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Read Matthew 5:17; Hebrews 4:12

“Don’t misunderstand why I have come.I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets.No, I came to accomplish their purpose.”Matthew 5:17

Were we able today to witness Jesus’ message in person, I have no doubt that it would stab us awake. Why do I say that? Because He spoke with authority—the all-powerful, invincible authority of the Scriptures. Human opinions no longer mattered, not even the longstanding, rigidly enforced pharisaic rules and regulations.

Read Matthew 5:13–16

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor?Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket.Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see,so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”Matthew 5:13–16

Read 1 John 2:15–17; John 15:17–18; 16:33

Do not love this world nor the things it offers you,for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you.For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see,and pride in our achievements and possessions.These are not from the Father, but are from this world.And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave.But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.1 John 2:15–17

Read Matthew 5:3–10

Read Matthew 7:28–29

The crowds were amazed at his teaching, for he taught them with real authority—quite unlike their teachers of religious law. Matthew 7:28–29

Read Matthew 5, 6, and 7. Four observations come to mind while reading these Scriptures, each quite a striking contrast to standard sermons preached today.

First: He spoke these words outside rather than inside. That means they were probably delivered extemporaneously and, for sure, without the aid of voice amplification.

Read Matthew 7:28–29

When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike their teachers of religious law. Matthew 7:28–29

Read James 4:8

Come close to God, and God will come close to you. James 4:8

Read 1 John 4:1–5

Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. (1 John 4:1)

As we look forward to flying closer to the flame as the Spirit of God controls and transforms our lives, we need to keep a few practical and helpful checkpoints in mind.

Read Romans 8:16–171 Corinthians 6:19–20; 12:4–7

The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him. (Romans 8:16–17 NASB)

How do we recognize the Spirit’s ministry? Within us and around us every day we see evidences of His dynamic power.

Read 2 Corinthians 3:17

For the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (2 Corinthians 3:17)

What can we expect a Spirit-filled life to look like? What are things you and I can claim when the Spirit is in full control? When we are Spirit-filled and therefore rightly related to the Spirit of God: