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Home , Matthew 5, Matthew 7

The on the Mount Series -7

1) The Christian’s Character (5:1-12) - Introduction to the – Matthew 5:1-2 (Crowds and disciples) - Turning Your Attitudes Upside Down – Matthew 5:3-6 (The – Part 1) - Turning Your Attitudes Upside Down – Matthew 5:7-12 (The Beatitudes – Part 2)

2) The Christian’s Influence (5:13-16) - Being an Obvious Christian – Matthew 5:13-16 ()

3) The Christian’s (5:17-48) - Surpassing Righteousness – Matthew 5:17-20 ( and the law) - Will the Real Murderer Please Stand Up? – Matthew 5:21-26 (Murder and anger) - How to Ruin Your Love Life – Matthew 5:27-32 (Adultery and divorce) - Honest to God – Matthew 5:33-37 (Oaths) - Radical Love over Revenge – Matthew 5:38-42 (Eye for an eye) - Radical Love over Hate – Matthew 5:43-48 (Love your enemies)

4) The Christian’s Motivation (6:1-34) - Being a Secret Christian – :1-8, 16-18 (Giving, praying, fasting) - Talking to Your Heavenly Father – Matthew 6:9-15 (The Lord’s ) - Your Heart on the Line – Matthew 6:19-24 (Treasures in heaven) - Not to Worry – Matthew 6:25-34 (Seek first the kingdom)

5) The Christian’s Relationships (7:1-12) - Judging Others / Judging Yourself – :1-6 (Do not judge) - God Wants You to Ask – Matthew 7:7-12 (Ask, seek, knock)

6) The Christian’s Destiny (7:13-29) - Genuine Christianity – Matthew 7:13-23 (The narrow gate) - Doing What You Hear – Matthew 7:24-29 (Wise and foolish builders)

Note: You can access full text copies of all eighteen messages in the series at the following web address: http://www.rayfowler.org/sermons/sermon-on-the-mount/ Please include the following notice on any distributed copies: By Ray Fowler © Ray Fowler Website: http://www.rayfowler.org/

“Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount” Matthew 5:1-2 (Crowds and disciples)

I. A famous section of Scripture A. One of the most written about portions of Scripture

B. Longest teaching of Jesus recorded in Scripture

II. A misunderstood section of Scripture A. Wrong interpretations: 1) plan of salvation 2) charter for world peace 3) future application only B. True interpretation: 1) the good news of the kingdom 2) true righteousness is a matter of the heart 3) this is how a disciple of Jesus Christ lives

III. Law versus A. Parallels between Jesus and

B. Differences between Jesus and Moses

C. Grace and

IV. Crowds and disciples A. Crowds and disciples both present

B. Addressed primarily to the disciples

V. Jesus the master teacher A. Jesus taught with authority

B. Jesus spoke directly to the heart

“Turning Your Attitudes Upside Down” Matthew 5:3-6 (The Beatitudes – Part 1)

Introduction to the Beatitudes: - Beatitude means blessing – good news! - Focus on inward character rather than outward conduct - These blessings are both present and future

I. The poor in spirit (3) A. Those who confess their need for God - Isaiah 57:15, 64:6; Luke 18:13; Philippians 3:7-9; Rev 3:17

B. The blessing promised: “the kingdom of heaven” - Isaiah 61:1; :12-13

II. Those who mourn (4) A. Those who grieve over sin 1) personal sin: Psalm 51:17; Isaiah 6:5; Romans 7:24 2) the sins of others: Psalm 119:136; Ezekiel 9:4

B. The blessing promised: “comfort” - Isaiah 61:2-3; 2 Corinthians 7:10; 1 John 1:9; Revelation 21:4

III. The meek (5) A. Those who humbly submit to God and others - Psalm 25:9; Numbers 12:3; :29; 1 Peter 2:23

B. The blessing promised: “inherit the earth” - Psalm 37:11; 1 Corinthians 3:21; Revelation 21:1-3

IV. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (6) A. Those who long for God’s will and God’s ways - :1-2; Matthew 6:10, 33; Romans 3:10; Philippians 3:10

B. The blessing promised: “filled” - Psalm 107:8-9; John 6:35; :6; 2 Peter 3:13 “Turning Your Attitudes Upside Down” Matthew 5:7-12 (The Beatitudes – Part 2)

I. The merciful (7) A. Those who show compassion for people in need 1) giving to the needy (Proverbs 14:21; Matthew 6:2) 2) forgiving others for their sins (:33; Hebrews 2:17-18) B. The blessing promised: “mercy” - Proverbs 11:17; Matthew 6:12; James 2:13

II. The pure in heart (8) A. Those who walk with integrity before God (Psalm 24:3-6) 1) the unclean heart (Psalm 51:6; Prov. 20:9; 17:9; Matt. 5:19-20) 2) only God can change (Psalm 51:10; Acts 15:9; Titus 3:5) B. The blessing promised: “see God” (Psalm 27:4; Heb 12:14) 1) near God in the present (Psalm 73:1,28) 2) face to face in the future (Psalm 17:15; 1 John 2:2-3; Revelation 22:4)

III. The peacemakers (9) [peace and purity – Hebrews 12:14; James 3:17] A. Those who make peace between offended parties 1) with others (Proverbs 15:1; Matthew 5:23-24; Romans 12:18) 2) between others (Philippians 4:2; Ephesians 4:2-3) 3) between others and God (Isaiah 52:7; Ephesians 6:15; 2 Cor. 5:18-19) B. The blessing promised: “called sons of God” - Ephesians 2:13-14; Colossians 1:20; 1 John 3:1

IV. The persecuted (10-12) A. Those who suffer for being a Christian (insults; harm; slander) 1) for righteousness (Proverbs 29:10; John 3:20; 2 Timohty 3:12) 2) for Christ (John 15:20; Acts 5:41; :14-16) B. The blessing promised: “the kingdom of heaven” (Rejoice!) 1) great and future reward (Romans 8:18; Hebrews 11:26) 2) treated the prophets the same way (:26) “Being an Obvious Christian” Matthew 5:13-16 (Salt and Light)

Basic theme: Christians are meant to be different from the world Note: The Beatitudes focus on the Christian’s character. The salt and light section focuses on the Christian’s influence.

I. The salt of the earth (13) A. Jesus’ declaration: “You are the salt of the earth.” B. The meaning of the analogy: 1) This world is in moral decay. 2) Christians act as salt in the world - salt cleanses: we live pure lives in the world - salt preserves: we stand up for what is right - salt flavors: we attract people to Christ C. Warning – when the salt loses its saltiness (compromise): 1) The church loses its reputation (can’t be made salty again) 2) The church loses its mission (no longer good for anything)

II. The – witness (14-16) A. Jesus’ declaration: “You are the light of the world.” Note: Jesus is the true light – we reflect his light (John 8:12) B. The meaning of the analogy 1) This world is in darkness: - It doesn’t know the way to God (Acts 26:17-18) - It doesn’t know God’s ways (Psalm 119:105) 2) Christians act as light in the world: - light shines: we stand out as followers of Jesus - light illuminates: we point people to God and his ways - light reveals: we show others how God wants us to live C. Encouragement – when your light shines brightly (witness): 1) People will see your good deeds 2) People will praise your Father in heaven “Surpassing Righteousness” Matthew 5:17-20 (Jesus and the law)

I. Jesus came to fulfill the law and the prophets (17) A. He fulfilled the demands of the law: 1) He lived a perfect life of obedience to the law (Hebrews 4:15) 2) He took the law’s punishment for our sin (Galatians 3:13)

B. He fulfilled the prophecies: - Luke 24:25-27, 44; John 5:39-40

C. He revealed the true meaning of the law: - “I tell you …” (throughout Matthew 5); Romans 13:9-10

II. Jesus affirmed the continuing authority of the law (18-19) A. The word of God stands forever (Isaiah 40:8; :35; 2 Peter 3:18)

B. Every part matters (2 Timothy 3:16; John 10:35)

C. We must practice and teach all of it (:20; John 14:15)

Note: What about the civil and ceremonial laws in the Old Testament? - separated Israel from the nations around them - provided specific applications of Biblical principles for the nation of Israel - pointed to Christ and fulfilled in his death on the cross

III. Jesus proclaimed the need for a greater righteousness (20) A. The righteousness of the and teachers of the law: 1) was self-serving (:5-7) 2) was partial (Matthew 23:23) 3) was external only (Matthew 23:25-28)

B. The greater righteousness that Jesus commanded: 1) was testified to by the law and prophets (Romans 3:21) 2) is credited to us by faith in Christ (Philippians 3:9) 3) is worked in us by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:4) 4) is the only righteousness that will get you into heaven (Matthew 5:20)

“Will the Real Murderer Please Stand Up?” Matthew 5:21-26 (Murder and anger)

Two problems Jesus is addressing here: 1) People have heard different things from the Old Testament but not all have been taught correctly. 2) People limited Old Testament commandments to external actions, not inward righteousness. Jesus reveals the true intention of the law as regards the heart.

I. The real meaning of murder (21-22) A. Anger – the attitude behind the act (Proverbs 16:2; 1 John 3:15)

B. What about Jesus? 1) Angry at sin - Mark 3:1-6; Matt 21:12-13; 23:16-17; Eph 4:26 2) But did not retaliate when personally offended - 1 Peter 2:23, Luke 23:34

II. The importance of reconciliation (23-24) A. Example: offering gift at the altar (Isaiah 1:11-15; :9-11)

B. The principle: must reconcile first (Psalm 66:18; 1 John 3:20-21)

III. The urgency of reconciliation (25-26) A. Example: adversary taking you to court

B. The principle: do not delay (Ephesians 4:26-27; Romans 12:18)

Three things we learn: 1) The sin of murder is not just an external act but includes your heart motives and attitudes. 2) The punishment for murder is not ultimately decided by earthly courts but by God in heaven. 3) If we are truly to obey the law, we must not only avoid the negatives but also pursue the positives – reconciliation and friendship in all our relationships.

“How to Ruin Your Love Life” Matthew 5:27-32 (Adultery and divorce)

I. The real meaning of adultery (27-30)

A. – the attitude behind the act (:19; 2 Peter 2:14)

B. Response – extreme measures: get rid of anything that causes you to sin (Colossians 3:5-6)

II. The real meaning of divorce (31-32) - see Deuteronomy 24:1-4; :3-9

A. What God joins together, let man not separate.

B. A certificate does not necessarily mean you are divorced.

C. Divorce is permitted but not commanded after adultery.

D. We should always work towards reconciliation.

Applications: Marriage is a lifelong commitment of sexual faithfulness: - Adultery breaks the commitment of sexual faithfulness. - Divorce breaks the commitment of lifelong faithfulness.

Therefore: 1) Guard your heart (Proverbs 4:23; Psalm 119:9) 2) Watch your eyes (Job 31:1; Psalm 101:3) 3) Honor your marriage (:15-16)

“Honest to God” Matthew 5:33-37 (Oaths)

I. Promises, promises (33) A. Old Testament teaching on keeping oaths (Leviticus 19:12, Numbers 30:2; Deuteronomy 23:21-23)

B. Legal loopholes and manipulation of oaths (Matthew 23:16-22)

II. Don’t swear at all (34-36) A. Oaths actually weaken the truth

B. God is always witness to what you say

III. Keeping it simple (37) A. Your “yes” or “no” should be sufficient

B. Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44)

C. Public oaths are not forbidden by Scripture: 1) God permits and takes oaths (Deuteronomy 10:20; Hebrews 6:16-18) 2) Jesus took an oath in court (:63-64) 3) Paul calls God as his witness (Romans 1:9; 2 Corinthians 1:23)

Three applications: 1) Be truthful in your speech (Proverbs 12:22)

2) Be careful what you promise (Ecclesiastes 5:2,5)

3) Be faithful in following through (Psalm 15:1-5)

“Radical Love Over Revenge” Matthew 5:38-42 (Eye for an eye)

I. The Old Testament taught justice – “eye for an eye” (38) A. Excessive punishment was prohibited (Deuteronomy 19:16-21) 1) The punishment fit the crime 2) Evil was restrained

B. Personal revenge was forbidden (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19) 1) Let the courts do their job 2) God will repay

II. Jesus taught radical love over revenge (39-42) A. Do not resist an evil person (39a) 1) Spoken to individuals in their personal relationships 2) Different set of Scriptural commands for governments, courts, military, police, etc. (Romans 13:1-4)

B. Four examples of radical love over revenge: 1) Personal insults: turn the other cheek (39b)

2) Lawsuits: Let him have your cloak as well (40)

3) Forced actions: Go the second mile (41)

4) Requests: Give to the one who asks (42) - cf. Psalm 112:5; Proverbs 3:27, 11:15; 2 Thessalonians 3:10

Three applications of radical love: 1) Practice mercy rather than justice (James 2:13) 2) Go beyond what is required (Matthew 5:47) 3) Trust God with the results (1 Peter 2:23)

“Radical Love Over Hatred” Matthew 5:43-48 (Love your enemies)

I. The Pharisees taught: “Hate your enemy.” (43) A. Terrible misreading of Scripture: 1) Limited the term “neighbor” to their fellow Israelites - cf. Luke 10:30-37

2) Used God’s hatred for evil to allow personal animosity - Deuteronomy 7:2; Psalm 139:21-22

B. The Old Testament actually taught: 1) Love your neighbor as yourself (Leviticus 19:17-18)

2) Do good to your enemy (Exodus 23:4-5; Proverbs 25:21)

II. Jesus taught: “Love your enemies.” (44-48) A. Pray for those who persecute you (44)

B. Live as children of your heavenly Father (45)

C. As Christians we should do more than others (46-47)

D. Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect (48)

Applications: 1) Only God can give you the surpassing righteousness you need to enter heaven (2 Corinthians 5:21) 2) Only God can help you love your enemies (Romans 5:5) 3) While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8)

“Being a Secret Christian” Matthew 6:1-8, 16-18 (Giving, praying, fasting)

Hypocritical vs. authentic righteousness: “Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” (verse 1)

I. Giving in secret (2-4) A. The wrong way to give: • To be honored by other people (“with trumpets”) - already received their reward in full B. The right way to give: • In secret (“left hand / right hand”) - your Father will reward you

II. Praying in secret (5-8) A. The wrong way to pray: • To be seen by other people (“synagogues and street corners”) - already received their reward in full • Meaningless repetition (“babbling like pagans”) - think they will be heard because of their many words B. The right way to pray: • In secret (“go into your room, close the door”) - your Father will reward you • Simple, direct petitions (see the Lord’s Prayer: vv. 9-13) - your Father knows what you need before you ask him

III. Fasting in secret (16-18) A. The wrong way to fast: • To show other people (“look somber … disfigure their faces”) - already received their reward in full B. The right way to fast: • In secret (“put oil on your head and wash your face”) - your Father will reward you

“Talking to Your Heavenly Father” Matthew 6:9-15 (The Lord’s Prayer)

I. How do we approach God in prayer? (9; also Ecclesiastes 5:2) A. “Our” – We approach God as part of his people B. “Father” – We approach God in childlike trust C. “Heaven” – We approach God with reverence and respect

II. Pray first about God’s concerns (9-10; also :17, 6:33) A. God’s name – Pray that people will honor and reverence the Lord 1) “to hallow” means to reverence, to honor, to consider holy 2) God’s name refers to God’s character or person B. God’s kingdom – Pray that God’s rule will overcome the world C. God’s will – Pray for obedience to God’s commands here on earth

III. Pray about our three main needs (11-15; also Proverbs 30:8-9) A. Physical needs – Pray for the daily needs of ourselves and others 1) “bread” – symbolic of all that is necessary to sustain life 2) “today” – trust God to provide what we need when we need it 3) “daily” – that which is needful; we are not to pray for excess B. Forgiveness - Pray for forgiveness for the sins we have committed Note: Jesus assumes that if you have been forgiven, you will also forgive others (14-15) C. Spiritual victory – Pray for deliverance from temptation and Satan’s power 1) God never tempts us (:13) 2) Ask God to help you avoid situations where sin becomes hard to resist (Psalm 23:3) 3) We all need God’s power to overcome Satan – you can’t make it on your own!

IV. Doxology A. Yours is the kingdom – God alone rules over all creation B. Yours is the power – God alone has power to answer our C. Yours is the glory – God alone is worthy of all praise and honor D. Forever – These things will always be true of our God!

“Your Heart on the Line” Matthew 6:19-24 (Treasures in heaven)

“Above all else, guard your heart.” (Proverbs 4:23)

I. Two treasures (19-21) A. The treasures you store on earth will pass away - Job 1:21; Proverbs 23:4-5; :16-21

B. The treasures you store in heaven will last forever - Matthew 19:21; Colossians 3:2; 1 Timothy 6:17-19

C. Your heart follows your treasure (Deuteronomy 6:5)

II. Two sets of eyes (22-23) A. The eye is symbolic of your heart (Psalm 119:6,10)

B. When your heart is right, your path is clear (Psalm 119:105)

C. When your heart is wrong, you walk in darkness (Proverbs 4:19)

III. Two masters (24) A. No one can serve two masters (James 4:4)

B. Your heart can only be fully devoted to one (Psalm 62:10)

C. You cannot serve both God and Money (Matthew 6:33)

Conclusion: 1) Your treasure determines your heart. 2) Your heart determines the course of your life. 3) You cannot divide your heart between two masters. Therefore: Choose this day whom you will serve! (Joshua 24:15)

“Not to Worry” Matthew 6:25-34 (Seek first the kingdom)

I. Worry is unnecessary for you as a Christian (25-30) A. Life is more important than food, the body than clothes (25)

B. A lesson from the birds (26-27) 1) Your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? (Psalm 145:15)

2) Worry doesn’t change a thing. (Psalm 39:4, 139:16)

C. A lesson from the flowers (28-30) 1) God clothes the grass of the field. Will he not much more clothe you? (Psalm 127:2)

2) Worry is incompatible with faith.

II. Worry is unworthy of you as a Christian (31-33) A. The pagans run after all these things.

B. We are to seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness.

C. Your heavenly Father will provide all these things as well. - Romans 8:32; Philippians 4:19

III. Worry is unproductive for you as a Christian (34) A. Worry has to do with the future.

B. Each day has enough trouble of its own. - Lamentations 3:22-23

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6)

“Judging Others / Judging Yourself” Matthew 7:1-6 (Do not judge)

I. What does Jesus mean by “Do not judge”? (verse 1) A. He does not prohibit making moral judgments. - John 7:24; Ephesians 5:11

B. He does forbid a critical, judgmental spirit. - :10

II. Why shouldn’t you judge others? (verses 1-5) A. You’re not the judge. (1) - Romans 14:4; James 4:11-12

B. God will judge you the same way you judge others. (2) - Matthew 5:5, 6:12; Romans 2:1; James 2:12-13

C. You should be more concerned about judging yourself. 1) You know your own sins better than anyone else’s. (3) 2) It’s hypocritical to care about others’ sins more than your own. (4) 3) You can’t help others with their sins until you’ve first addressed your own. (5a)

D. God calls you to help others rather than judge them. (5b) - Galatians 6:1; 1 Peter 4:8

III. What about those who refuse to be helped? (verse 6) A. You cannot force on people.

B. Do not engage those who treat the gospel with contempt. - Proverbs 9:8, 23:9; :14

C. Understand the supreme value of following Jesus and God’s Word - Psalm 19:10; :45-46

“God Wants You to Ask” Matthew 7:7-12 (Ask, seek, knock)

I. God’s promise to answer prayer (7-8) A. Ask, seek, knock - Matthew 5:3,6, 6:8-13,33; John 16:24; James 4:2-3

B. Everyone who asks, receives (seeks – finds; knocks – opens) - Jeremiah 29:13; John 3:16, 6:37

II. God’s principle in answering prayer (9-11) A. Human fathers give good gifts to their children 1) illustration of bread/stone and fish/snake 2) human fathers are sinful, yet they give good gifts

B. How much more will God give good gifts to those who ask him! 1) God is perfect, loving and righteous 2) God is your heavenly Father

C. Two more principles in God answering prayer: 1) your heart (Psalm 66:18) 2) God’s wisdom and love (Psalm 34:10; James 1:17)

III. God’s positive rule for living – the (12) A. Phrased positively rather than negatively

B. Phrased absolutely rather than specific circumstances - “in everything”

C. Jesus’ reason for following the Golden Rule: - sums up the Law and the Prophets

“Genuine Christianity” Matthew 7:13-23 (The narrow gate) I. Genuine Christianity begins with a true conversion (13-14) - two gates leading to two different roads A. “Enter through the narrow gate.” (John 10:9, 14:6)

B. The wide road leads to destruction – many find it (Proverbs 14:12)

C. The narrow road leads to life – few find it (:23-24)

II. Genuine Christianity produces a fruitful life (15-20) - two trees producing two different kinds of fruit A. “Watch out for false prophets.” (Jeremiah 23:21-22) 1) They are dangerous and deceptive 2) You will recognize them by their fruit

B. Every good tree bears good fruit: - obedience to Christ and his words

C. A bad tree bears bad fruit: - cut down and thrown into the fire (cf. :10)

III. Genuine Christianity ends with a favorable judgment (21-23) - two professions resulting in two different destinies A. The person who professes faith in Christ and does the will of Jesus’ Father will enter the kingdom of heaven. (John 6:28-29)

B. The person who professes faith but does not actually follow Christ will be turned away by Christ himself. (John 5:22) 1) your words will not save you on that day (Romans 10:9) 2) your deeds will not save you on that day (2 Thessalonians 2:9)

C. “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” (John 10:14) - not genuine Christianity because no real relationship with Christ

“Doing What You Hear” Matthew 7:24-29 (Wise and foolish builders)

I. The similarities between the two builders and their houses A. Both heard Christ’s words (Romans 10:17)

B. Both built houses (1 Corinthians 3:10)

C. Both houses were tested (1 Peter 1:7)

II. The differences between the two builders and their houses A. One put Jesus’ words into practice / the other did not put them into practice - 1 John 2:3-4

B. One was a wise man / the other was a foolish man - Proverbs 8:35-36

C. One built his house on the rock / the other built his house on sand - 1 Corinthians 3:11

D. One house did not fall / the other fell with a great crash - Proverbs 10:25; 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

III. The response to Jesus’ sermon (Matthew 7:28-29) A. The crowds were amazed at the content of his teaching

B. The crowds were amazed at the manner of his teaching 1) Jesus taught as one who had authority 2) Jesus did not teach like their teachers of the law

C. What will be your response to Jesus’ sermon?