Please Upload Each Question Separately: List The 8 Types Of

Please Upload Each Question Separately1 List The 8 Types Of People Wh

1) List the 8 types of people who are blessed, according to the beginning of Matthew 5.

2) In your own words, give meaning to this text: "unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:...). Christ came to fulfill the Law. List the examples given in the text (Matthew 5) of some of the Old Testament practices that are renewed in the New Law. Jesus gives clarity to some humanly decisions that affect our becoming people of positive influence. (Hint: There are five. List the 5 Old Testament thoughts and tell how Jesus clarified them.)

3) To be people of influence, we need to control anxiety. Matthew Chapter 6 talks about giving, praying, fasting... and then at the end of the chapter, it talks about the cure for anxiety. First, discuss how 'giving, praying, fasting,' leads into a life of low anxiety. Second, discuss Jesus' solution for anxiety in Matthew 6:32-34.

Paper For Above instruction

The Sermon on the Mount, particularly Matthew chapter 5, offers profound insights into the qualities of those blessed by God, the responsibilities of believers, and practical instructions for living a life aligned with divine principles. In this essay, I will explore the eight types of people described as blessed at the beginning of Matthew 5, interpret the meaning of Jesus’ call for righteousness to surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees, analyze the Old Testament practices renewed in Jesus' teachings, and finally discuss how spiritual disciplines such as giving, praying, and fasting help manage anxiety, along with Jesus’ strategy for overcoming worry as outlined in Matthew 6.

First, the eight types of people blessed described at the start of Matthew 5 are known as the Beatitudes. These include: the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those persecuted for righteousness’ sake. These descriptions reflect spiritual qualities and attitudes that are esteemed by God and symbolize a mindset focused on humility, compassion, righteousness, and perseverance despite hardship (Matthew 5:3-10). These Beatitudes serve as a countercultural blueprint for Christian character, emphasizing that true blessedness does not come from material wealth or social power but from a humble and faithful disposition.

Secondly, Jesus’ statement that "unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:20) challenges believers to pursue a deeper, genuine righteousness rather than superficial adherence to external rules. The Pharisees were known for their meticulous observance of the law, yet Jesus emphasized that righteousness must originate from a transformed heart. This calls for sincerity, internal moral integrity, and a sincere devotion to God's will, surpassing mere rule-keeping. It underscores that salvation and divine approval are rooted in authentic righteousness that aligns with God's internal standards and not just outward appearances.

Third, Matthew 5 contains several examples of Old Testament practices that Jesus reinterpreted or fulfilled within the new covenant. These include:

• The prohibition against murder, which Jesus deepens to include anger and contempt (Matthew 5:21-22).
• The understanding of adultery, expanded to encompass lustful thoughts (Matthew 5:27-28).
• The obligation to divorce, clarified with conditions for faithfulness (Matthew 5:31-32).
• The requirement of oath-keeping, emphasizing honesty in speech (Matthew 5:33-37).

In each case, Jesus not only affirms the Old Testament law but also clarifies its deeper spiritual intent, urging believers to internalize righteousness rather than merely external compliance. This surpasses legalism, emphasizing love, mercy, and integrity as the foundations of moral conduct.

Finally, to be influential, Christians must learn to control anxiety. Matthew chapter 6 discusses spiritual disciplines like giving, praying, and fasting. These practices foster a focus on God's kingdom rather than worldly worries, leading to reduced anxiety. For example, giving generously shifts focus from materialism to trust in God's provision, fostering contentment and reducing greed.

Similarly, prayer and fasting cultivate dependence on God, encouraging believers to relinquish control and trust in divine timing. Jesus teaches that these disciplines serve as reminders of God’s sovereignty and supply, thus helping believers maintain peace and low anxiety levels.

Jesus’ ultimate solution for anxiety is found in Matthew 6:32-34. He encourages believers not to worry about material needs but to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. By doing so, God promises to provide for their needs. Jesus emphasizes that worry is futile because it cannot add to life’s span or quality, urging believers to trust in God's provision, plan, and timing. This reliance on divine care shifts focus away from anxiety-provoking concerns toward a confident trust in God's sovereignty, resulting in peace and stability even amidst life's uncertainties.

References

• Alfred, R. L. (2015). The Message of the Sermon on the Mount. InterVarsity Press.
• Blomberg, C. L. (2014). Matthew. The New American Commentary. B&H Publishing.
• Carson, D. A. (1984). The Sermon on the Mount. Baker Academic.
• France, R. T. (2007). Matthew: Evangelist and Teacher. Zondervan.
• Hoehner, H. W. (1980). Matthew. Baker Book House.
• Stott, J. R. W. (2012). The Message of the Sermon on the Mount. IVP Academic.
• Wright, N. T. (2012). Matthew for Everyone, Part 1. SPCK.
• Witherington, B. (2004). Matthew (The New Interpretation Commentary). Westminster John Knox Press.
• Yarbrough, C. (2018). The Gospel of Matthew: A Commentary. Eerdmans.
• Deffinbaugh, R. (2017). The Beatitudes: Attitudes for Christians to Possess. Bible.org.