Yardley United Methodist Church
Feb 1 -
  • What Gift Can We Bring (Anniversary Song)
  • Open My Eyes That I May See (Open My Eyes)

      • Matthew 5:1–12NRSVUE

      • Micah 6:1–8NRSVUE

      • Micah 6:1–8NRSVUE

      • Matthew 5:1–12NRSVUE

      • Matthew 5:1–12NRSVUE

      • Micah 6:1–8NRSVUE

  • Blessed Righteousness of God

    Bible Passage: Matthew 5:1–12, Mic 6:1–8, 1 Corinthians 1:18–31

    Summary: The blessing that comes from God's righteousness, and the divine approval and grace found in Jesus Christ.
    Application: This sermon can help Christians understand their identity in Christ and encourage them to embrace the blessings that come from living in alignment with God's righteousness, particularly in times of trial and societal pressure.
    Teaching: True blessedness is found not in earthly achievements or societal approval but in the transformative righteousness of God that redefines our worth and purpose.
    How this passage could point to Christ: In every passage, Christ embodies the ultimate model of righteousness. He fulfills the law, maintains divine justice, and offers grace; true blessing flows from a relationship with Him. In Matthew, He teaches about the blessed life through His own example; in Micah, He represents the mercy and righteousness God desires; in Corinthians, He exemplifies how God's wisdom and power subvert worldly standards of success.
    Recommended Study: The historical context of Micah and the implications of God's lawsuit against Judah. Greek and Hebrew terms for 'blessed' and 'righteousness' in Matthew and Corinthians to gain deeper insights. The diverse interpretations of The Beatitudes.
    Big Idea: We are blessed not by our own merit, but through the righteousness of God revealed in Christ, so that we may live out our faith in confidence and joy.

    1. Blessed in Humility

    Matthew 5:1–4
    How Jesus describes those who are blessed, turning our understanding of happiness upside down.
    He applauds qualities like poverty in spirit and mourning, which society usually avoids.
    The life transforming power of righteousness in Christ offers us:
    Assurance of the reality God’s kingdom,
    Comfort in sorrow, and
    Encouragement to find identity and joy in God's promises.

    2. Blessed in Character

    Matthew 5:5–9
    The blessing of peacemaking, mercy, and pure goodness—the character exemplified by Christ.
    These qualities challenge us to reflect on our lives and relationships; living out these beatitudes aligns us with the character of Christ; divine righteousness.
    Inward transformation brings the true inheritance of God’s kingdom, fellowship, and hope.
    Trust in His ways over the ways of the world.

    3. Blessed in Persecution

    Matthew 5:10–12
    The paradox of persecution leading to blessing: suffering for doing what is right aligns us with Christ.
    This surprising source of joy brings us hope when we face opposition or trials.
    Persecution then becomes a gateway to spiritual growth and commendation by God.
    Our struggle is not with flesh and blood but against the evil one, so we suffer with Christ.
    And Christ always has the final word, He has and finally will overcome the evil one.

    4. Blessed in Remembrance

    Micah 6:1–5
    Consider Micah’s depiction of God’s lawsuit against his people.
    He reminds them, and now us, of His righteous demands and the divine disappointment with Israel's, and our occasional, faithlessness.
    God's standards differ radically from human expectations.
    God expects a humble spirit of repentance and realignment with God’s righteous ways.
    By this we know we are emulating Christ's humble fulfilment of the law and His call to live justly.

    5. Blessed in Action

    Micah 6:6–8
    Micah distills God’s requirements into actionable steps: acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly.
    Understanding this, we can see Christ is the ultimate example of fulfilling these principles; a life rooted in divine righteousness.
    Here Micah challenges all who follow God to embody these three principles.
    To make a visceral God’s blessings into everyday action, anchored in the transformative grace of Jesus Christ.

    6. Blessed in Wisdom

    1 Corinthians 1:18–31
    Paul contrasts worldly wisdom with the wisdom of God through the cross of Christ as the foundation of true righteousness.
    God's power reorients our values and priorities.
    This encourages us to embrace our public identity as God’s people, chosen and blessed beyond earthly measure, and living confidently in the foolishness of the cross.
    Application:
    At work, the focus on competition can leave you feeling inadequate or insecure.
    More than ever I think it is important for us to remind each other of the blessings of following after Christ. The best way that we can do that is by sharing our faith, first in the intimate setting of a small group.
    When we use the time to pray for one another, share our personal struggles and encourage each other to live out your faith in public, this nurturing space allows you to embrace the Godly wisdom, fostering a supportive network that helps amplify your identity as a valued member of God’s community, working for eternal impact. Soon after, public acts of service and and community building naturally flow through this flourishing Spirit-empowered life.
  • Just A Closer Walk With Thee
  • Praise God, From Whom All Blessings Flow
  • The Old Rugged Cross
Yardley United Methodist Church
office@yardleyumc.org
(215) 493-3345
https://www.yardleyumc.org
5 members