We begin a radical series of studies, commonly referred to asthe Sermon on the Mount, which was given by Jesus to His disciples shortly after a night of prayer where He had called thedisciples to follow Him.The Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew, is one of the longest sermons recorded in the Bible. It is often quoted, misquoted, and even misunderstood entirely when it is removed from the context in which it was delivered.The target audience was the twelve men Jesus had chosen, and other disciples who were following Him during this second year of His public ministry. The crowds were growing exponentially, as was the conflict between their confidence in religious works, and His message of faith and grace. One of the greatest battles in our spiritual journey revolves aroundthe issue of works versus grace ¬-¬ how do we get to heaven anyway?This sermon addresses the laws of God concerning His spiritual kingdom. Matthew, who wrote a gospel to the Jews, covers in great detail God's spiritual kingdom to clarify the distinction between the religious hopes of man and what God had alwaysintended for us, an intimate personal relationship with Him through faith in His Son.None of the outlooks, attitudes, or actions spoken of by Jesus can be traced to any natural tendencies, but all are a clear workof the Holy Spirit in receptive hearts.This sermon teaches us what the life of a disciple of Jesus should be like. These are His teachings on how faith in Him, and a walk with Him, will change our lives. He gives us His word on self, possessions, marriage, worry, prayer, fasting, giving, forgiveness, love, good works, and spiritual hunger.We will read the words kingdom of heaven repeatedly for this is where God rules today - in the hearts of the faithful. Jesus willsay to His followers: don't be like the heathen in their religion (6:7-8) for you belong to a different kingdom!He will tell us to seek first the kingdom of God because God can meet every other need as our priorities align with His will.He instructs us not to worry as the heathen does for our Father in heaven knows what we need, even before we ask (6:8,32).The kingdom of God is more than a place we are heading. Rather, it is that relationship with God we are given the momentwe come to Jesus and relinquish the throne of our lives.In these three chapters, Jesus sets forth His teaching and interpretation of God's Word and offers abundant life to thosewho would look to Him in faith and be saved. Are you ready to go deeper? Do you want to know Him better? Will you allowHim to change you from the inside out? Let's sit at His feet and listen! Let's be obedient to obey! Let's be transformed!Blessed is the one...
| Author: Morningstar Bible Studies |
| Publisher: Independently Published |
| Publication Date: Mar 12, 2019 |
| Number of Pages: 138 pages |
| Language: English |
| Binding: Paperback |
| ISBN-10: 1090338449 |
| ISBN-13: 9781090338440 |
