Matthew 5:1-12

“Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them. He said:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecute.”

Big Idea: We need to get honest about our desperate need for God

3 Principles to entering the kingdom of God

1. Face the reality of our

Isaiah 59:2
Matthew 23:27-28
Revelation 3:15-18

2. The kingdom of heaven is

2 Corinthians 3:4-6
Luke 18:9-14

3. To be poor in

Hebrews 4:16

We never graduate from needing the grace of God.

John 15:5
John 3:6-8