Matthew 5:13-16,20-30 (NLT) Jesus: All those who are in my upside down Kingdom will live “the good life” now and enter heaven later. You have God-given & . Matthew 5:13–16 (NLT) 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. 14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. You have relationships with God and with all people that are & than all the religious experts. Matthew 5:20 (NLT) 20 “But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven! EXAMPLES: Murder & anger, adultery & lust. Matthew 5:21–30 (NLT) 21 “You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ 22 But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell. So what should you do? Prioritize reconciliation. 23 “So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, 24 leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God. Protect your heart. 27 “You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 So if your eye—even your good eye—causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your hand—even your stronger hand—causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. What Now? Embrace your new purpose. Reconcile now, don’t wait any longer. Repent & run from lust. CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION 1. When you think of how Christians are acting in our modern culture, does it appear they’re living “salty & bright” to win people over to Jesus? 2. Jesus says his disciples live “the good life”. As an example, he says that they repent & run from lust & adultery. What kind of pain & suffering are they able to save themselves by living that way? 3. If there’s anyone you’re estranged from, how do you feel about Jesus’ urging to prioritize reconciliation above all other spiritual activities?