19 Jul 2004 - Sermon on the Mount - a summary
Sermon on the Mount
Key thoughts on Jesus' Kingdom Lifestyle as outlined by Jesus in Matthew 5-7.
Jesus talks about the Kingdom of Heaven and the radically different lifestyle expected of its citizens.
This lifestyle is not optional and applies to our whole life, all areas, at all times and in every situation. It is a very practical lifestyle that is expressed in actions not mere words. In fact the analogy of not '...giving dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.' 7:6 could be taken to explain other peoples reaction should our actions not live up to or resemble our words.
The 'Beatitudes' (= blessedness, true happiness) are not a simple set of rules but a transformed attitude and outlook on life that are the same as those of Jesus. To be blessed we need to have these qualities/attitudes:
· Poor in Spirit (acknowledge our need and dependence on God)
· Mourn (like Peter's feelings after betraying Jesus we need to deeply understand and mourn over our sinfulness and that of the world.)
· Meek (be secure in our relationship with God so that we can be a servant and like Jesus wash others feet - serving others not worrying about our own self importance)
· Hunger and thirst for righteousness (as eager for righteousness as for real food if we had been starved or water if thirsty)
· Merciful (when in your power forgive others, do not be like the unforgiving servant who although forgiven lots would not forgive a little of his fellow servant)
· Pure in Heart (display Kingdom qualities and motivation in all that we do)
· Peacemakers (not just peacekeepers but go to the heart of the conflict and resolve it, taking the initiative)
· Persecuted for righteousness (a measure of our living the Kingdom lifestyle)
A consequence of these 'attitudes', of this Kingdom lifestyle, NOT a reward, will be the following;
· The Kingdom of Heaven (for the poor in spirit or those persecuted for righteousness)
· Comforted (for those who mourn)
· Inherit the earth (for the meek)
· Filled (for those who hunger and thirst for righteousness)
· Be shown mercy (for the merciful)
· Will see God (for the pure in heart)
· Called sons of God (for the peacemakers)
Community Kingdom Lifestyle (The Church)
Comparison with Salt, Light and a City on a Hill in that described as;
· The salt of the earth - flavour, preservative, sign of peace, melts ice
· The light of the world - illuminate darkness, safety, light, energy, colour, good deeds
· A City on a Hill - beacon, place of safety, seen for miles, not hidden
Sums up the responsibility of the Church and all its members to reflect the lifestyle of Jesus. 'In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven.' 5:16
Righteousness should surpass that of the Pharisees - actions not just words. Jesus takes us to the deeper meaning of the Commandments, takes their understanding to a different level beyond just simple instructions, instead shows the Kingdom principles underlying them.
Do NOT
· Murder (integrity of temperament)
· Commit adultery (marital integrity)
· Divorce (sexual integrity)
· Break oath (verbal integrity)
In God's eyes a guilty thought ('mens rea') is the same as the guilty action ('actus reus'). Dwelling on hateful thoughts or thinking lustful thoughts in God's eyes is the same as actually committing the full sin we are thinking about. We should be equally ruthless with sin and with sinful thoughts. Keep focused on the Kingdom lifestyle so that your body will be full of light.
But SHOULD
· Love your neighbour and enemies, this includes praying for them. Standard is perfection like God. He loves everyone - so should we if exhibiting the Kingdom Lifestyle.
· Combat evil with Love.
· Let your 'Yes' be 'Yes' and your 'No' be 'No'. (verbal integrity)
Spiritual integrity is reflected in a secret intimacy with God (a 'need to know basis' - only God needs to know about our prayers, fasting and giving if our attitude is correct and we are not trying to impress others). Will be seen in committing time and resources secretly to;
· Prayer,
· Fasting and
· Giving.
Practical evidence of our serious commitment to Jesus' Kingdom Lifestyle.
Instructions -
· DO NOT WORRY (particularly where money is concerned). Instead we should TRUST God and invest time, effort and resources in God's Kingdom.
· DO NOT JUDGE (as same measure will be applied to us)
· DO NOT BE JUDGEMENTAL (restore brother gently Gal 6:1)
· BE FORGIVING ('forgive and be forgiven'. If we do not forgive others then this unforgiveness will become a barrier in our relationship with God and with others. IF WE DO NOT FORGIVE THEN WE WILL NOT BE FORGIVEN. 6:14,15)
· WATCH OUT FOR FALSE PROPHETS (by their fruit you will recognise them)
· PUT TEACHING INTO PRACTICE (be like the wise man, take time to build proper foundations on the 'rock' of Jesus and His teaching for Kingdom living)
· BE PROACTIVE (take the initiative, don't wait unnecessarily). Claim the following promises;
§ ASK - and it will be given
§ SEEK - and you will find
§ KNOCK - and the door will be opened to you
Words and construction of the 'Lord's prayer' (6:9-14) link in with these attitudes, behaviours, promises and instructions.
This is a very practical and simple guide to Kingdom Living given to us
by JESUS and summed up in 6:33 which provides the key
"But seek first His Kingdom AND His Righteousness
AND All these things will be given to you as well."
How are we going to encourage each other to live this Kingdom Lifestyle?