This first sermon in the series, “Practical Teachings For Pure Living,” focuses on the sermon on the mount. Matthew is the only gospel in which the entire sermon is recorded. In this sermon, Jesus teaches the disciples about their attitude and how real righteousness is obtained through the right attitude. Jesus asks us as Christians to be poor in spirit, to mourn sin, and be meek.

Being poor in spirit is a reflection of our opinion of ourselves. If we have a humble attitude or a correct estimation of our self-worth, we can better understand what God meant when He told us we are made in His image. We mourn sin because it comes between us and God. We are told to be meek, meaning to have power under control. Meekness is not self-made, God must make that change within our hearts. Most of all, as Christians, we are to be peaceful, just as Jesus was.