SundaySermon - Lawrence

 Sermon on the Mount

The book of Matthew is a historical account of Jesus life. Matthew references the prophesies several times as a fulfillment "King of the Jews" in Jesus Christ. This account has several truth hidden the story through different incidents and sermons. Let us look at the sermon on the mount

Passage: Matthew Chapter 5,6,7

The sermon on the mount is a very famous passage. Sometimes it is referred to as a mount of a sermon. This passage has important life lessons. And Fathers always teach life lessons to his children. It is such a privilege to be called his children

Verse: John 1:12

But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God

Here are 12 points we will look at in the passage

  1. Beatitudes
  2. What is the purpose of this teaching?
  3. How bright should we shine?
  4. Ten Commandments and beyond
  5. God our Father
  6. Kingdom Saving
  7. "All or nothing" approach
  8. Do not worry
  9. Value relationship with God's people
  10. Prayer
  11. Choose wisely
  12. Strong Foundation (7:24-29)

1. Beatitudes

There are 9 qualities in the beginning of the sermon on the mount. There is a blessing when you are humble (blessed are the poor in Spirit), repentant (Blessed are those who mourn), ... etc. 

2. What is the purpose of this teaching?

We as children of God have to bring in life to our surrounding. The analogy used is the light and salt of the earth. Just as these two elements bring a world of a difference, we are to change world we live in.

Verses

5:13 You are the salt of the earth

5:14 You are the light of the world

3. How bright should we shine?

Our level of righteousness needs to go beyond preaching and talking. We need to live it out. We definitely need to do better than religious people

Verse: 5:20

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.

4. Ten Commandments and beyond

Moses gave the 10 commandments. The first half deal with loving God. The second half deals with loving one another. Jesus takes this to the next level when he talks of these commandments. The heart needs to be guarded because sins originates here. (5:21-42)

We are asked to be kind (5:44), giving (6:2), prayerful (6:5) in fasting (6:16) etc. This is what we do as kingdom people. And in all our dealings, we are to be truthful 

Verse: 5:37 

All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one)

5. God our Father

This is a unique privilege for us to call the most powerful God, as our Father. 

Verse: 6:9 

This, then, is how you should pray: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name .... "

6. Kingdom Saving

It would be absolutely foolish not to think and save for the future. How much more if foolish is it if we don't save for eternity. Give your life to something that will last for ever

Verse: 6:20

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal

7. "All or nothing" approach

There is no part time commitment to God. Because Jesus is not part time God to us. Give your all to God.

Verse: 6:24

No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

8. Do not worry

The last year was a rough year for a lot of people but God has sustained us. God is asking us not to worry

Verse: 6:32

For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 

9. Value relationship with God's people

In our dealing with people, we will often come across hurts, abrasions, misunderstanding... etc. Here are some pointers

  • Do not judge but if you must, do it righteously
  • Procedure for restoration

Do not judge but if you must, do it righteously

Incorrect judgement have strong consequences. So utmost care must be taken when you judge. If this is not done, you will be called to account and judged. Remember, no one is perfect. It won't take much to bring you down.

Verse: 7:1

Do not judge, or you too will be judged

Righteous judging involves restoration. An absence of our effort to restore the person judged, is unjust. After all, we are dealing with brothers in Christ

Verse: Galatians 6:1

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.

Procedure for restoration (Matthew 18:15-18)

The correction and restoration process is to be proceeded in the following steps

  1. Talk to the person directly on his wrong doing. See if you can restore him. If this fails, proceed to the next step
  2. Involve 2 or 3 witness in order to correct and restore. If the brother is unwilling to accept, proceed to the next step
  3. Involve the church

Please remember, restoration is key. Exhaust all avenues of restoration before giving up.

10. Prayer

God loves to shower you with His blessing. All we need to do is ask in prayer

Verse: 7:7-11

7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 

11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! 

11. Choose wisely

God is urging us to choose wisely. Wisdom unfortunately is not very prevalent in most people and only a few grasp this. If this is so, let us make every effort to gain this heart of wisdom. Strive to enter in!!!

Verse: 7:13 

13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 

14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

12. Strong Foundation (7:24-29)

The sermon on the mount ends with a story of two builders and their hours. Both houses are built by human endeavor. If we do it right, our house will last. The key is to listen to these truths and put it into action. 

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