Sermon on the Mount Review and Summary

Matthew 5
Before leaving the greatest sermon every preached, I offer a review of the teachings of Jesus found in
Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7. The truth Jesus taught was inspired by Gods Spirit (John 7:16, 12:49,
14:10), and the believer is empowered by that same Spirit who lives in you (Romans 8:11). No
one can obey the Sermon on the Mount through human will or good intentions. It is impossible to
live as Jesus described without the power of Gods Holy Spirit in you, just as it is impossible to live
the Christian life without Christ. When Jesus prayed for His followers, He asked the Father to
sanctify them by the truth Your word is truth (John 17:17). Your life will continually change as
you submit yourself to the truth of Gods word. You are transformed by the renewing of your
minds (Romans 12:2), and conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). May I encourage
you to continue to read, study, and even memorize these passages? You will find yourself trusting
Him more fully as you discover more about the narrow way that leads to life. You will be building
your house on the rock.
Matthew 5
Jesus congratulates those who realize their need for God and their spiritual bankruptcy
(blessed are the poor in spirit), who grieve over their sin (blessed are those who mourn),
who are humble and teachable (blessed are the meek), and who desire Gods rule in their
hearts (blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness) they will be
comforted and filled
Jesus promises theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven this Kingdom is experienced by those who
allow God to rule in their hearts (Col 3:15); who trust Him with a whole heart (Psalm
119:2)
The Kingdom of Heaven is both present reality (John 10:10) and future expectation (John
14:3)
The beautiful attitudes provide a portrait of that person experiencing the Kingdom he is
merciful (for God has shown him mercy), he is pure in heart (single-minded in his
commitment to Christ), a peacemaker (for he has peace with God through forgiveness of sin),
and rejoices even in the face of persecution (for so were the prophets persecuted as was Jesus
Himself)
Those living in the Kingdom are the salt of the earth and the light of the world they bring
purity, provide preservation, and illuminate the world around them by allowing their light to
shine before men so that they will bring praise to the Father in heaven
Jesus Himself is the source of that light: In Him was life, and that life was the light of all
mankind. . . the true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world (John 1:4-9)
Jesus said He did not come to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it
Jesus fulfilled the Law by reinterpreting the commandments (you have heard it said . . . but I
say to you), showing in depth the meaning and the principle behind the commandments
concerning murder and anger, adultery and lust, divorce, oaths, retaliation, and love for
enemies)
Jesus fulfilled the Law by living in perfect obedience even to death on a cross (Phil 2:811)

 Jesus fulfilled the Law by taking on Himself the death penalty of our sin The result of sin is
death, but the gift of God is eternal life (Romans 6:23); God made Him who knew no sin to
be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God (II Corinthians 5:21)
Jesus fulfilled the Law through His resurrection, which was victory over sin and death
He enables as many as received Him (John1:12) to have abundant and eternal life (John
3:16, 10:10) and through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit to live in obedience to God
(Rom 6)
Jesus commands us to be perfect . . . as your heavenly Father is perfect, foreshadowing the
atonement He would make for us, empowering us with His righteousness (II Cor 5:21, Rom 8)