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” Splitup into partners or groups of three. Share your prayer requests and if there is anyway in which you need to reconcile with others. Also, share how you’ve beenencouraged recently and pray for each other.52

Sermon on the MountMatthew 5:27-32Lesson 7: Sex and MarriageLiving Under the WordSermon Notes53

Personal Bible Study1. Read Matthew 5:1-7:292. Re-read Matthew 5:27-32.3. In verse 27, Jesus is quoting the 7th commandment found in Exodus 20:14 andDeuteronomy 5:18. When he says, “you have heard it said,” is he implying thatthey had been taught wrongly?4. How serious was adultery in God’s eyes? see Leviticus 20:10 and Deuteronomy22:22. How did the people of Jesus’s day view adultery? See John 7:53-8:11.5. Jesus affirms the seriousness of adultery, and he calls his listeners to a deeperobedience. How does verse 28 get to the heart of the matter?6. What is lust (Strong’s Greek #1937) and where does it originate?7. Where does Jesus say adultery begins?54

8. The connection Jesus makes between lust, the heart and the eyes is powerful.Read Job 31:1-12 to learn what righteous Job did to help guard his heart.9. In Matthew 5:29-30 is Jesus telling his listeners to literally gouge out their eyesand cut off their hands? If not, what is he saying?10. What kind of life is Jesus calling his followers to live?Mark 8:34Romans 8:12-14Galatians 5:24-25Colossians 3:1-5Deuteronomy 24:1-4 gives context for Jesus's words in Matthew 5:31-32. Mosesfound it necessary to regulat

When Jesus began calling his disciples, Philip―one of the disciples―recognized who Jesus was and said to Nathanael, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” John 1:45 . In the first two ch