SERMON OUTLINE:
(1). The Listeners (vs 1)
(2). The Method (vs 2)
(3a). The Sermon (vs 3-6)
(3b). The Beatitudes (vs 3-6)
SERMON BODY:
Ill:
• Zach Zehnder, is a 31-year-old pastor from Florida.
• His claim to fame is that he recently broke one of the Guinness world records.
• The record he broke was for the Longest Speech Marathon.
• He broke the record by preaching the longest sermon ever;
• It lasted 53 hours and 18 minutes. He started on Friday and finished on Sunday.
• Now before you moan at the preacher!
• He was not insensitive to his congregation;
• He did it with their approval;
• His aim was to raise money for alcohol and drug-addiction treatment programmes.
• TRANSITION: This morning we are starting a new series called;
• ‘Dipping into Matthew’s Gospel’.
• And the first bit we are dipping into is the Sermon on the Mount.
• The Sermon on the Mount is the longest piece of teaching from Jesus in the gospels.
• It occupies chapters 5, 6 and 7 of the Gospel of Matthew.
• It will probably take you 20 minutes to read the recorded highlights;
• But I am sure it took Jesus a lot longer to preach it.
• This morning and next week we are looking that the first thirteen verses of this great sermon.
• I will be speaking on verses 1 to 6.
• Next week Alistair will be speaking on verses 7 to 13
• But be warned when John Wesley the seventeenth century an Anglican minister;
• Who along with his brother Charles Wesley;
• Is credited with the foundation of the Methodist Church.
• When he preached on Alistair’s verses;
• He wrote this entry into his Journal - dated October 19, 1739:
“At six almost the whole town (I was informed) came together, to whom I explained the six last Beatitudes; but my heart was so enlarged I knew not how to give over, so that we continued for three hours.”
• TRANSITION: Now I am sure he will not be preaching for three hours!
• If he does you have my permission to nod off.
Ill:
• Reminds me of the story of the preacher who noticed a man asleep during his sermon;
• So he said to the man’s wife; “Madam, will you please wake up your husband”.
• She replied: “You put him to sleep, you wake him up!”
This morning we are looking at the first six verses of Jesus’ sermon;
• As mentioned it is the longest piece of teaching from Jesus in the gospels.
• And it includes some of the best known teachings of Jesus;
• Such as the Beatitudes, and the widely recited Lord's Prayer.
(1). The Listeners (vs 1)
• The audience listening to this sermon is made up of two groups of people:
• You have the inner circle of the disciples, and the outer circle of the "crowds."
• It says in verse 1 that Jesus taught his disciples.
• But look at the end of the sermon in Matthew chapter 7 verse 28,
• “When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching.”
• So the sermon begins with the disciples gathered at the feet of Jesus;
• And with the crowds listening in.
Note:
• In a smaller and similar way;
• That is what happens here on a Sunday morning
• The preachers aim is to primarily teach people who are trying to follow Jesus.
• His disciples i.e. Christians.
• But alongside that we hope that ‘the crowds’ or ‘individuals’ will also come along;
• And as they come along they too will hear the good news of Jesus for themselves.
(2). The Method (vs 2)
“…and he began to teach them.”
• In the gospels Jesus is called a "teacher" 45 times.
• Also what Jesus is also referred to as "teaching" 45 times.
• Teaching was an important part of the ministry of Jesus.
Ill:
• Talking of teaching;
• I did you hear the story about the teacher;
• Who was helping one of her nursery pupils put on his boots?
• She pulled while he pushed and the boots still didn’t want to go on.
• Finally, after the second boot was on, and after she had worked up a sweat,
• The little boy said, “Teacher, they’re on the wrong feet.”
• She looked and sure enough, they were on the wrong feet.
• Getting the boots off wasn’t any easier than getting them on.
• But the teacher managed to keep her cool as together they put the boots on the right feet.
• Once they were on, the little boy announced, “These aren’t my boots.”
• The teacher bit her tongue as she then took the boots back off.
• Once off, the little boy said,
• “The boots are my brother’s boots. My Mom made me wear them.”
• She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
• The teacher mustered up the grace and courage to wrestle the boots on his feet again.
• When she was finished, she said to him, “Now, where are your mittens?”
• The little boy replied, “I stuffed them in the toes of my boots.”
• TRANSITION: Now in the gospels Jesus is called a "teacher" 45 times.
• Like many a teacher he needed great patience with his audience.
• Especially his disciples who were often, ‘slow to learn!’
• Yet, Jesus persisted with them because knew the value of teaching,
• Like it or not, Christianity is a taught religion.
• It does not come upon someone without instruction!
• We come to faith initially by being taught the scriptures;
• And we also grow in our knowledge through the scriptures.
Quote: Someone has humorously said regarding teaching or lecturing:
“Teaching is the inculcation of the incomprehensible into the minds of the ignorant by the means of the incompetent...is the transfer of material from the teacher’s notes to the student’s notebook, without it going through either’s minds”.
Quote: More seriously:
• Life is a matter of building. Each of us has the opportunity to build something;
• A secure family, a good reputation, a career, a relationship to God.
• But some of those things can disappear almost overnight;
• Due to financial losses, natural disasters and other unforeseen difficulties.
• What are we to do?
• Daniel Webster offered excellent advice, saying,
• "If we work on marble it will perish.
• If we work on brass, time will efface it.
• If we rear temples, they will crumble to dust.
• But if we work on men’s immortal minds,
• If we imbue them with high principles, with just fear of God and love of their fellow-men,
• We engrave on those tablets something which time cannot efface,
• And which will brighten and brighten to all eternity”.
One of Jesus most common activities was to teach:
• i.e. Matthew chapter 4 verse 23
• “Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues…”.
• i.e. Mark chapter 6 verse 6:
• “Jesus went round teaching from village to village”.
• As you scan the gospels you see Jesus teaching in:
• The temple, in the synagogue, in homes.
• He also taught outdoors; on a mountain, in the wilderness, and in the marketplace.
• Wherever he went he taught;
• Because he knew the value of teaching!
(3a). The Sermon (vs 3-6)
Question: How will Jesus begin this great sermon?
Answer:
• Advice I was given when I started preaching was this;
• Have a good start and a good end and get them as close together as you can!
• Well Jesus being the greatest teacher to walk on planet earth;
• Has a good start, a good middle and a good end to his sermon!
Jesus begins his sermon by pronouncing a certain kind of person.
• We call these pronouncements "beatitudes"
• That word comes from the Latin word for ‘happiness’ or ‘blessedness’.
• Note: This word ‘blessed’ is a word found in many of the Old Testament Psalms;
• It means, ‘O how rewarding is such a life’.
• It means; ‘To be enriched, contented, fulfilled’.
• It means: ‘Oh, the happiness, many times over’.
Note:
• Although we are splitting these eight beatitudes over two weeks;
• These 8 statements actually form one unit
• Now I deliberately said 8 beatitudes;
• Because there are eight beatitudes that are worded in the same way.
• Some people view verse 11 as a ninth beatitude,
• But it really is an expansion of verse 10 and is worded differently from the others.
• It says, "Blessed are YOU when men revile YOU."
• None of the others say, "Blessed are you."
• They all say; “Blessed are THOSE…or THEIRS”
You can see that the eight beatitudes of verses 3–10 are a unit;
• When you look at the first and the eighth beatitude.
• You see two beautiful promises.
• The first promise found in verse 3:
• "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
• And notice the promise of the eighth beatitude in verse 10:
• "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake,
• for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
• Both of them have the same identical promise,
• "For theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
But the other six beatitudes sandwiched between these two are all different.
• Verse 4: "For they shall be comforted."
• Verse 5: "For they shall inherit the earth."
• Verse 6: "For they shall be satisfied."
• Verse 7: "For they shall obtain mercy."
• Verse 8: "For they shall see God."
• Verse 9: "For they shall be called the sons of God."
Notice too, that all of these middle beatitudes are promises for the future:
• Verse 4: "For they shall be comforted."
• Verse 5: "For they shall inherit the earth."
• Verse 6: "For they shall be satisfied."
• Verse 7: "For they shall obtain mercy."
• Verse 8: "For they shall see God."
• Verse 9: "For they shall be called the sons of God."
• Those two little words, “they shall” is looking forward to the future;
• But the promise of the first and last beatitude in verses 3 and 10;
• Seems to relate to the present:
• The disciples are assured that "theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
• I like the way someone has summarised them as;
• “Future Promises Sandwiched by Present Assurance “
(3b). the Beatitudes (vs 3-6)
• In Matthew chapters 5, 6 & 7. The teaching of Jesus is so very different;
• From the religion of the peoples day.
• In this sermon Jesus was stripping away man made extras;
• That is the man made traditions and religion added to God’s Law.
• God had given the Law through Moses (Torah – first five books of the Bible);
• But people had added to it over the years a collection of traditions and rules;
• That had somehow wrapped itself around the Law and had strangled out true faith;
• So this sermon – like the Law of Moses is also given on a mountain;
• Is really all about change, and the effect of change in a person’s life!
• It goes back to what the Law is and supposed to be;
• Before the religious experts added to it.
• Matthew chapters 5 to 7 goes on to speak of a new way to live:
Ill:
• Scan down the page and note the contrast between man-made religion;
• And true genuine faith.
• Verses 21-26: On the subject of murder:
• "You have heard........ but I say unto you."
• Verses 27-30: On the subject of Adultery:
• "You have heard........ but I say unto you."
• Verses 31-32: On the subject of Divorce:
• "You have heard........ but I say unto you."
• Verses 33-37: On the subject of Oaths:
• "You have heard........ but I say unto you."
• Verses 38-42: On the subject of Retaliation:
• "You have heard........ but I say unto you."
• Verses 43-47: On the subject of love:
• "You have heard........ but I say unto you."
• TRANSITION: This sermon is really all about change,
• And the effect of change in a person’s life!
• Matthew chapter 5-7 is all about a new way to live:
Ill:
• Just compare the beatitudes of society to those of Jesus;
• With the attitude of so many in the world in which we live.
• Quote: J.B. Phillips:
• "Happy are the 'pushers': for they get on in the world”.
• “Happy are the hard-boiled: for they never get hurt.”
• “Happy are they that complain: for they get their own way in the end.”
• “Happy are the blase': for they never worry over their sins.”
• “Happy are the slave drivers: for they get results.”
• “Happy are the knowledgeable men of the world: for they know their way round”
• “Happy are the trouble makers: for they make people take notice of them.”
• TRANSITION: The lifestyle of Jesus is unmistakably different.
• And to those who follow him and apply his teachings;
• It is a blessed life; ‘Oh, the happiness, many times over’.
• ‘O how rewarding is such a life’.
• ‘O how enriched, contented, fulfilled’ will that person be!
#1: the poor in spirit (vs 3).
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
ill:
• Being born in the U.K. means that we are all materially rich!
• Don’t believe me….here is something to ponder:
• If you woke up this morning with more health than illness...
• You are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.
• If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation - You are ahead of 500 million people in the world.
• If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death...
• You are more blessed than three billion people in the world..
• If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead & a place to sleep - You are richer than 75% of this world.
• If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace ...
• You are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.
• If your parents are still alive and still married ...
• You are very rare.
• If you can read a Bible you are more blessed than the 80% of the world’s people.
• & you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read at all.
In fact to be like most people in the world you would need to:
• Take out all the furniture in your home except for one table and a couple of chairs.
• Use only blanket and pads for beds.
• Take away all of your clothing except for your oldest dress or suit, shirt or blouse.
• Leave only one pair of shoes.
• Empty the pantry and the refrigerator except for a small bag of flour,
• Some sugar and salt, a few potatoes, some onions, and a dish of dried beans.
• Dismantle the bathroom, shut off the running water,
• And remove all the electrical wiring in your house.
• In fact take away the house itself and move the family into the tool shed.
• Or place your "house” in a shantytown.
• Cancel all subscriptions to newspapers, magazines, and book clubs.
• This is no great loss because now none of you can read anyway.
• Leave only one radio for the whole shantytown.
• Throw away your bankbooks, stock certificates, pension plans, and insurance policies.
• Move the nearest hospital or clinic ten miles away;
• And put a midwife in charge instead of a doctor.
• Give the head of the family a few acres to cultivate on which he can raise some crops,
• Of which one third will go to the landlord and one tenth to the money lenders.
• And finally:
• Lop off twenty-five or more years in life expectancy.
• TRANSITION: I am just reminding you with those figures;
• That you are rich in this country! We need to appreciate that!
• But that is not the type of poverty Jesus is talking about.
• Note those two little words ‘in spirit’.
• Jesus is not talking about those people who are materially poor.
• Those with little or no earthly resources.
• With this phrase, "poor in spirit,"
• Jesus was speaking of our spiritual condition of poverty before God.
• You and I are spiritually bankrupt before God;
• We need to recognise that we have nothing to offer God;
• In fact we are in debt because of our sins and unable to pay our way out.
• And yet, God does not ask us to pay our way out;
• In fact he himself has paid the debt himself.
• To all those who trust Christ as saviour and Lord;
• He credits us with righteousness, so that you and I can experience;
• What verse 3 calls "The kingdom of heaven"
• That term refers to people who acknowledge God as their King.
• Question: Is Jesus your king?
Paraphrase vs 3:
"Blessed are those who humbly recognize their need for God,
for they will enter into his kingdom."
#2: Those who mourn (vs 4).
“Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.”
• Once again on first reading it may seem like Jesus is commenting on bereavement;
• And the experts will tell us that part of the healing process is a time of mourning.
• But in the context of the surrounding verses;
• A better meaning of this verses would be;
• Mourning in the sense of those who express deep sorrow over sin.
Ill:
• We lie in times when sin is glorified;
• The cable channels are full of reality programmes where the aim seems to be;
• Get drunk, fornicate and argue!
• There is no embarrassment or shame, no guilt, no awareness of wrong!
• In fact just boasting and bragging about their behaviour.
• Jesus teaches that those who are aware of their faults and failings;
• Those who are sorrowful for their sins,
• Will find comfort, will find forgiveness;
• Will move from sorrow to joy, from death to life!
Paraphrase vs 4:
"Blessed are those who mourn for their sins,
for they shall receive forgiveness and life eternal."
#3: The meek (vs 4)
“Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.”
Ill:
• As the old joke says:
• “The meek shall inherit… if that’s alright with the rest of you?”
When it comes to this verse many people make two mistakes.
• First: They misunderstand what meekness is;
• Second: They misunderstand what exactly they inherit.
FIRST: They misunderstand what meekness is:
• To many, “meekness” suggests the idea of passivity,
• It suggests someone who is easily imposed upon, spinelessness and weak.
• Yet nothing could be further from the truth.
• The word “meekness” really means; ‘strength under control’.
• ill: The idea is a wild horse tamed to the bridle. Power under control.
• In the biblical sense, the meek person submits to God!
• They are the wild horse but he is the rider.
• Power under control. A life lived under the influence of Jesus Christ!
SECOND: They misunderstand what exactly they inherit.
• Every true Christian will with Jesus one day “Inherit the earth”.
• According to Revelation chapter 20 verse 4,
• The Lord Jesus Christ is going to reign on earth for 1000 years.
• Those who belong to him will reign with him!
• Question: Do you belong to him now?
• If you do you have no worries over the future!
Paraphrase vs 5:
"Blessed are those who submit to God as Lord,
for they will be heirs to everything God possesses."
#4: Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (vs 6)
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.”
• "Hunger and thirst" are two of our deepest needs.
• Already this morning you will have eaten breakfast and drunk coffee, tea or other.
• And shortly after this service you will head off home for lunch;
• Unless you are being spoilt and taken out for lunch today.
• Question: Anyone going out for lunch today?
• Joke: See you in McDonalds later!
Most of us do not really know what true hunger and thirst is:
• We have cupboards and freezers full of food;
• And we have water at the turn of a tap.
• By using the terms ‘Hunger & thirst’ Jesus was speaking of deep human needs;
• He was speaking of human passions that drive and motivate us.
• But he is not talking about physical food and drink;
• But desiring at all costs ‘righteousness’.
• Righteousness just means ‘things that are right’
• i.e. right living, right lifestyle, right motives, right words etc.
Notice Jesus says that if you seek after "righteousness”:
• You will not be disappointed, you will be "filled"
• That is the satisfaction of the soul's desire.
• And if we are not filled this morning is it because we are not hungry & thirsty for God!
Paraphrase 6:
"Blessed are those who passionately long for the Lord, Jesus Christ,
for he will satisfy their souls."
In conclusion:
4 BEATITUDES:
Paraphrase vs 3:
"Blessed are those who humbly recognize their need for God,
for they will enter into his kingdom."
• We have nothing to offer God but our sin;
• But in his goodness and love he is willing to forgive us our sins;
• And let us enjoy his kingdom.
Paraphrase vs 4:
"Blessed are those who mourn for their sins,
for they shall receive forgiveness and life eternal."
• Forgiveness is free but it is not cheap;
• God offers forgiveness to the repentant;
• To those who will turn from their sins and follow him.
Paraphrase vs 5:
"Blessed are those who submit to God as Lord,
for they will be heirs to everything God possesses."
• Becoming a Christian (a follower of Jesus);
• May start with a prayer and a promise but it does not end there!
• If you take Jesus as saviour you will need to take Jesus as Lord;
• That is the normal Christian life!
Paraphrase 6:
"Blessed are those who passionately long for the Lord, Jesus Christ,
for he will satisfy their souls."
• Enjoying the Christian life to the full;
• Getting the most out of the Christian life will in one sense depend on you.
• You can have just as much of Jesus as you want;
• If you passionately seek him then he will satisfy your soul!
Sermon audio:
https://surf.pxwave.com/wl/?id=9sD2SEJY1CZRhSXkXRv0KN0D11beRroo&forceSave=Matthew_chapter_5_verses_1-6_-_sermon_by_Gordon_Curley.mp3
