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

I have started (and with this one finish) 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 15

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?

• Fruit and False Prophets
  • Good appearances and loving works do not necessarily mean faithful Christians
  • Most (if not all) know they are deceiving others
    • The destruction will be quick … and eternal
    • They should be pitied and evangelized! And refuted

Matthew 7:24-27:
Foolish and Wise builders

• Do not jump to the Genesis 6-9 Flood.
  • The Flood was cataclysmic globally, such that nothing remained. The wise houses remain.
• See the Psalms, frequently pointing to “The LORD my rock”, as well as Matthew 16:13-19
• James 1:22-25
• Let us remember what came before: Fruit and Prophets
  • Ezekiel 13:8-16
  • Compare with the parables of Jesus:
    • Ten Virgins (25:1-13) – Be prepared, our faith cannot save nor sustain others
    • Talents (25:14-30) – Invest in what God has given us, it is to be grown and shared
    • Forgiving (18:21-35) – We give His forgiveness and grace, yet wisely
    • Weeds (13:24-30, 37-43) – Realize the false are mixed in with the true believers
    • Sower (13:3-9, 18-23) – Not all who respond well to the Gospel are saved

Matthew 7:28-9:
“Astonished”

• Does not mean they believed
  • See Jordan Peterson (as of 12/13/2021)
• Does not mean they obeyed
• Does not mean they followed well
  • After explaining communion/following Jesus (John 6), we see John 6:60 and 66 – many found His teachings hard, and they left
  • Luke 8:18-22 – Following Jesus is hard
  • Luke 14:25-33 – How many are told to “just pray and believe” without being told of the cost?

Have we counted the cost?
Are we being wise, studying His Word and applying it; or foolish, taking what we like and throwing out
the rest?
Are we listening to the under-shepherds or the wolves in sheep’s clothing?