Hopefully making theology simpler to understand! (2 Corinthians 1:12)

I have started a small group series on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). I am sharing my notes in case anyone else wants to use them with their group. [Reminder that these are only notes!]

Sermon on the Mount – Part 8

Matthew 5:1-2:
Jesus wants to teach the crowds: Who are they? Jewish disciples: People who understand the
Scriptures (at least to a point). Notice from 7:28 the crowds still came along, but this teaching is for His disciples.

What does “blessed” mean?
Based on the first twelve verses, blessed means realizing our own wretchedness and need for a Savior. In other words, it is becoming/being a Christian.

What was discussed last time?

• Making oaths – lying, cursing, doing things for God
• What was one oath we discussed?
  • “I swear, if you …”

Matthew 5:38:

What is Jesus saying?

• Once again (as seen in earlier passages), “an archaic saying”
  • Said of old means: The Old Testament, specifically the Torah, more specifically Exodus 21:23-25; Leviticus 24:19-20; Deuteronomy 19:21
• Retribution by Law: The same price of what was taken

Matthew 5:39-42:

What is Jesus saying?
Did Jesus abolish this law?
[Not exactly, but He is also saying “Out-give, out-forgive, over-love others … especially when they mistreat you!”]

• So, we have to take abuse?
  • Sometimes, yes! [5:10-12]
  • Sometimes, no. Acts 16:16-39 (as well as Acts 21-22)
• Rely on the Holy Spirit
  • It is not always easy. When in doubt, the sake of the Gospel is more important than our rights.
• “But it might mean …!” Yep. It might.
  • We might be disadvantaged, mistreated, abused, arrested, maligned, disavowed
  • 2 Corinthians 4:7-11; Romans 5:2-6; James 1:2-8
• Consider the example of an ancient saint dealing with an ancient antichrist:
  • A ruler who:
    • destroyed the Temple
    • commanded people to worship him and his statue
    • killed people who disobeyed and refused to worship
  • Daniel, who faithfully served such a tyrant (and series of tyrants, Nebuchadnezzar and two more after), yet even when punished was still loved by his rulers.

In fact …

Matthew 5:43-48: (Leviticus 19:18)

Notice what is Jesus saying in v. 43:
Did Jesus “you have read” or “it is written”?
NO! He said “You have heard that it was said ..” – This is an example of how people added to Scripture

• We see Jesus saying that God shows His grace on all people (v. 45)
• Are we better than the world? (vv. 46-47)
• We are to love our enemies!
  • If you saw the Antichrist suffering or hungry, would you help him?
    Romans 12:14-21 (Proverbs 25:21-22)
• Our example: v. 48 – Be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect.
  • WHAT?!
  • “For God so loved the world …”
  • “Be completely mature, completely upright …”

Be completely satisfied in the Holy Spirit. As Jesus and the Father are one and united also with the Holy Spirit, we, too, can find our contentment in Him.