Kingdom Over Everything: The Sermon on the Mount – Week 2
Hello Family,
Welcome to Week Two of the Embrace the Word study, Kingdom Over Everything: The Sermon on the Mount! Last week, we explored (among other things) the Beatitudes. The title Beatitudes comes from the Latin word beatus, meaning “blessed” or “happy.” This title captures the essence of Jesus’ message in these teachings, which pronounce blessings on attitudes and qualities that the world might overlook or even consider weaknesses. Instead, Jesus teaches that these attitudes and qualities should define those who belong to God’s Kingdom.
(Link to the FREE Devotional Guide at the end of this email)
Studying the Beatitudes is important because they reveal the heart of Jesus’ message and show us how to live with true blessing and purpose in any circumstance. They set the foundation for a life that reflects God’s Kingdom here on earth.
Jesus said:
- Blessed are the poor in spirit. This shows humble recognition of our need for God. When we embrace this kind of attitude, the kingdom of heaven is ours! How can I embrace humility and depend on God?
- Blessed are those who mourn. This shows us we should grieve over sin and brokenness. When we embrace this kind of attitude, we will be comforted. How do I seek God’s comfort when I’ve missed the mark?
- Blessed are the meek. This shows the need for gentleness, patience, and self-control. When we embrace this kind of attitude, we will inherit the earth. How can I practice meekness in daily life?
- Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. This shows us that we should have a deep desire for God’s justice and holiness to be present on earth. When we embrace this kind of attitude, we will be satisfied. Do I really want to see God’s righteousness and justice on earth?
- Blessed are the merciful. This shows the need for compassion and forgiveness. When we embrace this kind of attitude, we will be shown mercy. How can I show mercy to others today?
- Blessed are the pure in heart. This shows the need for sincere, single-minded devotion to God. When we embrace this kind of attitude, we will see God. How can I cultivate purity in my heart?
- Blessed are the peacemakers. This shows the need to seek reconciliation and peace with others. When we embrace this kind of attitude, we will be called children of God. How can I be a peacemaker in my relationships?
- Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness. This shows the necessity to endure suffering for the sake of doing what is right. When we embrace this kind of attitude, the kingdom of heaven will be ours. How do I respond to opposition to my faith? Can I rejoice in the face of persecution for Christ’s sake, knowing that I have a great reward in heaven?
These are challenging, and we can only embrace these types of attitudes with the help of the Holy Spirit. Ask for His help every day to live Kingdom Over Everything.
This week, we are going further into even more challenging teachings of Jesus. They are familiar, but open your heart and allow the Lord to speak them into your heart afresh!
You can engage with this ETW study in many ways. You can:
- Follow the ETW “Kingdom Over Everything: The Sermon on the Mount” reading/writing plan.
- Download the FREE Kingdom Over Everything: The Sermon on the Mount! Devotional Guide, which includes weekly teachings with daily inductive study questions, recap and Pause, Prayer, and Praise reflection prompts to guide you as you study God’s Word.
>>>> Download Week One HERE <<<<
>>>> Download Week Two HERE <<<<
- Like and Follow Sparrow’s Song on Facebook or Instagram for additional content. Join our private group, too! This is a place to share your insights, questions, comments, or testimonies!
Looking forward to diving deeper with you this week!
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13
Your friend in the journey,
Remember: The Word W.O.R.K.S. We are walking in Wholeness, Obedience, Righteousness, and Kingdom Success through the Word of God.