1. How to Understand This Sermon
Matthew 5:1-2

2. We are beginning a new study…
An exposition of The Major Messages of Jesus
We need some introduction to the person and book of Matthew and the first major message of Jesus
Much has been written on the Sermon on the Mount
It is highly popular and significant

3. I. What Do We Need to Know about Matthew as the Author?
A. The author’s background
His name means gift of God
He is referred to as the author
He was one of the twelve disciples/apostles
His profession was IRS agent (tax collector)

4. B. The author’s methodology
The synoptic problem
The source issue
The author’s audience and purpose

5. II. What Do We Need to Know about Matthew, the Gospel Record?
There was a distinctive emphasis on Jesus’ teaching ministry
No other Gospel contains as many of Jesus’ discourses and instructions
No other Gospel referred to the church indicating the transitional nature of this Gospel

6. B. There was a distinctive grouping of his material
Matthew often grouped his material into sections
The Gospel writers present the life of Christ in three major stages
Matthew’s Gospel uses a key phrase to indicate the major movements of thought

7. An Eleven Part Chiasm [Derickson]
A. Demonstration of Jesus’ Qualifications as King (1-4) B. Sermon on the Mount: How to prepare for the Kingdom (5-7) C. Miracles and Instruction (8-9) D. Instruction to the 12: Authority/Message for Israel (10) E. Opposition: The Nation’s Rejection of the King (11-12) F. Parables of the Kingdom: The Kingdom Postponed (13) E.’ Opposition: The Nation’s Rejection of the King (14-17) D.’ Instruction to the 12: Authority/Message for Church (18) C.’ Miracles and Instruction (19-23) B.’ Olivet Discourse: When the Kingdom will Come (24-25) A.’ Demonstration of Jesus’ Qualifications as King (26-28)

8. Matthew 5:1-2
“And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:” (NKJV)

9. III. What Do We Need to Know about the Sermon Itself?
A general approach to Jesus’ discourses
The Sermon on the Mount is the first of five major discourses in Matthew
There are four features of all five of Jesus’ major discourses…

10. B. The proper approach for this discourse
The soteriological view –the way of salvation
The sociological view –the salvation of society
The penitential view –for conviction of sin
The ecclesiastical view –ethical lessons for church
The millennial view –for the kingdom only
The interim view –preparation for the kingdom

11. Rationale for the Interim View:
It fits best into the historical situation that provided the context for giving the sermon
The message of the Sermon also anticipates the inauguration of the kingdom
This view recognizes that the primary recipients of the Sermon were Jesus’ disciples whom He taught
The subject matter of the Sermon favors the interim view