Sermon on the Mount

I) People of the kingdom – 5:1-20

A) Beatitudes – vs.1-12 – uses the term “blessed” to describes various attributes that kingdom residents must have; these are sequential and build up –

B) Being useful in the kingdom – vs.13-16 – such distinguishing characteristics will “stand out” as a little salt and light that will bring glory to God

C) Jesus role in fulfilling the Law – vs.17-19 – Jesus was not challenging the Law of Moses or the prophetic writings, but came to fulfill and explain their true purpose

II) Righteousness of the kingdom – 5:21-7:12

A) Surpassing righteousness of the kingdom – v.20 – Jesus sets the standard high for those who would enter the kingdom, yet not beyond the reach of anyone

B) Motivation of surpassing righteousness – vs.21-48 – true righteousness is not derived from keeping rules, but from keeping a pure heart in everything

C) Priorities of surpassing righteousness – vs.6:1-34 – true righteousness is seen in God-centered worship, not self-centered, if our worship is God-centered then there will no conflict with material concerns or anxiety

D) Fellowship of surpassing righteousness – vs.7:1-12 – true righteousness will not seek the destruction of others, but their edification instead; God always gives what is good to His children, we should do the same for others (golden rule)

III) Entrance into the kingdom – 7:13-29

A) Two choices in entering – vs.13-14 – despite the glories of the kingdom, Jesus warns that many will choose an easier gate and path that will lead to destruction

B) Danger of false prophets – vs.15-20 – there will also be false prophets (from Satan) that will deceive and mislead people away from the kingdom, but they can be recognized by the fruit of their message

C) Danger of false profession – vs.21-23 – some will make a false declaration of their commitment to Jesus, it requires a commitment to the king’s authority

D) Danger of neglect – vs.24-27 – some will simply neglect to do anything about the king’s words, which is folly, since they are words of life – 5:18

Concl: The people were genuinely moved by the power of Jesus’ message, not a purely emotional response, but both intellectual and emotional, as we must be also. “Gospel changes people.”