The Sermon on the Mount: Part Four

Review of the Sermon

Illustration #3

Matthew 5:31-32

Illustration #4

Matthew 5:33-37

Illustration #5

Matthew 5:38-42

Illustration #6

Matthew 5:43-48

1. Read Matthew 5:17-20. Try and make at least ten pertinent observations from this passage. Why do you think people might have thought Jesus came to abolish the law?

2. Read Mathew 5:31-32. What reason does Jesus give for divorce in this passage? Try and think of some different types of sexual immorality that might be included in today’s society. Read Deuteronomy 24:1-4. In what ways is Jesus tightening up the marriage/divorce regulations? How might this instruction about divorce have helped his audience see their righteousness would not get them into the kingdom of heaven?

3. Read Matthew 5:33-37. Try and think of any commitments you might have broken so far this year. In what ways does the idea of breaking promises/oaths as a requirement for entrance into heaven help you see that you are spiritually bankrupt? How might this help you to become “poor in spirit?”

4. Read Matthew 5:38-42. When was the last time you turned down a homeless person? How does that act and this passage prevent you from getting into heaven based on your own righteousness? In what other ways does this passage convict you?

5. Read Matthew 5:43-48. Write down all the politicians that you can think of that you don’t like. How are you doing in regards to loving them the way the Lord Jesus has instructed you? What other types of people are you mad at right now that Jesus would tell you to love? How are you doing in regards to your personal righteousness getting you into the kingdom of heaven?

6.Where should our lesson for this week send us? Does this lesson convict you? If your answer is yes, what lessons can you learn about yourself and what can you do about it? In what ways does Jesus help us appreciate God’s grace even more?