DAY 1
PREP: Jesus gives two pictures for what we’re supposed to be for this kingdom. Think about the pictures themselves - what is the point of salt? What does it do? What about light?
READ: Matthew 5:13-16
SO WHAT: Salt makes food delicious. Light makes things visible. God is building a kingdom - inviting people into life with Him - how can you make life with God more appetizing and visible?
PRAY: What are five things in your life right now you are thankful for? Tell Jesus about them.
DAY 2
READ: Matthew 5:17-20
SO WHAT: The Scribes and Pharisees followed all the rules, but you are supposed to surpass them. How can you surpass them? Who can really follow all of the Law? Has anyone ever done it? Who is the only one who is really righteous? How do believers get righteousness?
PRAY: Ask Jesus to do for you what you can’t - to trade places with you and change you.
DAY 3
PREP: Jesus says, “You’ve heard… but I tell you.” In other words, Jesus is giving us His standards which go deeper. What is this one all about?
Read it a few times and think about it.
READ: Matthew 5:21-26
SO WHAT: Murder ends a person’s life. How can anger do the same thing in the context of a relationship? What do you think Jesus is saying about relationships here? Are there any relationships you need to take care of today?
PRAY: Ask the Lord to help you forgive your broken relationships. Ask Him to give you love.
DAY 4
PREP: Again, Jesus’ standards go deeper. This time with lust. What’s the principle here?
READ: Matthew 5:27-30
SO WHAT: In adultery, someone crosses a line with a person who belongs to someone else, not them. Lust has the same root - seeing someone as yours when they aren’t. Why is that root of possession such a deep, private issue and why is Jesus so intense about getting rid of it?
PRAY: Ask the Lord to help you in that place of your private thoughts, knowing only He can.
DAY 5
PREP: What is it you have in Jesus, and what do you need to be on the lookout for avoiding?
READ: Colossians 2:6-12
SO WHAT: How are people trying to be better by following rules? When you first believed in Jesus, you already had all you’ll ever need. You needed saving, Jesus saved you for free. No religious rules can make you better or give you more because in Jesus you have fullness.
PRAY: Ask the Lord to do for you what you can’t do - fill you with joy and hope for this day.
DAY 6
PREP: What has God done for you through Jesus’ death on the cross?
READ: Colossians 2:13-15
SO WHAT: He has taken away death, guilt and debt. He has made fools of your spiritual enemies on your behalf. Your past is gone! You are accepted, free and totally new.
PRAY: Ask the Lord to help you feel the awesomeness of your status in Him all day today.
DAY 7
PREP: You’re going to have enemies. What will happen to them? What will happen to you?
READ: Psalm 37
SO WHAT: What should you do about your enemies? Why? What will the Lord do about them?
PRAY: Ask the Lord to give you patience and ask Him to help you trust Him in the midst of your specific troubles.