Introduction

1. Deciding to follow and obey Christ can be a difficult decision

2. One thing that consistently comes up is the kind of life a Christian must lead

3. Jesus has not left us without a description of that life

4. He described it for those asking the same question

5. Study Matthew 5, 6, 7 and see Jesus description of the life of a Christian

Body

I. A Life With a Spiritual Focus

A. The Beatitudes - Matthew 5:3-10

1. The blessed are those who understand their spiritual condition

2. A deep understanding of their need for God is necessary to have the spiritual focus required of a Christian

B. A light shining in a dark world - Matthew 5:13-16

1. Our spiritual nature and interest will be clearly visible to others

2. God is glorified by our actions and attitudes

C. Spiritual treasures - Matthew 6:19-21

1. The focus is laying up treasures in heaven

2. Eternal treasures are the focus of this better life

D. Spiritual kingdom - Matthew 6:25-34

1. The kingdom comes first

2. The worry of the world is put aside to focus on spiritual things

II. A Life of Purity

A. Regarding murder - Matthew 5:21-26

1. Certainly murder is condemned

2. But the attitudes that would lead me to murder are condemned

3. My responsibility is to correct things that are wrong 

B. Regarding adultery - Matthew 5:27-30

1. Adultery is condemned

2. But, again, the attitudes leading to adultery are also condemned

C. Regarding marriage - Matthew 5:31-32

1. The marriage vow is important and permanent

2. To violate the marriage vow is to violate our relationship with God

D. Regarding swearing - Matthew 5:33-37

1. Do not swear at all

2. Be honest in all that we say

E. All focused on purity from the inside out

1. Not focused simply on outward purity but rather a focus on purity that is genuinely from the heart

2. This life is based on service from the heart

III. A Life With God

A. Awareness of God

1. In our good deeds - Matthew 6:1-4

2. In our prayers - Matthew 6:5-6

3. In our fasting - Matthew 6:16-18

B. God's awareness of us

1. He sees in secret - Matthew 6:4, 6, 18

2. He knows our needs - Matthew 6:8, 32

C. A picture of a wonderful, close relationship between a Father and a child

IV. A Life of Service

A. Service to God - Matthew 7:21-23

1. Based on obedience

2. Good intentions are not enough

B. Service that leads to stability - Matthew 7:24-27

1. Through hearing and obeying stability is found

2. Stability to face the wind and waves of life and remain solid and strong

Conclusion

1. Jesus is offering us a wonderful opportunity

2. He presents to us a beautiful picture of the life of His followers

3. This message designed to persuade and identify the characteristics of His followers

4. It is a good life.  A life with difficulty from time to time, yet a good life

5. It is a life of holiness, set apart to do the will of God 

6.  And remember, it is the way that leads to eternal life