Proclaiming the Kingdom! - FMS

Message Notes (Download Here)

Proclaiming the Kingdom!

Part 3 in the series The Way

Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom.

Matthew 4:23a (NLT)

What is a citizen of God’s Kingdom like?

A citizen of God’s Kingdom is a person who...

1.             ...____________________________________________________________!

God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.

Matthew 5:5 (NLT)

2.             ... ___________________________________________________________!

In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Matthew 5:16 (NLT)

3.             ...______________________________________________________!

But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

Matthew 6:3-4 (NLT)

4.     ... _______________________________________________________________!

Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.

Matthew 6:20 (NLT)

For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:20 (NLT)

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”

John 3:3 (NLT)

Deeper Dive Notes (Download Here)

Proclaiming the Kingdom!

Part 3 in the series The Way

Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom.

Matthew 4:23a (NLT)

What is a citizen of God’s Kingdom like?

A citizen of God’s Kingdom is a person who...

1.             ...has a radically transformed character!

God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.

Matthew 5:5 (NLT)

Thoughts and questions for discussion: Jesus was sitting on the mountain teaching his disciples about the Kingdom of Heaven,  and what a citizen looks like thru the Beatitudes. Those 8 Blessings  not only encourage us, but they call us to a higher way to live.  Read the Beatitudes yourself in Matthew 5:1-12. Which of them encourage you with comfort of the coming Kingdom? Which of them call you to change how you act and live out your life?

2.             ... does beautiful deeds to the glory of God alone!

In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Matthew 5:16 (NLT)

Thoughts and questions for discussion: Beautiful deeds is not just a pretty thought it is our mission. This is the WHAT we do as Christ Followers. The symbol of salt is something that preserves and improves. “Everything we touch should be improved by the encounter, even as we help preserve the good of God’s creation.” Adam Hamilton. The light refers to a being a beacon of hope and a recognizable place of refuge. Are your deeds winsome and beautiful to others? There are enough Christians today whose attitudes seem judgmental and uncharitable to those around them. Don’t be one of those guys. How can your life be characterized by beautiful deeds, flowing from hearts of compassion and love that draw others to the Kingdom?

3.             ...practices genuine piety in secret!

But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

Matthew 6:3-4 (NLT)

Thoughts and questions for discussion: Jesus also says that when you pray get away by yourself so that it is just you and God talking. Practicing piety is not about getting noticed by man or just doing what God says you should do, it is about pure motives. Are you helping the poor to just get a check mark, or is it out of wanting to see them receive the gift God has given you? What ways have you seen others, or even yourself, draw attention to the “good deed” done? Discuss alternatives to showing off. 

4.             ...breaks the back of greed and worry by giving generously!

Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.

Matthew 6:20 (NLT)

For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:20 (NLT)

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”

John 3:3 (NLT)

Thoughts and questions for discussion: Why would Jesus teach about money and treasure so much? The fact that we get to show God that we trust Him by giving Him back only 10% as a tithe is amazing. It stretches us to grow in faith and helps us to step out in faith in other areas of our lives. Money in itself is not evil, but the lust of money is. The only way to break the hold of greed is in charity. The true test of faith is where do you spend your money? How are you doing in the tithing area? Are you supporting anything else that brings people to the Kingdom of God?