We have considered what it means to be in the Kingdom of God, the difference between a follower and observer, and now we need to consider how to respond to such a message. We have noticed that in following Christ, one places all his/her trust, security, and hope in Him and His promises. Jesus’ teaching of the “Sermon on the Mount” certainly sets a high standard for us as followers of Christ. If we really ponder the words of Christ (James 1:22), and try to live them out, we realize that we cannot obtain these ideals ourselves. This is the meaning of salvation - that Christ came to be our righteousness. We cannot do it ourselves, so God did it in order to bring us into fellowship with Him. Therefore, when we begin looking at the sermon on the mount, it is important to realize that after receiving salvation from God, the sermon on the mount shows us what “kingdom living" is. These words of Christ remove all complacency on our part. This is the life marked by the grace of God.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

It is not of ourselves, but the power of God in us that we are able to live out this Kingdom manifesto (II Cor. 4:7). This is the very meaning of repentance, that we intentionally follow Christ daily, relying on His power. It is a calling to live incarnational, Christ living through you. This is the point of the Sermon on the Mount, that Christ’s followers are different than those of the world. They have a kingdom mindset, and they live with another kingdom in mind.

Written by Matthew Capps