Here’s how the study works: Read the chapter mentioned in the heading several times during the week and share any words, thoughts, verses that stood out to you. Having a week for a chapter creates the opportunity to reread it several times and make additional comments as you feel inclined as well as make comments on other people’s insights.
The sermon on the mount – a long chapter with lots in it.
We couldn’t keep the 10 commandments and yet the sermon on the mount is even more challenging. Without God’s daily enabling we haven’t a hope of living up to this.
(From Constable’s commentary) “Blessedness is happiness because of divine favour.”
The sermon on the mount – a long chapter with lots in it.
We couldn’t keep the 10 commandments and yet the sermon on the mount is even more challenging. Without God’s daily enabling we haven’t a hope of living up to this.
(From Constable’s commentary) “Blessedness is happiness because of divine favour.”
v.3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“The poor in spirit” recognize they need God’s mercy and grace.
v.4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
“Those who mourn” are the emotionally honest.
v.5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
“The meek” are undemanding of their own way; and humble.
v.6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
“Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” strongly desire personal holiness.
v.7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
“The merciful” have compassion on those who need mercy.
v.8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
“The pure in heart” realize that sin is not just about actions but also motives and attitudes. Seeing God is another way of saying knowing God intimately.
v.9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
“The peacemakers” make peace not by avoiding conflict but working through it.
v.10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
If we live God honouring lives we will challenge the non-believers.
v.3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“The poor in spirit” recognize they need God’s mercy and grace.
v.4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
“Those who mourn” are the emotionally honest.
v.5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
“The meek” are undemanding of their own way; and humble.
v.6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
“Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” strongly desire personal holiness.
v.7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
“The merciful” have compassion on those who need mercy.
v.8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
“The pure in heart” realize that sin is not just about actions but also motives and attitudes. Seeing God is another way of saying knowing God intimately.
v.9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
“The peacemakers” make peace not by avoiding conflict but working through it.
v.10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
If we live God honouring lives we will challenge the non-believers.
v.14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
God does not want us to keep a low profile. We need to share our stories, not in an arrogant way, but by “speaking the truth in love.”
v.14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
God does not want us to keep a low profile. We need to share our stories, not in an arrogant way, but by “speaking the truth in love.”
v.17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
Some thought Jesus was teaching his followers to discard the Old Testament but Jesus was explaining how his coming completed or fulfilled it. The Law’s purpose was to lead people to Jesus (Galatians 3:24-25).
Jesus was however abolishing the extra requirements (the oral tradition) the Pharisees had added to the Law. The Old Testament was inspired but these extra regulations were not.
v.17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
Some thought Jesus was teaching his followers to discard the Old Testament but Jesus was explaining how his coming completed or fulfilled it. The Law’s purpose was to lead people to Jesus (Galatians 3:24-25).
Jesus was however abolishing the extra requirements (the oral tradition) the Pharisees had added to the Law. The Old Testament was inspired but these extra regulations were not.
v.19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
In the kingdom people will have different standings. Those who are great will be those who apply all of God’s word to their lives.
v.19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
In the kingdom people will have different standings. Those who are great will be those who apply all of God’s word to their lives.
v.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.
The righteousness of the Pharisees was shallow, it was about outward behaviour. True righteousness is about our attitude and motives.
v.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.
The righteousness of the Pharisees was shallow, it was about outward behaviour. True righteousness is about our attitude and motives.
v.24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
Reconciliation is more important than worship
v.24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
Reconciliation is more important than worship
v.39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.
If we accept injustice without retaliating we are expressing faith that God will take care of us.
v.39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.
If we accept injustice without retaliating we are expressing faith that God will take care of us.
v.44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you
Praying for our enemies is showing love for them.
v.44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you
Praying for our enemies is showing love for them.
v.48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Our actions are often far from perfect but if we allow God to purify our attitudes, motives, thoughts, we can become mature (another word for perfect) and godly.
v.48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Our actions are often far from perfect but if we allow God to purify our attitudes, motives, thoughts, we can become mature (another word for perfect) and godly.