Matthew 5-6

Chapter 5

Salt and Light

5:14-16

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. in the same way. let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

I like how this comes after the Beatitudes, the beatitudes are ways of life, calling, and morals to Live by the one that stands out to me the most is

5:10 blessed are those who are persecuted because of Righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Speaking your faith. telling people what they don't want to hear. living out the beatitudes is hard. It is different. It is convicting and people just tend to not like that. Jesus says Good, let them not like it. You will be blessed if they harm you or persecute you because of it, but it needs to be done.

Jesus is our Light and we are to not put a bowl over him, we are called to be bold and not to be closet Christians.

living out the Beatitudes

pure in heart, merciful, peacemakers, meekness (strength under control), these actions show The light of the Lord which will draw people Near and when people see and draw near to the Light the Lord can do miraculous things when you live with a purpose and people see the difference in your heart and life. This allows us to be Bold and share his word to all who will listen.

in chapter 5 Jesus examines the heart,

"you have heard... it has been said..."

"...BUT I tell you..."

we are focused too much on the law to "avoid sin", while Jesus, who does not sin - who is pure in heart, asks us to check ours. Why do you do the things you do? why do you react that way? why cant you stand that person? this is extremely convicting and made it tough to get through

Jesus is Truly GOOD and wants us to be also.

chapter 6

Abundant Life

1.) serve others without expecting anything in return.

2.) pray and cut out the BS be bold, thankful, quick and to the point.

a.) show respect to God

b.) ask for revelation and acceptance of his will.

c.) request needs.

d. ask for forgiveness and forgive others.

e.) acknowledge and accept christ's righteousness/victory over death and sin

3.) fast - practice learning to rely on God alone, it will strengthen your faith and trust

4.) check your heart - if its in the right place, you will serve, honor, and glorify God.

5.) trust that God is in control and cares for you. Rely on Him, he knows everything you need before you do.

Chapter 5 was very to the point on how to act, alternatives to common phrases and how our choices positively or negatively affect us

in chapter 6 we are told how we can improve our life through our actions

the Very first action/choice/calling is forgiveness. If we hold onto our grudges we will not be forgiven. however I feel it is more than that. I believe forgiveness is more for you, so you are free of whatever hate or aggression or anger you may have toward something for whatever reason. When you Dwell on it. It will make you miserable. when you forgive them it releases those emotions and allows Joy to come back.

Fasting. I will be the first to admit I've never Fasted but after this message I have been called to do it. 6:16 "WHEN YOU FAST" that is a command. that we are to do it. When we do it we are called to look fresh, oil your face, don't be miserable or groggy and don't discuss when you are doing it. Keep that private and the Lord will know. Look presentable, continue your life as you normally would for if you fast just for people to acknowledge and praise you for it, that is the only result you will get.

Doing good deeds and being generous, If your left hand is giving to someone do not let the right hand know. We are called to be generous and do good deeds but not to make it known or boast about it. when it is not noticed by others it is most noticed by God in heaven, and you will then be rewarded.

These rewards may not be now, or 10 years from now. they may not come until you sit with the Lord in heaven. 06:19-20 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where Thieves do not break in and steal. FOR WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, YOUR HEART WILL BE ALSO.

Do not worry

This has been a major hurdle for me this year. within a year I left my fulltime job, had a new baby, and started a brand-new business. So much uncertainty but Jesus teaches about this. God has always provided. Some months it was minutes before rent was due a check would clear, or things getting thin or negative and Jobs would come through right as I was about to panic, usually when I stepped back and told myself "God is good, and he is in control."

6:24-27 "look at the birds of the air; they do not sow, or reap, or store away in barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. ARE YOU NOT MUCH MORE VALUABLE THAN THEY? Can anyone of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

the birds are virtually useless in value, but they are provided for. We as humans are made in the image of God, designed with purpose and meaning that is pleasing to God. When we follow Him, we are called Children of God. Why would we not trust our father to provide us with what we need when we are called His, children?