Good evening. Tonight we are going to work our way through chapters 5, 6, and 7 of the book of Matthew. Again, this section is what we call the Sermon on the Mount, and it was given by Jesus as His first public sermon. All of what we will study in chapters 5, 6, and 7, are all part of one big sermon. Last week we took a look at the first section of Matthew chapter 5, and we discussed the Beatitudes. For tonight, we have several section and topics to look at, and so we are going to jump right into the rest of chapter 5.
Before we do that though, let’s begin out time with a word of prayer. Let’s Pray!
At this time, let me read for you Matthew 5:13-16. Here in this passage, we are talking about being salt and light. Listen to this, Matthew 5:13-16 says, (READ)
Okay, as we look at that passage, let’s take a moment to discuss it. What do you think this passage is talking about?
How do we let out lights shine before men that they praise God?
Before we move on, does anyone have anything that they would like to add?
Well, if there is nothing else, on to the next section of chapter 5. As we progress through the rest of the Sermon on the Mount, we will be taking a look at different sections that go together. First, I want us to look at verses 17-20. Again, this is a small passage, so I will read it for us. Before I do that though, answer me a question: As a child, what family rule did you find yourself breaking?
Well, in this passage, we are reading about an old set of laws, and how Jesus relates to these laws. Matthew 5:17-20 says, (READ)
What did Jesus mean by saying that He came to fulfill the law and the prophets?
Do you think that people forget this passage at times when they think about the Old Testament or the 10 Commandments?
Consider the 10 Commandments, which one is the most difficult for you? Why?
Does anyone have anything that they would like to add before we move on?
Well, if there is nothing else, on to the rest of chapter 5. As we review this section of scripture, we are going to look at verses 21-48 as one chunk of scripture. So, whoever has the first 2 keys, go ahead and read them for us at this time please. (READ)
Now, in this section we have several different topics all bunched together. At this time, let’s try and unpack what we have just read. As we look at some of the things that Jesus said here in this passage, how would they hold up in court? (Everyone would be guilty of their thoughts, everyone’s yes’s and no’s would be accurate…)
In what ways are anger and murder connected? (Anger is usually the first step involved in murder. Anger is also a mental murder if you will…)
How does Jesus step things up when it comes to the command about adultery?
What is Jesus’ point in using such exaggerated language in verses 29-30?
Why is keeping promises so important in God’s eye?
What do you think the original intent was behind, “an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth”? (Exodus 21:24, Leviticus 24:17-20)
How do you think this law would be helpful in today’s society?
How do you think people misuse this idea today?
What is your initial reaction to verse 48?
Which of these moral demands that we looked at in this section, challenges you the most?
At this time, let me go ahead and read for you what the commentary has to say about chapter 5 as a whole. It says: (READ COMMENTARY)
Before we move on, does anyone have anything that they would like to add?
Well, if there is nothing else, now we will take a look at chapter 6. I have broken this chapter down into 2 separate sections. First, we are going to read verses 1-18, and then we will take a look at the rest of chapter 6.
As we start this chapter, were you taught any prayers as a child? If so, do you remember any of them?
Well let’s go ahead and take a look at this first section. Whoever has the next 2 keys, go ahead and read them for us please. (READ)
In what ways have you personally given of your time and your talent to the work of God’s kingdom?
Is there any new area of ministry that you would like to get involved in or try?
Where do you go when you need to get away and pray?
Using the Lord’s Prayer, what 3 things are related to God in verses 9 and 10?
And what 3 things are related to our needs in verses 11-13?
What do verses 13, 14, and 15 say to you about the relationship between forgiving and being forgiven?
What is the purpose of fasting?
As you think about your usual giving, how would you rate yourself 1 being out of obligation, and 10 being out of joy?
In praying, what do you find as your biggest challenge?
Does anyone have anything that they would like to add about this section before we move on?
Well, if there is nothing else, on to the rest of chapter 6. If you were walking on a beach and found an ancient chest, what would you hope to find inside?
Well, as we read the rest of chapter 6, we are reading about where our treasure is, and not worrying. Whoever has the next 2 keys, go ahead and read them for us please. (READ)
If Jesus was to come to our class this evening in person, and He would analyze you, what would He say your treasure is?
According to Jesus, what are we to seek instead of food and clothing?
What are the results if we seek what Jesus calls us to seek?
What is one thing that you can do in the coming week to seek first His kingdom and righteousness?
What is it that causes you the most worry in your life?
At this time, let me read for you what the commentary has to say. It says: (READ COMMENTARY)
Does anyone have anything that they would like to add before we move on?
Well, if there is nothing more, let’s go ahead and try and get through chapter 7 this evening as well. And let’s just go ahead and jump right into it. Whoever has the next 2 keys go ahead and read them for us at this time please. (READ)
In verses 1-6, what do you think Jesus is calling for? (No judgment, self-judgment, fair judgment, divine judgment, other?)
Why does Jesus tell them to ask, seek, and knock?
Why is one road less traveled than the other road?
What do you get from verses 15-23 that we could discuss?
Does anyone have anything that they would like to add before we read the last section of chapter 7?
Well, if there is nothing else, let me ask you a question: Where would you build your dream home if you could?
As we look at the rest of chapter 7, it is about a couple of builders. Listen to these words, Matthew 7:24-29 says, (READ)
This last section look at a parable that Jesus used at the close of the Sermon on the Mount to illustrate 2 different kinds of people, those who decide to follow Him, and those who don’t.
Who do you think Jesus is addressing here? (Everyone!)
What does building on the rock represent in this passage?
What is Jesus promising those who are willing to build on the rock?
In the last year, would you say your spiritual foundation has gotten weaker or stronger?
At this time, let me end with what the commentary has to say about chapter 7. It says: (READ COMMENTARY)
Does anyone have anything that they would like to add before we close this evening?
Well, if there is nothing else, for next week we are going to try and take a look at chapters 8 and 9, and that may be all we have time for.
Prayer Concerns/ Announcement
Let’s Pray |
