The Sermon on the Mount

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT (Matthew chapters 5-7) Christian character, principles concerning those who are citizens of the kingdom

Rules for personal conduct 1. Love the unlovable (Matthew 5:43-45). Not a gushy love, but care for their soul. 2. Harbor no ill for a brother (Matthew 5:21-240. If you pretend to be godly and there is hate in your heart for a brother, religion is just a show (I John 3:14-15). 3. Treat others the way you want to be treated (Matthew 7:12). 4. When you give your word – keep it (Matthew 5:33-37). For swearing see Hebrews 6:13- 17). 5. The only one more important than your mate is God (Matthew 5:27-32). 6. Be careful how you judge others (Matthew 7:1-5; John 7:24). 7. Deal honestly with all men (Matthew 5:25-26).

How we conduct ourselves 1. Respect toward our worship (Matthew 6:1-8). If we give and pray to be seen of men, we dishonor the service. a. Only what God thinks truly matters (Matthew 6:16-18). 2. Trust God for our well-being (Matthew 6:25-34). Blessed is the man who trusts in God (Jeremiah 17:7). Cursed be the man who trusts in man (Jeremiah 17:5). 3. Protect your soul (Matthew 7:15-20). See Acts 17:11; I John 4:1; I Thessalonians 5:21.

Challenges 1. The religion of the second mile (Matthew 5:38-42). 2. Rise above the average (Matthew 5:46-48). 3. Be honest enough to acknowledge that there are believers who are lost (Matthew 7:21- 23). 4. The majority will be lose their soul (Matthew 7:13-14). But never stop chipping away at the many. 5. It is not enough to hear the truth (Matthew 7:24-27). Build your house upon the rock. 6. Kind but not naïve (Matthew 7:6). 7. Do not allow money to become your god (Matthew 6:24). a. Put your treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21).

A new way to think 1. The beatitudes: Humility – meekness – righteousness – merciful – pure in heart – innocent in the face of persecution – being a peace maker (Matthew 5:1-12). 2. Learn how to pray (Matthew 6:9:15). A model prayer, not a ritual. a. The kingdom has come (Colossians 1:13; Revelation 1:9; Hebrews 12:28). b. Prayer is progressive (Matthew 7:7-11). 2

c. Prayer to our Father in heaven (Galatians 4:4-7), in the name of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:20; I Timothy 2:5). 3. Set proper priorities (Matthew 6:33). 4. To bring glory to God we must be salt [preservative] and light [influence] (Matthew 5:13- 16).

Matters of the soul 1. Our soul is vastly more important than our body (Matthew 5:28-30). 2. Jesus is our spiritual authority (Matthew 7:28-29). a. Jesus fulfilled the Mosaic Law – then removed it (Matthew 5:17-20; Ephesians 2:12-16; Colossians 2:12-14: see Romans 7:1-7; Hebrews 8:6-13; 9:16-17).