Sermon on the Mount [Series Overview]

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We begin our sermon series through the Sermon on the Mount, and I could not be more excited! I hope you can join us in person at Rocky Creek or watch online.

Sermon on the Mount [Countercultural Living for Kingdom Citizens] – Matthew 5-7 archives the greatest sermon in the history of the world. As Jesus gathered His growing followers together, He taught a simple yet thorough overview of how Kingdom citizens should live. Christianity is more than a mere association of rules, but it is a complete dedication to a countercultural lifestyle.

  • The Sermon on the Mount
    • December 6, 2020 – How to Be Truly Happy [Matt. 5:1-12] – As Jesus began the most quoted sermon in history, he explained what the blessed or happy life looks like. Living according to the principles of the kingdom is a pivotal yet promising paradigm shift. 
    • December 13, 2020 – How to Change the World [Matt. 5:13-16] – Christians are to avoid being influenced by the world; instead, we are called to be influencers of the world. As salt and light, we are expected to transform the culture around us.
    • December 20, 2020 – The Fulfillment We Need [Matt. 5:17-20] – The coming of Christ was the fulfillment of the Old Testament expectations and the requirement for our own righteousness. Jesus came from heaven so we could go to heaven. 
    • December 27, 2020 – If Thoughts Could Kill [Matt. 5:21-26] – Jesus taught that just because your anger may not lead to murder does not mean that your thoughts are unclassified as sin. Unaddressed anger must be confronted in our lives. 
    • January 3, 2021 – Lured by Lust [Matt. 5:27-30] – Adultery always begins far before the act. We must be careful what we look at and what we think about if we are to remain faithful to our commitments.
    • January 10, 2021 – Avoiding Divorce [Matt. 5:31-32] – While divorce is permitted in the Bible, it is never promoted in the Bible. Learn what Jesus had to say about those considering a divorce.
    • January 17, 2021 – Losing Credibility One Empty Promise at a Time [Matt. 5:33-37] – Each of our reputations are defined by our level of credibility. Instead of exaggerating with empty promises, simply stay reliable with a trustworthy life.
    • January 24, 2021 – Don’t Give Them What They Deserve [Matt. 5:38-48] – Our tendency is to repay people for any negative words or harmful actions, but Jesus taught quite the opposite. The way of the kingdom is counter-cultural and yet life-giving.
    • January 31, 2021 – Don’t Be Needy When Giving to the Needy [Matt. 6:1-4] – Jesus expects us to give, but he desires that we not give with a need to be noticed. The only recognition that a generous heart should seek comes from God.
    • February 7, 2021 – Learning How to Talk with God [Matt. 6:5-13] – Jesus taught us how to pray but not what to pray. In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus gave a template by which we can learn how to talk with God.
    • February 14, 2021 – When They’ve Hurt You So Deeply [Matt. 6:14-15] – When others cause emotional pain in your life, forgiveness is the only restorative option. Jesus explained that our forgiveness of others is tied to God’s forgiveness towards us.
    • February 21, 2021 – Fast Approvals [Matt. 6:16-18] – Like many other spiritual disciplines, fasting can, unfortunately, be a means to gain the approval of others. Jesus taught that fasting should only be something directed to and noticed by God.
    • February 28, 2021 – The Danger of Decadence [Matt. 6:19-24] – When we believe our status to be contingent upon what we own in this life, it robs us of obtaining true treasure. Decide if you will either serve God or money.
    • March 7, 2021 – The Weariness of Worry [Matt. 6:25-34] – You would have plenty of valid reasons to worry if God was not your intentionally provisional Father. Rid yourself of the weariness of worry and trust God for your daily needs.
    • March 14, 2021 – The Just Way to Be Judgmental [Matt. 7:1-6] – One of Jesus’ most misinterpreted phrases was his teaching on judging one another. Jesus didn’t expect us to refrain from accountability but abstain from hypocrisy.
    • March 21, 2021 – Your Father Isn’t Annoyed by Your Requests [Matt. 7:7-11] – Many of us are lacking certain things because we have simply refused to ask God for them. As our Father, he knows what we need and takes pleasure in giving us good gifts.
    • March 28, 2021 – The Broken Rule [Matt. 7:12-14] – Instead of treating others the way we wish to be treated, we often repay others for what they have done. The remarkable standard of the kingdom is simple, yet few will accept it.
    • April 4, 2021 – The Make-Believer [Matt. 7:15-23] – Plenty of people know religious lingo and practice helpful service, but not all have an actual relationship with Jesus. Make sure that your faith isn’t make-believe. 
    • April 11, 2021 – How to Survive Life’s Storms [Matt. 7:24-29] – All of us go through storms, but only some of us make it out of them. As Jesus concluded the Sermon on the Mount, he taught his listeners how to build the types of lives that can withstand life’s storms.