Page 119 - TH130 Kingdom of God A4 Final

The Sermon on the Mount and the Kingdom

Investing Wisely (6:19–24)
As followers of Christ, we are to invest our time, talents, and money
into God’s kingdom. By doing this, we will be storing up treasures in
heaven. Jesus tells us, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will
be also” (v. 21). If we invest our time and treasures into achieving earthly
success, our hearts will be earthbound. But if we invest in the kingdom
of God, our hearts will be heavenly focused. Our giving must therefore
proceed from a life filled with God’s light (vv. 22–23).

Jesus further taught that one’s giving is an indication of whom one’s
master and king is. He challenged, “No one can serve two masters. Either
he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one
and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (v. 24). The
way we invest our money is an indication of who is the master of our lives.

Living Confidently (6:25–34)
Further, as citizens of the kingdom of God, we are to live lives filled
with confidence in our heavenly Father. We are not to fret over food
and clothing. We are rather to trust God to supply our needs. Just as
God takes care of the birds and the flowers, He will take care of His
beloved children. Therefore, we are to confidently “seek first his kingdom
and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to [us] as well”
(v. 33). More than any other, this statement sums up Jesus teaching in
His Sermon on the Mount.

Kingdom Directives

Jesus continues His Sermon on the Mount by issuing seven “kingdom
directives.” A directive is an authoritative statement meant to give
direction on how one might best live his or her life. Again, Jesus is showing
us how we may live our lives just as He lived His.

Do Not Judge (Matthew 7:1–5)

As citizens of God’s kingdom, we are not to degrade our lives by judging
others. Jesus gives two reasons for this. First, in judging others we bring
judgement on ourselves: “For in the same way you judge others, you will
be judged” (v. 2). Second, since we ourselves are transgressors, we are
not qualified to judge others when they transgress. Jesus asks, “How can

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