Sunday, 1/16/11 am
THE LIFE OF JESUS (11)
The Sermon on the Mount
As we seek to learn from the teaching and works of Jesus, today
we want to examine one of His sermons.
It is described by some as the greatest sermon preached by Jesus.
It is certainly the longest recorded sermon in scripture.
Today we want to examine the Sermon on the Mount.
The Sermon on the Mount was a great message that has been
extensively studied and expounded upon.
Lengthy series have been developed on the various thoughts Jesus
presented on this occasion.
a.
Called
such because of Matt. 5:1-2. Jesus
was described as going upon a mountain.
In reality, it could have a hill with a level area.
We are not told specifically where the Sermon on the Mount took place.
It is most commonly believed to have been presented at a place
called, “The Horns of Hattin” just outside of Capernaum which was a
seaside town on the north side of Sea of Galilee.
b.
The
“Sermon on the Plain” as recorded in Luke 6:20-49, is believed by some
to be the same sermon as recorded by Luke.
If so, we do not have the exact wording of the sermon in either
account, but a summary from two different perspectives (bearing in the
mind the different audiences to whom these gospels were written).
I believe that these were
two different occasions when the same sermon was presented by Jesus.
Jesus needed to deliver the same message on more than one
occasion. He traveled from
city to city and would present His message often to an entirely new
audience. They needed to
hear what had been previously said (when appropriate).
It is not uncommon for a traveling preacher today (i.e. those who hold
many gospel meetings) to present the same lesson on several occasions,
even in the same region because the audiences are different and the
message is still needed (or even requested).
That would explain differences in the two accounts.
c.
This
sermon was probably presented early in His 3½ period of teaching and
service. It would
become the central expression or foundation of His message.
d.
The theme
of the Sermon on the Mount: There are several potential themes in this
sermon. Different authors give it a different purpose.
i.
A call to godly living
– you have a description of various aspects of the disciple’s life and
Jesus was calling for consistency throughout one’s life.
ii.
The Kingdom of Heaven
–
The term kingdom used 9 times in this sermon (5:3, 10 – the beatitudes;
5:19 – who will be least in the kingdom of heaven [2x]; 5:20 – who will
not enter the kingdom; 6:10, 13 – in “the Lord’s prayer”; 6:33 – seek
first the kingdom of God & 7:21, not enough to say ‘Lord, Lord’ to enter
the kingdom).
In addition to this, when you consider the events leading up to that we
have discussed, Jesus was preparing His people to understand the kingdom
of Heaven (Kingdom of God) and spoke of it more than once:
1.
Matt. 3:2
– the message of John the Baptist – Repent for the kingdom is at hand.
2.
Matt. 4:17
– the message of Jesus was ,”Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at
hand”
3.
Matthe2
4:23 states that Jesus went about all Galilee preaching the gospel of
the kingdom.
Such messages would prompt the people to
want to know more about the Kingdom.
Jesus accommodates them in this sermon.
We will see this theme developed in a few moments.
iii.
Unless your righteousness exceed that
of the scribes and Pharisees
(Matt. 5:20) – Jesus begins to expose the inconsistent living of their
Jewish leaders and notes that to enter heaven, your righteousness needs
to be greater that the false righteousness of others.
In other words, their righteous lives needed to be truly
dedicated to God and greater than the lowly expectations of man.
iv.
“Be perfect just as your Father in
heaven is perfect.”, Matt.
5:48 - Nelson’s Illustrated
Bible Dictionary states this as the central theme.
Looking to the example of the Father, we ought to strive to
imitate Him. This is
demonstrated by proper actions.
v.
What do all these themes have in common?
A righteous life looking toward the kingdom of heaven as your
reward.
Let us now notice briefly the contents of
this sermon.
II.
The Message of the Sermon
a.
The Citizens of the Kingdom (the
attitude)
i.
Their
character and blessedness – in the beatitudes – Matt. 5:3-12
ii.
Their
relationship to the world by their proper example – Matt. 5:13-16
b.
The Righteousness of the Kingdom (the
application)
i.
What is
righteousness? Vine’s, “The character or quality of being right.”
It was formerly spelled, “rightwiseness” which gives its
expressed meaning.
Thayer says it is one who is as he ought to be.
Kittel (TDNT – abridged) describes it as “Right conduct before God.”
In other words, Jesus is challenging His audience (and us) to live what
we profess and to ensure that it is what God desires.
The many passages that refer to the righteousness of God demonstrate
that He is the pattern we are to seek to apply in our lives (cf. Matt.
6:33, Jas. 1:20, etc.)
ii.
The
need for a righteousness greater than the scribes and Pharisees – Matt.
5:17-48
NOTE: Many of the aspects Jesus addresses here were parts of the Law of
Moses. However, with their
traditions, they had set aside the intent and even fulfillment of
various laws. Jesus called
them BACK to complete respect for the law in their conduct.
And as followers of Him, they were NOW expected to go even
further.
1.
5:17-19 -
The need to obey God’s law.
In this case, it was the Law of Moses.
But the emphasis is on a need to submit to God’s will as it
applies to you. While we are under a New Law, we are still obligated to
keep it! (Jas. 1:22-25, 2:10, 14-24, etc.)
2.
5:20 – The
need for true and deep seated righteousness.
3.
5:21-26 –
You must control your anger.
Not only the acts but the attitudes.
4.
5:27-30 –
You must control your lusts.
There is sin in lustful thoughts as well.
5.
5:31-32 –
You must respect your vows to your spouse.
6.
5:33-37 –
You must respect ALL your vows.
Live honorably and let your word be your bond.
7.
5:38-42-
In righteousness, go further than unrighteous society (i.e. turn the
other cheek, 2nd mile service, etc.)
8.
5:43-48 –
Love all men, even your enemies.
iii.
Righteousness in relationship to God – Matt. 6:1-33
NOTE: In this chapter,
Jesus addresses action related to our service to God.
It is here we find Jesus dealing with worship to God.
IT too must be with a proper attitude and according to God’s
instructions.
1.
6:1-4 –
Charitable deeds. We need to
be willing to share what we have with others.
2.
6:5-15 –
Prayers. Let us pray simply
and sincerely to God and not to be seen.
3.
6:16-18 –
Fasting. As they fasted, it
was inward and directed toward God.
4.
6:19-21 –
Where is your treasure? In heaven or on earth?
5.
6:22-23 –
Watch what you bring into your body – be pure.
6.
6:24 – You
CANNOT serve two masters at the same time.
7.
6:25-34 –
About worry, DON’T! Learn to
trust in God. Put Him first,
and other matters will take care of themselves.
iv.
Righteousness in relationship to his fellow man – Matt. 7:1-12
NOTE: It is equally important that we strive to get along with mankind.
We must act properly toward man if we are to be a positive effect
in this world. It is also
essential to set us apart.
1.
7:1-6 –
Concerning judging others.
We need to be careful to ensure that our judgments are righteous (fair
and honest). Note the
warning if we judge with prejudice!
Vs. 6, Don’t cast your pearls before swine – use your time
wisely.
2.
7:7-11 –
Ask of God and it will be given.
Seek and you will find.
Knock and it will be opened to you.
God knows what you need in this life and how to give you good
things.
3.
7:12 – the
“golden rule” – the principle to live by in all that we do.
c.
Exhortation to enter the Kingdom (the invitation)
NOTE: Jesus concludes His
sermon with an invitation to those present to follow Him.
i.
7:13-14 –
there are two paths that we must choose between.
Life is about these choices – right & wrong; good & evil; heaven
or hell.
ii.
7:15-20 –
Beware of false prophets and teachers.
They will try and take your salvation from you.
Judge them by their fruits (i.e. according to the word – cf. 1
John 4:1)
iii.
7:21-23 –
Who will enter the kingdom of heaven? Those who do His will!
iv.
7:24-27 –
the two paths are again introduced, this time based upon our willingness
to hear and accept His message.
The wise build wisely and the foolish build foolishly.
What type of a house are you building?
NOTE: This outline of the Sermon on the
Mount is based upon an outline by Mark Copeland as
www.executableoutlines.com/mt/mt_01.htm
And thus we have this great sermon, filled with messages, as
relevant to us as it was to His audience when He presented it.
A timeless message by our timeless Savior.
As we noted last week, His
delivery was different from what they were used to.
They marveled at His teaching because He taught them as one
having authority. Many
listened while others didn’t.
The same is true today.
Sadly, many will reject the message of our Lord today, but others
will freely receive it. What
about you? Is the sermon on
the mount, the sermon in your heart?