Intro to the Sermon on the Mount

The Sermon on the Mount is the greatest sermon in the history of the world. It has been translated and quoted and treasured more than any other. Before starting a thorough study, here is some information that will help you grasp the truth contained within the sermon.

Reason for Studying the Sermon

• Matthew 5-7 archives the greatest sermon in the history of the world. 
• Jesus preached it to a mixed congregation of the disciples and the curious. 
• As Jesus gathered His growing followers together, He taught a simple yet thorough overview of how Kingdomcitizens should live. 
• Christianity is more than a mere association of rules; it is a complete dedication to a countercultural lifestyle.
• It serves as the bridge between the Old Testament Law and the New Testament standard.
• Jesus confronted the external trappings of legalism and prioritized the internal workings of devotion.
• It is the first of 5 discourses in the Gospel of Matthew:
  • Discipleship: 5-7
  • Apostleship: 10
  • Revelation: 13
  • Church: 18
  • Judgment: 23-25

Conflicting Views on the Sermon

1. Interim Ethic View – Some believe that this radical standard was used waiting for the consummate kingdom but can be dismissed since it did not arrive immediately.
2. Classic Liberalism – This view rejected the need for redemption and highlighted the sermon as the code for a progressive society.
3. Lutheran Orthodoxy – This view sees the standard as unattainable and points to the need for redemption.
4. Existential Approach – This view highlights the resolve to operate from a heavenly perspective of openness to making the future better.
5. Dispensational Approach – This sermon offered a millennial kingdom to the Jews, but when they rescinded, he took the call away and ushered in the present age of grace.
6. Straightforward Approach – This way acknowledges the impossible nature while emphasizing the necessarystandard.

The Emphases of the Sermon

• The content of this sermon is to be the Kingdom standard in a confused culture.
• Jesus’ words are the standard to which the disciples should ultimately strive.
• Since we belong to Jesus, we should strive to live like Him.
• Even if we can’t keep the standard perfectly, it doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t live trying.

Outline of the Sermon

• 5:3-12 – The beatitudes of the disciples
• 5:13-16 – The witness of the disciples
• 5:17-48 – The Law and the disciples
• 6:1-18 – The disciplines and the disciples
• 6:19-7:12 – The priorities of the disciples
• 7:13-27 – The path of the disciples