Matthew 5-7

The Sermon on the Mount

What some call the “Christian constitution.” We can’t read this too often. Hope you’ll be able to spend some not only reading but meditating on what’s taught in this timeless message. 
Personal Note: It will be hard to know which concepts to talk about next Thursday; I wish we had more than one lesson to discuss them! That’s what’s nice about an online study. We’re not limited to just one appointed hour. (CB)

1. 5:1-12 Who was listening to this sermon? Why might they appreciate these blessings? (Also read 7:28.)
2. 5:13-16 What are the qualities of salt and light that Jesus emphasizes here? What is the purpose of letting our lights shine?
3. 5:17-20 What law is Jesus talking about? What did Jesus say about lawbreakers?
   
4. 5:21-37 In these verses, how is Jesus “changing” the commandments and traditions of the (Old) law?
   
5. 5:38-48 What should be our attitude toward those who treat us badly?
   
6. 6:2-18 What should be our motivation when we give, pray, or fast?
   
7. 6:19-34 List at least three attitudes we should have about material wealth. (19-21; 24; 25-34)
   
8. 7:1-6 What are at least two things we should consider before we begin to judge someone?
   
9. 7:7-12 What does our Father in heaven want to give us?
   
10. 7:13-27 How can we tell the difference between true and false followers of Jesus? (verses 16, 21, 24)
    
11. 7:28-29 Why were the crowds astonished at his teaching?

For Discussion

This section is for the purpose of encouraging those of you who participate only online to engage in a discussion about the text. If there’s any other part of the text you want to discuss, please feel free. I’d love to hear from you, to discuss the Bible with you across the miles.
For the sake of time, I’ll limit my discussion prompts to one question per chapter.

1. 5:43-48 How do you think verse 48 (“be perfect”) relates to the first part of the passage about love?
2. 6:22-34 Discuss these passages, particularly verse 33, in light of 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, which concludes with “…for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.”
3. 7:1-5 What is the danger of taking the first three words, “Do not judge,” out of context?