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 11

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?

• Where we store our riches
• Inner darkness vs. light
  • Is our focus on the Kingdom or ourselves?
  • Are we listening to/teaching selfish, worldly teachings?
• We can’t serve two masters.

Matthew 6:25:
“Therefore …”: Jesus has been leading to a point in this chapter:

• We give to those in need
• We fast and pray
• We do it all to focus on God and His Kingdom

Since we are focusing on God:

• Why should we worry?
  • Food
  • Water
  • Clothes

Matthew 6:26-32:
We get a mini-lesson on why not to worry:

• Birds of the air
  • Psalm 147:9 (see vv. 7-11)
  • Job 38:41
• Solomon and flowers
• If these can be clothed so beautifully, yet …
  • Isaiah 40:8, 61:10-11
    • We are reminded that nothing in this world lasts, so we should trust what God says.
    • 2 Peter 3:9-13
    • This all reminds us that such as the Prosperity Gospel is false

Matthew 6: 33-34:
We get the reminder that we trust God alone. And what does that look like?

• Philippians 4:4-7
• 1 Peter 5:5-11