Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. An overview of Matthew 5-7

a) It is sometimes called The Sermon on the Mount

b) Matthew’s approach

i) He collated the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ

ii) Matthew 5-7 would form the foundational teachings of the Lord

iii) These teachings of the Lord Jesus would form the bedrock of the foundation of our house of faith Matthew 7:24-27

2. Subjects taught in Matthew 5

a) Character of the true believer Matthew 5:1-12

This is often called “The Beatitudes”

b) Challenges to all Disciples

i) To be the salt of the earth

ii) To be the light of the world

iii) To be a city on a hill Matthew 5:13-16

c) Call to practise True Righteousness

i) The classic example of the Lord Jesus in fulfilling the Law

ii) This is True Righteousness

iii) The challenge to practise True Righteousness Matthew 5:17-20

d) Correction of wrong teachings

i) The 6th Commandment: Murder Matthew 5:21-26

ii) The 7th Commandment: Adultery Matthew 5:27-32

iii) The issue of oath taking Matthew 5:33-37

iv) The Lex Talionis: “An eye for an eye” Matthew 5:38-42

v) The treatment of an enemy Matthew 5:43-48

THE BEATITUDES

1. There are 8 Beatitudes

3“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for 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 sons of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:3-8

2. The term “Beatitudes”

a) They are derived from the word “Blessed”

b) Each verse starts with the word “Blessed”

3. These were taught to the Disciples Matthew 5:1-2

4. What is the focus of the Beatitudes?

a) On being true Disciples of the Lord Jesus

i) Believing the Lord

ii) Becoming Disciples

iii) Becoming servants of the Lord

b) Disciples are to cultivate the following characteristics:

i) Poor in spirit

ii) Heart that mourns

iii) Spirit of meekness

iv) Hungering and thirsting for righteousness

v) Being pure in heart

vi) Being merciful

vii) Being peace-makers

viii) Able to suffer for the Lord

TRUE RELIGION

1. The focus is not the external form

a) The Pharisees

b) The Sadducees

2. The focus is the true internal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ:

a) The heart

b) The mind

c) The spirit

CONCLUSION

1. To understand true faith in the Lord Jesus

2. To become Disciples of the Lord Jesus

3. To desire to learn deeper lessons of faith and following the Lord