Jesus also addresses the commandment: You shall not commit adultery. He says that to even look at a woman lustfully (or women, to look at a man lustfully) is to be guilty of adultery in our hearts. "To lust" means to have a strong desire for, to possess and dominate completely. So serious is "lusting," Jesus goes on to say what we should do with respect to the lustful eye or any other stumbling blocks. We need to be utterly ruthless with sin. The battle between righteousness and sin is fought in our longings

Jesus also addresses the commandment: You shall not commit adultery. He says that to even look at a woman lustfully (or women, to look at a man lustfully) is to be guilty of adultery in our hearts. "To lust" means to have a strong desire for, to possess and dominate completely. So serious is "lusting," Jesus goes on to say what we should do with respect to the lustful eye or any other stumbling blocks. We need to be utterly ruthless with sin. The battle between righteousness and sin is fought in our longings

Jesus expanded on the true meaning and heart behind some of the commandments God passed on through Moses, opposing what the religious leaders had done by adding their oral traditions and their loop holes. He starts with murder. He said that not only is murder wrong, but the emotions which often lead to murder are wrong as well. Jesus was saying that being angry with a brother or insulting a brother makes someone just as guilty and liable to judgment as actually murdering someone. Unresolved anger can lead us to harbor unforgiveness and bitterness which is one of the most self-destructive forces in the world.

Jesus expanded on the true meaning and heart behind some of the commandments God passed on through Moses, opposing what the religious leaders had done by adding their oral traditions and their loop holes. He starts with murder. He said that not only is murder wrong, but the emotions which often lead to murder are wrong as well. Jesus was saying that being angry with a brother or insulting a brother makes someone just as guilty and liable to judgment as actually murdering someone. Unresolved anger can lead us to harbor unforgiveness and bitterness which is one of the most self-destructive forces in the world.

Jesus felt it was important to disarm critics who might complain that He came to abolish the Law and the Prophets, explaining that He came to fulfill them. He emphasized the importance of keeping the Law in the spirit in which it was meant to be kept. The scribes and Pharisees had an outward obedience but inward deadness; God was not reigning in their hearts. We must have an inward righteousness that results in outward obedience. In keeping the Law in this manner, we will be great in the kingdom of heaven

Jesus felt it was important to disarm critics who might complain that He came to abolish the Law and the Prophets, explaining that He came to fulfill them. He emphasized the importance of keeping the Law in the spirit in which it was meant to be kept. The scribes and Pharisees had an outward obedience but inward deadness; God was not reigning in their hearts. We must have an inward righteousness that results in outward obedience. In keeping the Law in this manner, we will be great in the kingdom of heaven

Jesus uses two metaphors, salt and light, to describe how citizens of His kingdom should influence the world. Through the metaphor of salt, Jesus illustrates that disciples give the world good "flavor”. Salt can only lose its flavor by being diluted, so when we mix with the impurities of the world we will lose our ability to improve the condition of it. As Christ followers, our primary function in the world is to be the light of the world, leading others out of darkness. Jesus is saying that our faith must be seen in action, visible to others. We are to shine in such a way that it inspires others to proclaim the praises of God and glorify His name

Jesus uses two metaphors, salt and light, to describe how citizens of His kingdom should influence the world. Through the metaphor of salt, Jesus illustrates that disciples give the world good "flavor”. Salt can only lose its flavor by being diluted, so when we mix with the impurities of the world we will lose our ability to improve the condition of it. As Christ followers, our primary function in the world is to be the light of the world, leading others out of darkness. Jesus is saying that our faith must be seen in action, visible to others. We are to shine in such a way that it inspires others to proclaim the praises of God and glorify His name.

Jesus begins His Sermon on the Mount by pronouncing a certain kind of person fortunate. We call these pronouncements “Beatitudes,” from the Latin word for happiness or blessedness. Jesus teaches that blessings come with living a life in submission and obedience to God; when God reigns in a person’s heart. The person whom Jesus describes in this passage has a different quality of character and lifestyle than those still "outside the kingdom." When we live a kingdom “beatitudes” lifestyle, others notice and will be drawn to know the King we serve

Jesus begins His Sermon on the Mount by pronouncing a certain kind of person fortunate. We call these pronouncements “Beatitudes,” from the Latin word for happiness or blessedness. Jesus teaches that blessings come with living a life in submission and obedience to God; when God reigns in a person’s heart. The person whom Jesus describes in this passage has a different quality of character and lifestyle than those still "outside the kingdom." When we live a kingdom “beatitudes” lifestyle, others notice and will be drawn to know the King we serve