Sermon On The Mount Series

Matthew 6:1 Don't do charitable deeds to be seen by others; examine your motivations for giving.

Alms was money, but in the OLD Testament, tithe laws were ONLY food, not money. You don't need to be a theologian to figure that out.

I've been to churches where they have everyone march up the isle waving their money and lay it at the pastors feet... can you say cringe worthy? ...so embarrassing to admit I was even there.

Jesus said when it comes to money "Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing and for pity sakes: don't "toot your own horn"!

Sermon On The Mount Series

Matthew 5:48 You Shall Be Perfect. Did Jesus mean that? Good luck.

The Greek meaning of the word "perfect" is simply "being mature" or "growing up", not about flawless performance. Your proximity to Christ makes you holy. Claiming exclusive connection to the "first-century church" does nothing. External religious practices do not make you holy.

Maturity means: * Being merciful * Forgiving others * Loving enemies * Turning the other cheek

Sermon On The Mount Series

Matthew 5:41 "Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two"

Originally there was a Roman law allowing soldiers to conscript civilians to carry their armor for one mile... think about the context! Think about the abuse that Rome inflicted on Israel! Would you obey this?

Again, Jesus teaches a fundamentally different approach to dealing with enemies. The Kingdom of God is internal ("within you"), not external. God's Kingdom is not bound by human laws or political systems Christians are called to respond to oppression with love, not violence...

This teaching emphasizes the previous verses just in case you wanted to pretend He didn't mean it.

Christians are called to go beyond the minimum requirement, and seek redemption for enemies.

God's Kingdom cannot be established through legislation, voting, or force.

Sermon On The Mount Series

Matthew 5:38-40 Jesus's teaching on nonresistance.

Jesus teaches-and demonstrates- a radical approach to handling conflict by commanding followers not to retaliate against PERSONAL offenses. We are to respond with gentleness and spiritual strength instead of violence.

This involves more transformation than most people (especially men) than we wish to endure.

Important note: There is a huge difference between personal vengeance and necessary protection. The teaching is about personal response, not about failing to protect others, especially children from harm.

Being a Christian is about becoming Christ-like, which means treating enemies with compassion to demonstrate transformative grace.

A man who follows Christ must be willing to yield to Christ's commandments, whether your fists agree or not.

Sermon On The Mount Series

Matthew 5:33-37 Jesus teaches against making oaths, especially potentially life-or-death scenarios! What's the context? Marriage! There is no biblical command to take an oath 'to death', but some men kill their wife, and wrongly use the Bible to do so!

Great opportunity to look at the Jephthah Story (Judges 11). Jephthah made a rash vow to God: Sacrifice the first thing that comes out of his house if victorious in battle - but then his only daughter emerged, creating a real cunnundrum! Do you believe Jephthah actually killed his daughter? Does God approve of you vowing to kill your daughter? Of course not!

Instead of making stupid oaths, let your "yes" be yes and "no" be no.

Sermon On The Mount Series

Matthew 5:31-32 Divorce Shaming.

Traditional church teachings shame divorced individuals, especially women.

God made laws allowing for divorce, therefore divorce is not inherently sinful but abusing the law is. God's intention in allowing divorce was to set people free from bondage to abusive relationships. SELAH.

It doesn't take much study to see discrepancies between Greek text and English translations. Especially when labeling male/ female roles in the context.

We've already learned that sexual immorality (pornea) is about heart condition and idolatry, not just physical acts. And we know that marriage is a sacred representation of our relationship with God.

You can't claim to love your spouse if you also love pornography. You can't claim to love your spouse if you demean and abuse them. SELAH!

Sermon On The Mount Series

Matthew 5:27 - Lust and Spiritual Adultery Jesus defines adultery beyond physical act to include mental/spiritual intentions.

The Devil's strategy is convincing people they know better than God. Temptation often starts with dissatisfaction and the belief "I deserve more" Cell phones make temptation easier, but there's no such thing as a 'private browser'- God sees everything!

Laziness and wandering eyes are seemingly small failures but can lead to catastrophe for you and your family. True satisfaction comes from loving God and maintaining spiritual integrity, not from worldly desires or temporary gratification.

Sermon On The Mount Series

Matthew 5:25-26 Agree with your adversary quickly while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny."

Your main adversary is "the law", not the devil. We make ourselves enemies of God by breaking divine law.

Some people mistakenly believe they have unlimited time for reconciliation, but judgment is imminent! The word "quickly" means, immediately, without delay, speedily!

Make a full commitment to Christ before it's too late!

Sermon On The Mount Series

Matthew 5:21 - "Murder in Your Heart". Jesus teaches that murder begins in the heart, with emotions like anger, bitterness, and a desire for vengeance.

if you long to see the demise of another instead of their salvation, then you have murder in your heart.

Jesus uses the law to reveal the thoughts and intentions of the heart and serve as a "tutor" to bring people to repentance and spiritual development in both believers and non-believers.

God judges the heart's condition, not just external actions, and a heart sensitive to God will be sensitive to the roots of potential sin.

Sermon On The Mount Series

Matthew 5:20 - "Unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven."

The biggest mistake people make is comparing themselves to others as a standard of goodness. Religious observance does not equate to true righteousness, and sometimes fosters pride and self-righteousness.

True righteousness requires humility. Righteousness is not earned, but received through humble acknowledgment of one's need for God's grace.