Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount Text: Matthew 5-7 1/2/2019
Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount WHAT IS THE SERMON’S THEME? WHAT IS THE SERMON’S CONTENT?
THEME OF THE SERMON John had declared the kingdom is at hand (Matt. 3:1-3) Jesus declared the kingdom is at hand (Matt. 4:17) Jesus proclaimed the Gospel of the Kingdom (Matt. 4:23)
The Kingdom of Heaven Matthew 5:3—“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10—“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:19—“Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
The Kingdom of Heaven Matthew 5:20—“For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 6:10—‘Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:33—“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 7:21—“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.
The Kingdom of Heaven Synonymous with kingdom of God (Matt. 19:23; Mark 10:23) Refers to a king-dominion or reign (Luke 17:20-22) Refers to Christ’s rule for salvation purposes (Matt. 5:3; 5:10; 7:21-23) At times refers to relationship (Matt. 12:28) and at other times refers to reward (Matt. 7:21)
Content of the Sermon: THE BEATITUDES GIVE US THE CHARACTER OF THE KINGDOM (Matt. 5:3-12) THE SIMILITUDES GIVE US THE MISSION OF THE KINGDOM (Matt. 5:13-16) THE BODY GIVES US THE RIGHTEOUS STANDARDS OF THE KINGDOM (Matt. 5:21-7:12) Surpasses rabbinical teachings Kingdom righteousness in practice THE CONCLUSION: GIVES US EXHORTATIONS TO ENTER THE KINGDOM (Matt. 7:13-27)