Matthew 5:1-16

This week we begin looking at the Sermon on the Mount and focus on Matthew 5:1-16 with a majority of the verses being on what’s known as the Beatitudes. Jesus in the Beatitudes emphasizes that spiritual growth is only by the power of the Holy Spirit and living according to Jesus' teachings are not about following a set of rules or steps but about the work of the Holy Spirit in one's life. Jesus here contrasts the work of the Holy Spirit with the legalistic traditions of contemporary teaching of the religious leaders. Our spiritual and Christian growth is not works-based. Key points include recognizing spiritual helplessness, the importance of the Holy Spirit, and how true righteousness, meekness, and mercy are the results of the Holy Spirit's work, not personal effort. True Christian living is made up of believers rejecting legalism and embracing a personal relationship with Jesus empowered by the Holy Spirit.