“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger…. By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.” — Proverbs 15:1; 25:15

Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:21-26; 18:15-20

Introduction:

Once Jesus establishes that He came to fulfill the law, He goes on to give six examples of how the law has been fulfilled, and compares the fulfillment directly to the law of Moses, which was the current but ineffective standard of righteousness. The examples begin with anger.

To commit murder was a sin, but anger? Christ revealed to His disciples that murder was

“For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.” — Galatians 5:5-6

Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:17-20; Romans 7:1-8:14

Introduction:

Jesus did not come to destroy the Law, but to fulfill it. What does this really mean? The law said sinners must die—so Christ died for the sins of the world. The law said man must obey every precept of the law in order to circumvent the condemnation of God—Christ kept the law perfectly. And, by the death of Christ,

“And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;” —2 Corinthians 5:18

Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:13-16; John 3:1-21

Introduction:

Salt and light are two very different things and yet we’re compared to both. Salt acts in at least three ways which have applications for Christians. First, it seasons food. In like manner, we should be “seasoning” in this world, bringing out the best in people and circumstances.

Second, salt helps wounds heal and purifies them. When we get a sore throat or a scrape

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” —1 Peter 5:10

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 4:12-19; John 16:33

Introduction:

A peacemaker is one who has first found peace with God. To reconcile the disputes of others before one has peace with God is a futile effort. Why? Someone cannot minister what they don’t have. Those who do possess the peace of God can then become a “blessed peacemaker,” someone who brings corporate reform and harmony because it

“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” —Matthew 5:7-8

Scripture Reading: Psalm 103:8-18; Ephesians 1:4; Titus 2:14

Introduction:

The work of God’s Spirit within us should produce a mercy beyond the comprehension of sinners. When Jesus cried out on the cross, “Father, forgive them,” He was our ultimate example (Luke 23:34). No mercy or forgiveness could be greater than seeking the forgiveness of our persecutors.

Among the Jews, mercy signified two different things—forgiveness and almsgiving. Not only will a merciful person extend forgiveness to the one who

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” —Matthew 11:29

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 55

Introduction:

Meekness comes from the Greek word prautes and carries an interesting meaning. As Spiros Zodhiates states, “Prautes is a condition of mind and heart which demonstrates gentleness not in weakness but power. It is a virtue born in strength of character.” In our culture, meekness is associated with weakness. However, in God’s economy, meekness is strength. Jesus Christ was referred to as meek, and He certainly isn’t

“For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” —Isaiah 66:2

Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:3-12

Introduction:

The Beatitudes are like climbing a spiritual staircase. We begin with humility, recognizing our need for salvation; move to sorrow for our sin; mature to gentleness in the Spirit; crave the Word and Spirit of God more and more; grow in mercy toward those around us; become increasingly pure through our commitment to

“…When Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” —Matthew 7:28-29

Scripture Reading: Matthew 5-7

Introduction:

When Ronald Reagan began his first presidential term in January of 1981, he did what every great leader does—he cast a vision. For the first 100 days, he let Americans know what he was going to accomplish while he was in office. Then, for the next seven years, 265 days, he tried to accomplish, with great success, what he promised during his first 100 days.

The Sermon

Memory Verse: “For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” —1 Peter 1:24-25

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 55:1-11

Introduction:

Our Heavenly Father sees the end from the beginning and by His power; He foresaw all the deeds of men through the ages to the final scenes of this present age. By His foreknowledge, He viewed man whom He created in His

Memory Verse: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” —2 Timothy 4:7-8

Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 2:1-14

Introduction:

Throughout the history of mankind, God has desired to aid man in his conflicts with human nature. The various covenants that He made with men, including the covenant He made with the House of Israel, contain