Lesson 5 – The Saints Stand Out

At the beginning of Jesus 3 ½ year earthly ministry, soon after His baptism, a multitude gathered around Him and He delivered what is know as “The Sermon On The Mount.” “In the Sermon on the Mount He sought to undo the work that had been wrought by false education, and to give His hearers a right conception of His kingdom and of His own character. Yet He did not make a direct attack on the errors of the people… The truths He taught are no less important to us than to the multitude that followed Him. We no less than they need to learn the foundation principles of the kingdom of God.” (Desire of Ages, p.299)

1. What are Jesus first recorded words in Matthew 5:3?

Blessed are the ____________________ in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“The sense of need, the recognition of our poverty and sin, is the very first condition of acceptance with God. “Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Christ’s Object Lessons p.152)

2. What follows mourning our spiritual condition? Matthew 5:4

Blessed are they that ___________________: for they shall be comforted.

“The mourning of which He speaks does not consist in melancholy and lamentation. We often sorrow because our evil deeds bring unpleasant consequences, but real sorrow for sin is the result of the working of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit brings us in contrition to the foot of the cross. By every sin Jesus is wounded afresh; and as we look on Him whom we have pierced, we mourn for sins that have brought anguish on Him. Such mourning will lead to the renunciation of sin.” (From Heaven With Love p.199)

3. a. What follows morning for our sins? Matthew 5:5

Blessed are the ____________________: for they shall inherit the earth.

“If we possess the humility of our Master, we shall rise above the slights, the rebuffs, the annoyances, to which we are daily exposed, and they will cease to cast a gloom over the spirit. The highest evidence of nobility in a Christian is self-control. He who under abuse or cruelty fails to maintain a calm and trustful spirit robs God of His right to reveal in him His own perfection of character. Lowliness of heart is the strength that gives victory to the followers of Christ; it is the token of their connection with the courts above.” (Desire of Ages p.301)

4. What actions follow that desire to draw near to God? Matthew 5:6

Blessed are they which do _________________ and ________________ after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

“The sense of unworthiness will lead the heart to hunger and thirst for righteousness, and this desire will not be disappointed. Those who make room in their hearts for Jesus will realize His love. All who long to bear the likeness of the character of God shall be satisfied. The Holy Spirit never leaves unassisted the soul who is looking unto Jesus.” (Desire of Ages, p.302)

5. a. What will be the result of thirsting and hungering after righteousness? Matthew 5:7,8

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall ________________________ mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall _________________ God.

b. What will those who remain on that path become? Matthew 5:9

Blessed are the ____________________________: for they shall be called the children of God.

“Men cannot manufacture peace. Human plans for the purification and uplifting of individuals or of society will fail of producing peace, because they do not reach the heart. The only power that can create or perpetuate true peace is the grace of Christ” (Desire of Ages, p.302). Thus, the peacemakes will seek to share the love of Jesus, the Prince of Peace to those around them.

6. What will the saints of Christ become? Matthew 5:13,14

Ye are the __________ of the earth… Ye are the ____________ of the world.

As we recognize and mourn our spiritual poverty, become meek, hunger and thirst after righteousness, we will grow in Christ and become light to the world and salt to the earth.

7. a. What was Jesus expounding on in His sermon? Matthew 5:17

Think not that I am come to destroy the _______________________, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

b. How did Jesus summarize the Ten Commandments? Matthew 22:37-40

Thou shalt __________the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind…. Thou shalt _________thy neighbour as thyself.

8. How did Jesus ask us to treat our enemies? Matthew 5:44

But I say to you, ________________ your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you

9. Why are we to love those who treat us badly? Matthew 5:45

That you may be _____________________ of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

10 a. What will be the result of treating our enemies like our Father in heaven? Matthew 5:48

Be ye therefore ______________________, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

b. What is at the heart of Christian perfection? Luke 6:35,36

Therefore be _______________________________, just as your Father also is merciful.

“The righteousness which Christ taught is conformity of heart and life to the revealed will of God. Sinful men can become righteous only as they have faith in God and maintain a vital connection with Him. Then true godliness will elevate the thoughts and ennoble the life.” (Desire of Ages, p.310)

11. Do you want to be like your Father in Heaven?

__________________________