Matthew 5:1-12
Introduction
A rudder is one of the most important components of a ship. The purpose of the rudder is to steer and control the direction of the ship. If the rudder is damaged or missing, the ship and its crew may be facing extreme danger. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus lists the Kingdom values that serve as the rudder for God’s people to direct us in the way God would have us to go. God’s people must pursue Kingdom values because these qualities are necessary to please the King and experience His benefits and blessings.
Kingdom values are the divine standards and responsibilities for God’s people. These values convey the character Kingdom people should have and what should be important to us. Kingdom people are dependent on God, mournful over sin, submissive to God’s will, passionate for righteousness, merciful, compassionate, authentic, ethical, peacemakers, and joyful even when persecuted. Each Kingdom value has an immense blessing attached to it which we can enjoy when we fulfill the responsibility. When we are Kingdom-minded, we can look forward to the benefits of comfort, mercy, greater intimacy with God, and much more.
We cultivate Kingdom values in our lives first by prioritizing the spiritual over the physical and the secular, therefore giving the spiritual the value it deserves. Second, prioritizing the spiritual allows us to grow in grace—the goodness of God that He makes available to His people—and grow in God’s favor. Third, perseverance through trials develops Kingdom values in us. When we face trials, we need to remember the pain has a purpose. Standing firm through the pain strengthens our dependency on God. Cultivating Kingdom values in these three ways leads us to attain the rewards of the Kingdom.
Getting Started
- Why would happen if you tried to steer a ship without a rudder or drive a car without a steering wheel?
- Think of a famous company, organization, or group. What are their core values? How do they communicate their values to people?
Let’s Get Personal
- Which of the Kingdom values listed in Matthew 5:1–12 is the most challenging for you? Why?
- How has God used pain and trials in your past to develop Kingdom values within you? What blessings and benefits have you experienced?
- Where are you prioritizing the secular and the physical over the spiritual? Where are you lacking in grace?
Take the Next Step
- How can you begin cultivating your most challenging Kingdom value this week? Where do you need to prioritize the spiritual over the physical?
- What pain or trials are you experiencing, and what Kingdom value might God be developing in you? Pray for God to show you the purpose in the pain and give you the strength to persevere.
- Want to go deeper? Take time to look at the following passages: Matthew 5:1-12; John 10:10; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; Romans 14:17; 2 Corinthians 9:8; James 1:1-12; Luke 12:29-32; Matthew 23:25; 1 Timothy 6:15; 2 Peter 1:1-11; 2 Peter 3:18; Titus 2:11-14; Matthew 6:33.
Renew Your Mind
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Matthew 6:33
