A. INTRODUCTION
1. This is one of Jesus’ longest sermons. While preached to the multitudes, scholars refer to it as: (1) the ordination sermon to His disciples, or (2) His first staff meeting.
2. While some dispensationalists claim the sermon is meant primarily for the millennium because of emphasis on certain kingdom traits. Actually it contains principles that can be applied across culture and time.
B. SEVEN ESSENTIALS FOR DISCIPLESHIP
1. What is your emotional adjustment? (vv. 1-12).
a. “The poor in spirit” totally dependent upon God
b. “Are they that mourn” broken over sin in life
c. “Are the meek” willing to set aside rights
d. “Hunger and thirst after righteousness” desire for outward holiness
e. “Are the merciful” how to look at others
f. “Are the pure” desire for inward holiness
g. “Are the peacemakers” build relationships in others
h. “Persecuted for righteousness’ sake” to endure persecution
i. “Persecute you . . . falsely” loyalty to person of Christ no matter what.
2. What is your reason for service? (vv. 13-48).
a. “Follow the true meaning of the Law. “Do not think that I come to destroy the law . . . but to fulfill” (v. 17).
b. Jesus is explaining new covenant living as opposed to old Covenant law.
3. What is your motivation? (6:1-18).
a. Do not give money for praise. Do not pray for public recognition and do not fast outwardly.
b. Pray as a child to a father, or as a servant to a king.
4. What governs your choices? (6:19-34).
a. The ultimate focus of a disciple. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).
b. The ultimate priority. “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (6:21).
c. The ultimate loyalty. “No one can serve two masters” (6:24).
5. What is your attitude toward people? (7:1-14)
a. The relationship rule. “Judge not, that you not be judged” (7:1, 7). Why?
b. The reward rule. “For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged” (7:2).
6. How will you control your actions?
The Golden Rule. “Whatsoever you want men to do to you, do also unto them” (7:12).
7. How will you apply these principles? (7:15-27). Jesus gave them three warnings:
a. Beware of false prophets who claim to serve Me. “Beware of false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing” (7:15).
b. Beware of false professions who claim to love Me. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father” (7:26).
c. Beware of those with false principles. “Everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand” (7:26).
C. APPLICATION
1. The Discovery Principle. Why are people always amazed when they discover the wisdom of God? “The people were astonished at His teaching” (7:28). Most people fight the plan and purpose of God for their lives.
2. The Priority Principle. The planned purpose of God is the ultimate authority for life.
3. The By-Product Principle. A person never gets happiness when seeking it for its own pleasure. Happiness is found on the road to duty. Happiness is a by-product of the Christian life.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
All PBC lessons are available online at trbc.org/pbc. Go to www.Hopenow.tv
for the current program schedule.
