Page 112 - TH130 Kingdom of God A4 Final

The Kingdom of God

• Kingdom directives
• Kingdom application

As you study this sermon, take note of how Jesus’ life exemplifies each
of the Kingdom principles He teaches. In other words, Jesus practiced
what He preached. Or better said, He preached what He practiced. His
message emerged out of who He was.

Kingdom Blessing

In Matthew 5:1–12, Jesus begins His sermon with an extended promise
of Kingdom blessing. Historically, this passage has been called the
Beatitudes. Eight times Jesus begins His sentence with the word “blessed.”
In doing this, He is emphasizing that citizenship in His kingdom brings
extraordinary blessing into one’s life. The blessing He describes, however,
is more than a temporary state of happiness brought on by favorable
circumstances. It is rather a state of ongoing shalom. Shalom is the Hebrew
word that Jesus likely used when He first spoke these blessings. It carries
with it the meaning of blessing on many levels. It includes such things as
wholeness, health, peace, safety, healing, welfare, and joy.

The blessings Jesus mentioned in the Beatitudes include the following:

1. Inclusion in the kingdom of heaven along with a share in its destiny:
a. “Theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (v. 3, 10).
b. “They will inherit the earth” (v. 5).
c. “They will be called the children of God” (v. 9).
d. “Great is your reward in heaven” (v. 12).
2. Comfort and joy, even in the face of severe persecution:
a. “They will be comforted” (v. 4).
b. “Rejoice and be glad” (v. 12).
3. God’s mercy: “They will be shown mercy” (v. 7).
4. Infilling of the Holy Spirit: “They will be filled” (v. 6).
5. Revelation of God and His purposes: “They will see God” (v. 8).

Unlike many so-called “blessing preachers” in Africa who promise God’s
favor and financial breakthroughs in exchange for contributions to their
ministries, Jesus connects blessing with godly character and righteous

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