The Sermon on the Welcome to our study! In our study, we will explore the magnificent teachings of Christ as recorded in Matthew 5-7. This passage, commonly referred to as the Sermon on the Mount is one of the most quoted of all biblical passages. Yet, many people do not fully understand what Jesus is teaching. One need not look too far to understand the confusion and misguided ideas the world has regarding this passage. Thus, we will examine the sermon delivered by our Lord both in whole and its parts. In doing so, we will be enriched. May God bless us in our study of The Sermon on the Mount! Purpose: This Bible study will explore the Sermon on the Mount as delivered by Christ. The ultimate purpose of this study is to help us to be the disciples that Christ would have us to be. Therein, we shall live happier lives, participate in the Lord s kingdom, and return more glory to our God. Objectives: Our study will seek to accomplish the following objectives: 1. Read and discuss the entire Sermon on the Mount as recorded in Matthew 2. Discuss and apply the various lessons taught by Jesus 3. Prompt each of us to engage in prayerful meditation about our spiritual condition Format: Each lesson will focus our attention on one important section of The Sermon on the Mount. Our class sessions will focus on the scriptures and questions contained in this outline. We will do some reading of the related scriptures during class time as well. Obviously, our time will be best utilized if everyone reads the targeted passages, meditate on the questions asked, and come prepared to discuss. We will strive to keep our discussions interesting and focused on the subject/questions as outlined in this material. Sprinkled throughout this study guide are some thought provoking questions labeled A moment of meditation. These questions are for your private consideration and meditation. Study Outline/Schedule: The following table represents our plan for the quarter: Subject Scripture Date Singing Night - January 6 Teaching - January 13 Introduction and Background Matt 5:1-2; 7:28-29 January 20 Beautiful Attitudes Matt 5:3-12 January 27 Singing Night - February 3 Jesus and the Old Law Matt 5:13-32 February 10 Love Your Enemy Matt 5:33-48 February 17 Praying and Fasting Matt 6:1-18 February 24 Singing Night - March 2 Heavenly Treasure Matt 6:19-34 March 9 Teaching - March 16 The Believer s Walk Matt 7:1-12 March 23 Choices/Wrap-Up Matt 7:13-27 March 30
The Sermon on the Setting and Background At the time the Sermon on the Mount was delivered, the Roman Empire was in full control of the affairs of Israel. The Israelites felt the grip of the Roman emperor. Roman law superseded the civil span of the Law of Moses. Roman taxation was difficult. The people of Israel did not like living under the boot of the Romans. They sought a king to deliver them. As Jesus began his recorded public teaching, the religious state of Israel was heavily influenced by the Scribes and Pharisees. People looked to these religious leaders for determination of what was both holy and unholy. These leaders blended the Law of Moses with their own interpretations and cherished traditions. The religious condition of Israel is best described as darkness. Matthew noted that Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them. Great multitudes followed Him On the day he delivered the Sermon on the Mount, a crowd of people came out to hear him. He went up on the mountainside, settled in, and delivered his message. And what a message it was! Theme and Content The Sermon on the Mount is one of the most revered of all of Bible passages. This sermon is the first recorded public teaching from our Lord. Yet, we learn in Luke 2 that Jesus, at the young age of 12, was involved in public discussion of the word. Those who interacted with Jesus were astonished and amazed at his understanding. Matthew 4 records that Jesus, as an adult, enlightened those who heard him. He fulfilled Isaiah s prophesy: The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned. From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Jesus introduced the kingdom of heaven and citizenship expectations to his listeners. No doubt, there was misplaced hope that his kingdom would drive the Romans out of the region and restore the full glory and prowess of Israel like during the days of David. Yet, His kingdom was not a physical kingdom. It was His spiritual kingdom the church. Some have referred to the Sermon on the Mount as the Magna Carta, or constitution, of the church. The timeless lessons taught that day serves as the basis for everything else he taught during his years of teaching. Jesus message contained numerous paradoxes. Instead of military prowess, Jesus taught that love and meekness were to reign in his kingdom. He exhorted his audience to lay aside what they previously thought about religion and enter into His kingdom. Citizenship in Jesus kingdom requires fundamental and deliberate choices. Jesus educated his followers on the priorities that a true disciple must have. He provided instruction on how to draw near unto God. And, he taught about the importance of keeping your heart in matters of righteousness. The
teaching and instruction given truly astonished those who heard him. This message was very much unlike anything they had ever heard. Like his original audience, let us now listen to every word and apply it to our lives 1. How can the Sermon on the Mount help you in making decision each day? How can it help lead you to happiness? 2. Should the Sermon on the Mount be studied by new converts or all Christians? Please explain. 3. What is the Kingdom of heaven that Jesus refers to? 4. Does Jesus expect his disciples to embrace His teaching in the Sermon on the Mount as mere guidelines or as a Christian s constitution? What is the difference? 5. What was the response of the world when Jesus first presented His teachings on the Mount? How about today? 6. What danger lies in taking portions of the Sermon out of the context in which they were presented?
The Sermon on the Mount Matthew 5:3-12 (NKJV) 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the 1. Define blessed. Blessed are the poor in spirit: For theirs is the kingdom of heaven 2. What condition does poor in spirit denote (Matt 11:28, Luke 4:18, Phil 2:3-8)? 3. Can you be a wealthy person and still have a poor spirit? 4. What did Jesus promise to those who are in this condition?
A moment of meditation: Read Luke 18:9-14. Which of these two men would represent an honest description of your heart? What, if any, changes are needed in your life? Blessed are those who mourn: For they shall be comforted 5. What does the wise man have to say about mourning in Eccl 7:2? Why is this so? 6. List some reasons people mourn. What kind of mourning does Jesus refer to here? 7. How should you feel about sin in your life? Can you feel this way if not poor in spirit? 8. How does comfort come to those who mourn? 9. Contrast the mourning of Peter and Judas. What was the result in each case (Matt 26:69-27:5)? A moment of meditation: How do you feel when sin is present in your life?
Blessed are the meek: For they shall inherit the earth 10. Define meekness. How is this different from weakness? 11. Give a biblical example of someone who was meek. Also, give an example of someone who lacked this characteristic. 12. What does Jesus mean by and they shall inherit the earth? A moment of meditation: Does gentleness and submissive humility define your life? Blessed are they which hunger and thirst for righteousness: For they shall be filled 13. Define righteousness. What does it mean to hunger and thirst for it (Psalm 42:1-2)? 14. Can your spiritual hunger and thirst be quenched by something other than righteousness? 15. How does one truly satisfy spiritual hunger and thirst?
A moment of meditation: What do you hunger for? Do you long for those opportunities to study and contemplate God s word? How often do you study your Bible? How often do you attend worship services? Blessed are the merciful: For they shall obtain mercy 16. Define Mercy. What does the wise man say about mercy in Proverbs 3:3-4 and 11:17? 17. Give a biblical example of someone who demonstrated this quality. 18. What is promised to those who demonstrate this characteristic? A moment of meditation: When was the last time you extended mercy to someone? Or, do you tend to keep score of wrong done against you? Blessed are the pure in heart: For they shall see God 19. What does it mean to have a pure heart? By what standard is this measured? 20. What would Jesus teach regarding the condition of the heart and the outward demonstration of such?
21. Does a pure heart entertain worldliness? 22. How do you purify your heart? A moment of meditation: Do you want to see God? What is in your heart? Do you allow worldliness to co-exist with purity? Blessed are the peacemakers: For they shall be called the sons of God 23. How does the world define peace? How does the Bible define peace (Eph 2:14-18)? 24. Which is more important peace with men, or peace with God (Phil 4:6-7)? 25. What is involved in becoming a peacemaker (Rom 12:18)?
A moment of meditation: What do you think about when you pillow your head at night? Do you have worries and uncertainties? Do you fall asleep knowing it is well with my soul? Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 26. Define persecution. What does it mean to be reviled? 27. Does Jesus want his disciples to understand the cost of discipleship? 28. How should the Christian view persecution (2 Tim 3:12, 1 Peter 1:6-9)? A moment of meditation: When was the last time you endured persecution for Christ s sake? How would you fare if persecuted like those of the 1st century? 29. When considering all of the attitudes and characteristics Jesus taught in Matt 5:3-12, how many of these are optional? Why do so many people NOT feel this way?
Salt of the Earth 5:13 The Sermon on the Mount Matthew 5:13-32(NKJV) 13 "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. 17 "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 21 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment. 22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says,' You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire. 23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. 26 Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny. 1. Describe the various uses of salt. How might these uses of salt be analogous to the Christian s influence?
2. In what way can you be salt of the earth (Col 4:6, Mark 9:49-50)? 3. What happens when salt looses its saltiness? How does this apply to your influence? 4. How might the Christian loose his/her saltiness? A moment of meditation: When you interact with people of the world, how are you received? Do you stand out in their eyes, or do you just blend in? Are you salt for those you come in contact with? Light of the World 5:14-16 5. Describe the various uses of light. 6. What is the source of light for the Christian (1 John 1:7-10)? 7. What enables you to shine?
8. In John 9:5 and 12:35-36, Jesus said that he was the Light of the World. How did the world respond to Him bringing light? Why did this happen? 9. What is the purpose of light in a spiritual sense (Acts 26:12-26; Rom 2:17-20, 14:11-14; Eph 5:11-18; 1 Pet 2:9? How should this impact the way you live? 10. How might the world respond to the effects of your salt and light? A moment of meditation: Read Romans 12:1-2. When you interact with someone, how would they describe you? Can they distinguish you from the characteristics of the world? Jesus and the Old Law 5:17-26 11. What was the relationship between Jesus and the Law? 12. What was the purpose of the Law?
13. How did Jesus ultimately fulfill the Law? 14. Summarize what Jesus is saying about the difference between the Old Law and the New Law. 15. What is the Christian s obligation to the Old Law (Col 2:11-23, Rom 7, Hebrews 7) 16. Where does the sin of murder have its root? 17. Does Jesus condemn expression of all forms and expressions of anger? Please explain. 18. How do you protect yourself from experiencing the anger Jesus taught against? 19. How is the principle Jesus taught deeper than the requirement of the old Law?
A moment of meditation: Do you consistently control your anger? What are your anger triggers? Wandering Eyes and Wandering Hearts 5:27-30 20. Where does the sin of adultery have its root? 21. What did the old law say about adultery? 22. What principle does Jesus teach here? 23. How do you prevent the sin of adultery in your life? A moment of meditation: Do you keep your eyes from wandering and allowing lust to enter your heart? Sacredness of Marriage 5:31-32
24. What does God teach us about bond of marriage (Gen 2:24; Matt 5:31-32; 19:3-10; Rom 7:1-6)? What events serve to breach or terminate the sacred bond of marriage? 25. Who said that in order for a couple to divorce, it only required a writing of divorcement? Why does Jesus bring this up at this point? 26. Is Matt 5:31-32 the only New Testament teaching on the subject of Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage? Please summarize the teachings of Matt 19:3-10, Mark 10:1-12, and 1 Cor 7:10-16 in addition to what Jesus says about MDR here in Matt 5:31-32. 27. What right does the innocent person have when their spouse commits fornication? A moment of meditation: Do you consider your marriage sacred? Would your husband/wife agree with you?
Oaths and Swearing 5:33-37 The Sermon on the Mount Matthew 5:33-48 (NKJV) 33 Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord. 34 But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God's throne; 35 nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one. 38 You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. 39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. 43 You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 1. What does it mean to make an oath (KJV rendered swear )? 2. Can you fulfill this requirement if you only choose the right words? 3. What should you be sure of prior to making a promise? A moment of meditation: When you promise to do something, can people ALWAYS count on you to fulfill your promise?
Turn the Other Cheek 5:38-42 4. What did the Old Law say about seeking retribution for a wrong done against you? 5. Does Jesus require you to do nothing when being attacked by someone? What about if this is a criminal attack on your family? 6. Discuss a biblical situation where someone stood up against injustice. A moment of meditation: When someone says something hurtful to you, how do you respond? Love Your Enemy 5:43-48 7. Under what conditions could the Hebrew person hate their enemy? 8. Who was the enemy of the Jews? What about the Christian? 9. How is Jesus law different from the Old Law with regards to the treatment of your enemy? 10. What should your goal be regarding your enemy? A moment of meditation: Who is your enemy? When was the last time you prayed for your enemy, or did something helpful for them?
The Sermon on the Mount Matthew 6:1-18 (NKJV) 1 Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 3 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly. 5 And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. 7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 "Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. 9 In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Giving 6:1-4 1. Is it important to perform charitable deeds and perform acts of righteousness? 2. What should you avoid when doing good works?
3. How does one sound a trumpet prior to performing a deed? 4. What is the reward for those who put on a show while doing good deeds? A moment of meditation: Is it important for others to see you doing good works? Instruction on Prayer and Fasting 6:5-18 5. Is there anything wrong with a public prayer? 6. Should the instructional prayer be memorized and repeated over and over? Why or why not? 7. What is forgiveness of your trespasses contingent upon? 8. If you are planning to fast, what does Jesus say you should do? A moment of meditation: Based on Jesus instruction about prayer, how well do you measure up in your prayer habits? Are you holding a grudge against anyone?
The Sermon on the Matthew 6:19-34 (NKJV) 19 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. 25 "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? 28 "So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Heavenly Treasure 6:19-24 1. Why is it unwise to only store up treasures here on earth?
2. How do you lay up treasure in heaven? 3. Where does your heart reside? 4. Is it wrong to make financial plans and savings for your future? 5. How do you keep the lamp of your body full of light? 6. What happens if you try to serve two masters riches and the Lord? A moment of meditation: Where is your treasure? Worry 6:19-24 7. What does Jesus say about worrying?
The Sermon on the Mount Matthew 7:1-12 (NKJV) 1 Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. 6 "Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces. 7 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for Judging 7:1-6 1. What type of judgment is taught against in this passage? 2. What should you do prior to rebuking someone for unrighteousness? 3. What should you do if you observe your brother/sister engaged in sin?
4. Describe how you might give what is holy to the dogs or cast your pearls before swine. A moment of meditation: Do you pass judgment on others while sin is present in your life? Asking, Seeking, and Knocking 7:7-12 5. What should you expect when asking something of the Lord? 6. How should you treat others? Who does others include?
The Sermon on the Mount Matthew 7:13-27 (NKJV) 13 "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. 15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them. 21 "Not everyone who says to Me,' Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' 23 And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!' 24 "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, Choosing the Right Path 7:13-14 1. How does Jesus describe the path and gateway he wants you to choose? 2. Discuss why the correct path is one that will not be so easy to travel? A moment of meditation: Which pathway are you on? How do you know?
Choosing Who To Listen To 7:15-20 3. How do you know if someone is teaching the truth or a false doctrine? 4. What is so dangerous about false doctrines? 5. What will happen to those who do not teach the truth? A moment of meditation: Do you prove that which you are taught, or do you blindly accept it? Choosing To Do the Lord s Will 7:21-23 6. Will everyone who confesses that Jesus is Lord be saved? 7. Who is going to be saved? 8. What will prevent some who prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name from going to heaven?
A moment of meditation: When you stand in judgment before the Lord, what will he say to you? Choosing Where To Build 7:24-27 9. What choice are you faced regarding the teachings of Christ? 10. What happens to those who do not heed the teaching of Christ? 11. What happens to those who do heed the teachings of Christ? A moment of meditation: Do you listen to and apply the teachings of Christ in your life? How well is your spiritual house holding up?