Message #1
Matthew 5:1-12 “And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: 2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them,…”
In all of the preaching of Jesus, the Sermon on the Mount is the most beloved of true believers. There should be no doubt that what is contained in this sermon is relevant today.
The significance of this sermon is seen in the fact that what the Lord taught is repeated in the epistles to the churches of the New Testament.
It is very important that we know what we believe, but it is equally important to know how to behave. In these three chapters (5-7) of Matthew’s gospel there is a wealth of doctrinal and practical teaching.
In our text we find some wonderful things that can and should be applied to our lives on a daily basis.
#1. THE PLACE from which the sermon was preached. “And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain:…”
Our Lord is seen teaching and ministering in a variety of places – a Shore line, the deck of a boat, the base of a tree, in the Temple, a Synagogue, a Garden, a grave yard, the ridge of a valley, jut to mention a few.
Here we find He has selected a mountain place and His choice of this place is significant for three reasons.
It speaks of His humility. Matthew 8:20 Jesus said, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
While the Scribes and Pharisees sat in Moses’ chair in the temple perverting and corrupting the Law; Jesus, who is “the Truth” could find no better place than a mountain from which to deliver His life-changing message.
It speaks of His availability This wasn’t one of the Holy Mounts; it was a common, ordinary mountain. The Lord is illustrating here that there is not just one specified place in which men can approach Him as was the case in the Old Testament. It is our privilege as New Testament believers to be able to approach the Lord anywhere at any time.
It speaks of His credibility. The first verse in Matthew’s gospel speaks of Christ’s royal linage. Matthew’s purpose was to introduce Christ to the Jewish people as the promised Messiah. In keeping with the theme of royalty, it is significant that Christ is seen in an elevated place delivering this all important message.
#2. THE POSTURE from which the sermon was preached. “…and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: 2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them,…”
In Jesus’ day, it was customary for the teacher to sit and the students or congregation to stand. This was a practice that Jesus followed throughout His ministry (Matthew 13:2, 24:3, 26:55; Mark 9:35; Luke 4:16-20; John 8:2).
His posture demonstrates authority. In this sermon, Jesus spoke with an authority infinitely transcending that of the Jewish leaders. In this instance, His sitting was emblematic of the King sitting upon His throne, or the Judge upon the bench. Without the fear or favor of man, He openly proclaimed the truth, and did so with liberty and authority. This can be seen from what we read at the close of the Sermon.
Matthew 7:28-29 “And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: 29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.”
#3. THE PERSONS to whom the sermon was preached. “…when he was set, his disciples came unto him:”
It was for His Disciples Primarily. His disciples would ultimately be given the responsibility of reaching the multitudes; therefore, Christ felt it necessary to instruct them in the ways of righteousness.
It was also heard by the listeners at the Perimeter. Matthew 7:28 “And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:” Two thoughts come to mind…
1) I’m reminded that those who are not believer’s know what He expects of a believers life.
2) I’m also reminded that there are some believer’s who are not disciples because they now what He expects in the life of a disciple.
#4. THE PURPOSE for which the sermon was preached. The Sermon on the Mount...
Gives Direction for the Christian life. Following His direction will insure the blessings of God upon our lives as His disciples. Matthew 7:24-25 “Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.”
Reveals Dangers in the Christian life. God’s purpose for every child of His is maturity. Matthew 5:48 “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”
Adds Dynamic to the Christian life. The world today is looking for, and desperately needs, real Christians. So much of what the lost see today in terms of Christianity is not real. They see that there is no real difference in the lives of those who claim to be born again believers and those who make no claims at all in regards to religion. The lost need to see that Christ has made a dynamic difference in our life. The Sermon on the Mount is intended to establish that difference.
#5. THE PREPARATION to receive the sermon.
Please understand a very sad truth – It is possible to hear the greatest sermon ever preached, and go away unchanged. I can understand you listening to me and going away unchanged, but to listen to the Savior and do so is a great tragedy.
How can we keep that from happening? Before you can know and appreciate the words of the Sermon on the Mount, you must recognize their importance.
James 1:19-22 “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. 21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
Three factors must be present to make certain that we receive the full benefit of Christ’s teaching in this sermon:
An Eagerness to Hear. v 19 “My beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”
Jesus said, "Take heed what ye hear" (Mark 4:24) and "Take heed therefore how ye hear" (Luke 8:18).
It’s not only important that we hear the right words, but that we also hear the right way.
A Readiness to Receive. v 21 “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”
James gives us some insight into what it means to be ready to receive the Word of God.
1. We must Cast Aside all Hindrances
2. We must Come with an Attitude of Humility
A Willingness to Obey. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
CONCLUSION: Matthew 5:3-12 “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”
Pastor Kevin Burden
Carter Creek Baptist
Greenville, Kentucky
http://revkevscorner.blogspot.com
