Fruitful Living
The Sermon on the mount
• Sermon on the mount
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. – Matthew 5:16; 6:33.
INTRODUCTION
After Jesus’s time in the desert, He launched into His public ministry by proclaiming the message that the kingdom of God was at hand, choosing His disciples, and preaching to and healing the crowds. In Matthew 5, the Gospel shifts to the record of Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount – His teaching on how citizens of the kingdom of God should conduct themselves. The sermon begins with the Beatitudes; blessings God gives to people who cultivate certain spiritual attributes. They emphasise inner motives rather than mere outward conformity. Jesus then shifted His message to the issue of behaviour. Jesus addressed several Jewish laws and helped His disciples understand how right behaviour is never the ultimate indicator. A person must have the right heart motive too. The commands of God remind us that He has a plan for how we ought to live our lives, and that plan is based on who He is and how He’s treated us. Ultimately, we must remember that the God who demands perfection has already provided a means through the perfect sacrifice of His Son, Jesus.
Introduction to The Sermon on The Mount – Matthew 5:1-48
Now, when Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on a mountainside and sat. His disciples came to Him, and He began to teach them.
The Beatitudes
He said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Salt and Light
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
The Fulfillment of the Law
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore, anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled with them; then come and offer your gift.
“Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.
“It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce. ‘But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
“Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Conclusion
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect – Matthew 5:48.
How can we be perfect?
1. In Character – In this life we cannot be flawless, but we can aspire to be as much like Christ as possible.
2. In Holiness – Like the Pharisees, we are to separate ourselves from the world’s sinful values. But unlike the Pharisees we are to be devoted to God’s desires rather than our own and carry His love and mercy into the world.
3. In Maturity – We can’t achieve Christ-like characters and holy living all at once, but we must grow toward maturity and wholeness. Just as we expect different behaviour from a baby, a child, a teenager, and an adult, so God expects different behaviour from us, depending on our stage of spiritual development.
4. In Love – We can seek to love others as completely as God loves us.
We can be perfect if our behaviour is appropriate for our maturity level – perfect yet with much room to grow. Our tendency to sin must never deter us from striving to be more like Christ. Christ calls all of us disciples to excel, to rise above mediocrity, and to mature in every area, becoming like Him. Those who strive to become perfect will one day be perfect, even as Christ is perfect.
Stay blessed!
For further inquiries please contact us on Tel Nos. 0302-772013 or 0268130615
Email: saltnlightministries@gmail.com
Website: saltandlightministriesgh.org
By Dr. Joyce Aryee ,the author
Fruitful Living
Hijab (Islamic veil) as an act of worship (Part 2)
Consequences on lack of knowledge about Hijab can cause Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)
Lack of knowledge about the use of Hijab and its role in promoting modesty can contribute significantly to immoral behaviour in societies, which in turn increases the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
In Islamic teachings, the Hijab is not only a piece of clothing but a broader concept of modesty, dignity and moral conduct.
When society underestimates the value of modesty in behaviour, dress and interactions, it can lead to permissiveness in relationships, unsafe sexual practice, and other behaviours that increase the risk of STDs.
Peer Pressure and Western Influence in Urban Areas
In Urban centres like Accra and Kumasi, younger generations are often influenced by Western media and fashion trends that promote revealing clothing and casual attitudes towards relationships.
This cultural shift, coupled with inadequate education about Islamic principles like the hijab’s role in promoting modesty, can lead to high incidence of promiscuity.
For instance, young women and men engaging in risky sexual behaviour without understanding the consequences often do so under the influence of societal trends. This increase exposure to sexually transmitted diseases like HIV/AIDS, which remains a public health issue in Ghana.
Misinterpretation of Freedom and Modernity
In higher educational institutions, some students perceive wearing the hijab as outdated or limiting their freedom. This lack of knowledge about the hijab’s significance can lead to adopting lifestyles that prioritize fashion over modesty.
For example, a university student might choose to attend social gatherings where alcohol and casual sexual encounters are common, driven by peer pressure and a desire to fit in.
Without the grounding principles of modesty and chastity, the chances of unprotected and reckless sexual activity rise, contributing to the spread of diseases like gonorrhea or syphilis.
Both scenarios highlight how a lack of knowledge about the hijab’s deeper values can lead to behaviors that put individuals and society at risk.
While the hijab alone does not guarantee moral behavior, its principles, when understood and embraced, can foster a culture of self-respect and responsibility that mitigates the spread of STDs.
Education on these values, coupled with awareness of sexual health, is critical for addressing this challenge in society. Casual relationships contribute to the spread of STDs, which harm both individuals and communities.
Fundamental Human Rights: Religious Freedom
Ghana, like many democratic nations, guarantees the right to freedom of religion. Article 21(1) ( c ) of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana explicitly states: “All persons shall have the right to freedom to practice any religion and to manifest such practice.”
This provision protects every citizen’s right to practice their religion, including the wearing of Hijab, without discrimination or intimidation.
Similarly, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) 1948, Article 18, asserts:
“Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance.”
These legal provisions recognise Hijab as part of the manifestation of Islam and affirm that Muslim women have the right to wear Hijab in public institutions
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, the Author
Fruitful Living
Christ Our Lord (Final part)
This sin gave Satan the firm foothold he had been looking for. Sin and Satan now held the world in a vice-like grip. God’s people now walked in darkness: oppressed by Satan. Spiritually speaking, they lived in a never-ending winter: rarely experiencing the warmth of God’s love.
Enslaved by sin as they were, they were doomed to die both physically and spiritually. ‘(Adam’s) sin brought death with it. As a result, death has spread to the whole human race because everyone has sinned.’ – Romans 5:12
Who could rescue God’s creation from the curse of Satan, the enemy? Mankind’s rescuer would need to be someone strong enough to engage in battle against the power of Satan; someone who would fight compromise with evil, for evil cannot combat evil; only goodness can do that.
There was only one person who could even attempt the rescue bid: God Himself. So God entered the world in the form of the perfect man: Jesus Christ. ‘God in Christ was reconciling the world to Himself.’ – 2 Corinthians 5:19
Jesus knew the solution to the sin-problem. He, the man-who-never-sinned, would need to take upon Himself every sin each individual in the world had ever committed and would ever commit. It would be as though He Himself had committed the crimes of the cosmos. He would, therefore, pay the penalty in person. He would die: ‘Without beauty, without majesty (we saw him), no looks to attract our eyes; a thing despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and familiar with suffering, a man to make people screen their faces He was despised and we took no account of Him.
And yet ours were the sufferings He bore, ours the sorrows He carried. But we, we thought of Him as someone punished, struck by God, and brought low. Yet He was pierced through for our faults, crushed for our sins. On Him lies a punishment that brings us peace, and through His wounds we are healed. We had all gone astray like sheep, each taking his own way, and Yahweh burdened Him with the sins of all of us.’ – Isaiah 53:2-6
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, help me to drink in these facts:
Mine were the sufferings you bore
Mine the sorrows you carried
You were pierced through for my faults
Crushed because of my sin
God laid on you the punishment that brought me
Peace
Joy
And a whole new start in life
Help me to say an adequate
Thank you.
RANSOMED
A man was once caught stealing from his employers. When the court case was heard, the judge imposed a fine of GH¢50. Failure to pay the prescribed fine, he said, would result in imprisonment. The night of the court hearing, the man despaired. He had no money. That was why he had resorted to stealing in the first place. How was he to pay the fine? The thought of a period in prison filled him with horror. Next morning, a brown envelope fell through this man’s letter-box. It contained ten, crisp, new GH¢5 notes and a hand-written explanation: To pay off the debt. The offender never discovered where the money had come from. The only information he could glean was that a member of the nearby church heard of his plight and decided to set him free from the threat of imprisonment.
When Jesus died on the cruel cross, He brought our release from the clutches of the evil one. He also set us free from the bondage to sin in which we had been trapped. And He delivered us from the effects of the sin-stained past and from the guilt that enshrouded us: The death of Christ ‘One act of perfect righteousness, presents all men freely acquitted in the sight of God.’ – Romans 5:18. ‘God loved the world so much that He gave his only Son, that everyone who has faith in Him may not die but have eternal life.’ – John 3:16
This article has been heavily inspired by Joyce Hugget in “Approaching Easter, Meditations for Lent.”
By Rev. Dr Joyce Aryee, the author
