Video

Matthew Chapter Five

(Outline continues from yesterday)

5. Jesus gave the longest portion of the Sermon as an explanation of how the Old Testament will be applied in the Kingdom (Matt. 5:17-46).
   1. The work-assignment of Jesus Christ in His 1st & 2nd Advents was not (and will not be) to abolish the Law or the message of the prophets (Matt. 5:17).
   2. The passing of the Law will occur with the passing away of heaven & earth (Matt. 5:17; 24:35; Heb. 8:13).
   3. The work-assignment of Jesus Christ in His 1st & 2nd Advents was (and will be) to fulfill the Law and the Prophets.
   4. Rank in the Kingdom of Heaven is established as a reward for faithful obedience to the Law’s commandments, but the standard for righteousness will surpass the standard of the scribes and Pharisees (Matt. 5:19-20).
   5. Kingdom Law will be an intensification of Mosaic Law to include the mental attitude sins which produce the overt activity sins of commission and omission (Matt. 5:21-47). Any perceived intimidation by the Disciples should be assuaged by the reminder that the Mosaic Covenant is supplanted by the New Covenant in the eschatological theocratic kingdom (Jer. 31:31-34).
6. The summary statement: the kingdom standard will be the Father’s perfection (Matt. 5:48; cp. Lev. 19:2).

Matthew Chapter Six

1. Chapter 6 continues the Sermon on the Mount with practical messages for believers to live their “perfect” life.
2. Greater-than-Pharisaical-righteousness is to be practiced before God in Heaven (Matt. 6:1-18).
   1. In giving (Matt. 6:2-4).
   2. In prayer (Matt. 6:5-8).
   3. In fasting (Matt. 6:16-18).
3. The (so-called) Lord’s Prayer (Matt. 6:9-15) is actually the new disciple’s prayer.  It establishes prayer-principles for new believers to follow.
   1. Adoration before the Heavenly Father.
   2. Anticipation of His coming kingdom.
   3. Assent to His will.
   4. Acceptance of His daily provision.
   5. Awareness of His forgiveness.
   6. Abstinence from evil.
4. Our heart should be focused on Heaven, where our treasure is stored up (Matt. 6:19-21). True for Israel anticipating the coming kingdom, and even more true for the Church, already and presently citizens of Heaven (Phil. 3:20).
5. Our perspective should be kept clear as we serve the Lord and reject the master of darkness (Matt. 6:22-24). True for Israel anticipating the coming kingdom, and even more true for the Church, already and presently children of light (Eph. 5:8).
6. Our bios-life circumstances & details are in the Father’s hands, so we can relax and concentrate on zoe-life matters as we walk by faith day-by-day (Matt. 6:25-34). True for Israel anticipating the coming kingdom, and even more true for the Church, Spirit-indwelt possessors of righteousness, peace and joy (Rom. 14:17).

Matthew Chapter Seven

1. The Sermon on the Mount continues with the message that we are not called upon to sit in judgment over one another (Matt. 7:1-5).
2. Neither are we to sit in judgment over unbelievers (Matt. 7:6).  They don’t need the holy pearls of God’s Word; they need the simple Gospel message.  Until they are redeemed and transformed they will hate the holy pearls of God’s Word.

(Chapter Seven continues tomorrow)

Luke Chapter Six

(Outline continues from yesterday, point 3 repeated)

3. In Luke’s careful chronology, it is after the selection of the Twelve that the Sermon on the Mount material is then recorded (Lk. 6:17-49 cf. Matt. 5-7).

(Chapter Six continues tomorrow)