(Matthew 5:3 to 7:27), A 29-Sermon Series.
To quote American author and inspirational speaker on business leasership, Simon Sinek, to create action and loyalty in people, “Start with why.” All that we are and all that we do in life ought to be purpose-directed, the core question being why we even exist. The Bible’s answer to this age-old auery is two-fold: mankind was created for God’s pleasure (Revelation 4:11) and for doing good works (Ephesians 2:10). This accounts for the greatest commandment, also two-fold: we are to love God with our everything and to love our fellowmen as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40). And, to provide practical guidance on what is required to fulfil man’s purpose in life, the only-begotten Son of God delivered His Sermon on the Mount.
The famed champion of India’s independence and celebrated statesman and writer Mahatma Gandhi (1869 to 1948), though not a Christian, had good things to say about Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. In appreciation of the 107 berses comprising the sermon itself (Matthew 5:3 to 7:27), Gandhi said, “The message of Jesus as I understand it is contained in the Sermon on the Mount unadulterated and taken as a whole. If then I had to face only the Sermon on the Mount and my own interpretation of it, I should not hesitate to say, ‘Oh, yes, I am a Christian.’ But negatively I can tell you that in my humble opinion, what passes as Christianity is a negation of the Sermon on the Mount.”
The Indian sage of non-violent resistance to oppressive power drew example and motivation from Jesus’ teaching on how to treat one’s enemies contained in the Sermon but candidly noted that so-called Christians did not practise their Lord’s teaching in the Sermon about loving their enemies. An appropriate observation by a non-Christian on Bible-believers’ woeful neglect to abide by one of our Lord’s central teaching. Gandhi was somewhat tongue-in-cheek repeating our Lord’s clear closing remarks, about the serious repercussion of hearing His teachings but not doing them (Matthew 7:24-27). Any worthwhile study of all of our Lord’s discourses must include their application in our lives today for they contain His commandments to be obeyed by all who love Him (John 14:15).
Our Sunday Sermon series for January to September 2025 will consist of 27 lessons, bookended by an introduction and a summary plus conclusion. The emphasis will be on the application of Jesus’ instruction in various situations we face today as role-players in society: citizens, husbands and wives, parents, children, neighbors, employers and employees and in other human relationships. We will also anticipate problems which could arise when we practise the principles of the Sermon on the Mount and how we can persevere in spite of such obstacles and difficulties.
Brethren are encouraged to read through Matthew chapters 5 to 7 a few times during the duration of the sermon series and take note of cross references to other scriptures which may help shed light on the contents of the Sermon and its application. In preparation for the delivery of each sermon in the series, brethren are encouraged also to look up Bible commentaries (especially online) on Matthew 5 to 7 to supplement teachings presented from the Sunday pulpit, always checking all content with what the Bible says (Acts 17:11).
Acts 17:11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.