Who Are You?
Sermon from congregational readings in Matt 4-7 - Nov
16, 08 bk@kluth.org
1
– You are a persecuted person
Matt
5:10-12
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when people insult
you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same
way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matt
5:43-48 "You have heard that it was said,
'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and
pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in
heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on
the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward
will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only
your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
2
Tim 3:12
In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be
persecuted.
1
Peter 4:3-6
You have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do-living in
debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They think it strange that you do not
plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on
you. But they will have to give
account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
2
– You are the salt of the earth
Matt
5:13
"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how
can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown
out and trampled by men.Ó
Col
4:6
Let your speech at all times be gracious (pleasant and winsome), seasoned [as
it were] with salt, [so that you may never be at a loss] to know how you ought
to answer anyone [who puts a question to you].AMP
3
– You are the light of the world
Matt
5:14-16
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on
its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let
your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your
Father in heaven.
Eph
5:8-12. 15-16
You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of
light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and
truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless
deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention
what the disobedient do in secretÉBe very careful, then, how you live-not as
unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are
evil.
4
– You are the initiator in healthy relationships
Matt
5:23-24 If you are offering your gift at the
altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave
your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your
brother; then come and offer your gift.
Rom
12:17-18
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes
of everybody. If it is possible,
as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
5
– You are a lot moreÉ
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DAILY BIBLE READINGS: This week read Ps 108-109, Matt 8-12:21