Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into one of the most impactful teachings in the Bible: the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7 of the Reina Valera 1960 translation. This sermon is packed with wisdom, guidance, and profound truths that can transform your life. So, grab your Bibles, and let's get started!

Matthew 5: The Beatitudes and Salt & Light

In Matthew 5, Jesus begins by presenting the Beatitudes, a series of blessings that describe the character of those who are part of God's Kingdom. Each beatitude reveals a different aspect of humility, righteousness, and spiritual hunger. Understanding these isn't just about knowing them; it's about embodying them in our daily lives. It's about recognizing our dependence on God and allowing Him to shape our hearts. Let's break it down a bit:

• Blessed are the poor in spirit: This speaks to those who recognize their spiritual bankruptcy and turn to God in humility. It's not about material poverty but about acknowledging our need for God's grace. It's about realizing that we don't have it all together and that we need His help every step of the way. When we come to Him with a humble heart, recognizing our need for Him, we open ourselves up to receive His blessings and guidance.
• Blessed are those who mourn: This refers to those who grieve over sin and the brokenness of the world. It's about having a heart that is sensitive to the pain and suffering around us and allowing that pain to drive us to seek God's comfort and healing. When we mourn with a genuine heart, God promises to comfort us and bring us peace in the midst of our sorrow. It's a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we are not alone, and God is always there to hold us and guide us through.
• Blessed are the meek: Meekness isn't weakness; it's controlled strength. It's about submitting our will to God's will and trusting in His plan for our lives. It's about being gentle and humble in our interactions with others, even when we feel like lashing out. When we embrace meekness, we allow God to work through us in powerful ways, and we inherit the earth in the sense that we find true fulfillment and purpose in His kingdom.
• Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness: This describes those who have a deep desire to live in accordance with God's will. It's about seeking justice, truth, and holiness in all that we do. When we hunger and thirst for righteousness, we are driven to pursue God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and He promises to satisfy our longing and fill us with His righteousness. It's a lifelong journey of growth and transformation, as we continually seek to align our lives with His perfect standard.
• Blessed are the merciful: Mercy is compassion in action. It's about extending grace and forgiveness to others, just as God has extended grace and forgiveness to us. When we are merciful to others, we reflect the character of God and create a culture of love and acceptance. It's a powerful way to demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel and to draw others closer to Christ.
• Blessed are the pure in heart: This refers to those whose motives are pure and whose hearts are undivided in their devotion to God. It's about living with integrity and sincerity, without hidden agendas or ulterior motives. When we are pure in heart, we are able to see God more clearly and to experience His presence in a deeper way. It's a testament to the transformative power of His grace in our lives.
• Blessed are the peacemakers: Peacemakers are those who actively work to reconcile people to God and to one another. It's about being agents of healing and reconciliation in a world that is often filled with conflict and division. When we are peacemakers, we reflect the character of God, who is the ultimate source of peace, and we contribute to the building of His kingdom on earth.
• Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness: This speaks to the reality that following Jesus may lead to opposition and suffering. It's about standing firm in our faith, even when it's unpopular or costly. When we are persecuted for righteousness' sake, we are in good company, as the prophets and apostles before us also faced persecution. And we can take comfort in knowing that our reward in heaven will be great. It's a reminder that our ultimate hope is not in this world, but in the eternal kingdom of God.

Jesus then uses the metaphors of salt and light to describe the role of believers in the world. Salt preserves and adds flavor, while light dispels darkness. As Christians, we are called to be both salt and light, influencing our society for good and pointing others to Christ. It's not about isolating ourselves from the world but about engaging with it in a way that brings glory to God. We're meant to be a positive influence, preserving what is good and exposing what is evil. We are called to be beacons of hope, shining brightly in a world that is often filled with darkness and despair.

Matthew 6: True Righteousness

Moving into Matthew 6, Jesus focuses on the importance of practicing true righteousness, not for the sake of outward appearance but from a sincere heart. He addresses three key areas: giving to the needy, prayer, and fasting. In each case, He warns against hypocrisy and encourages genuine devotion to God. It's all about having the right motives and intentions behind our actions. Let's explore each of these areas in more detail:

• Giving to the needy: Jesus emphasizes that when we give to the needy, we should do it discreetly, without seeking praise or recognition from others. Our motivation should be compassion and love for our fellow human beings, not a desire for personal gain or recognition. When we give with a pure heart, God sees our generosity and rewards us accordingly. It's a reminder that true giving is not about the amount we give but about the attitude with which we give.
• Prayer: Jesus teaches us to pray in private, away from the attention of others. He emphasizes the importance of sincerity and humility in our prayers, rather than using eloquent words or lengthy repetitions. The Lord's Prayer, which He provides as a model, is a simple yet profound prayer that covers all the essential aspects of our relationship with God. It's a reminder that prayer is not about impressing God with our words but about connecting with Him in a personal and intimate way.
• Fasting: Jesus instructs us that when we fast, we should do it without drawing attention to ourselves. We should not put on a somber appearance or make a show of our sacrifice. Instead, we should fast in secret, knowing that God sees our sincerity and rewards us openly. Fasting is a powerful way to humble ourselves before God, to seek His guidance and direction, and to demonstrate our dependence on Him. It's a spiritual discipline that can deepen our relationship with God and strengthen our faith.

Jesus also speaks against the pursuit of material possessions, urging us to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. He reminds us that our heart will always follow our treasure, so we should focus on investing in things that have eternal value. It's a call to prioritize our relationship with God above all else and to live a life of generosity and service to others. It's about recognizing that true wealth is not found in material possessions but in the richness of our relationship with God and the impact we have on the lives of those around us. Ultimately, it's about aligning our values with God's values and living a life that is pleasing to Him.

Matthew 7: Judging Others, Prayer, and the Golden Rule

In Matthew 7, Jesus addresses several important topics, including judging others, prayer, and the Golden Rule. He warns against hypocritical judgment, urging us to first examine our own lives before pointing out the flaws in others. It's about recognizing our own imperfections and extending grace and compassion to those around us. Before we criticize or condemn others, we need to take a good look at ourselves and address our own shortcomings. It's a reminder that we are all works in progress and that we need to be patient and understanding with one another.

Jesus encourages us to ask, seek, and knock in prayer, assuring us that God will answer our prayers. He emphasizes the importance of persistence and faith in prayer, reminding us that God is a loving Father who wants to give us good things. Prayer is not just a formality or a ritual; it's a vital connection with God, a way to communicate our needs, express our gratitude, and seek His guidance in our lives. When we approach God with humility and sincerity, He hears our prayers and responds in His perfect timing and in His perfect way. It's a reminder that we are never alone and that God is always there to listen and to help us.

The Golden Rule,