May 06, 2018

John Lloyd - The Sermon On The Mount - Hunger

May 06, 2018/ Dolores Park Church

Seeking God First: A Study on the Sermon

of the Mount

Blessed are Those who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness Matt 5:6

May 6, 2018

Pastor John Lloyd

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus expresses His desire for us to live for Him in an upside down world. This greatest sermon ever given, is uplifting, yet challenges us to live a life with Jesus that is far better than any other! It is our prayer that you will be encouraged and challenged by studying and applying this great sermon to your life. Small groups are also available throughout the week to further discuss and put into practice the lessons taught from the Sermon on the Mount.

Matthew 5:3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 4 God blesses those who mourn,

for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be satisfied. (Psalm 42)

Big Idea: The most blessed, content people are those who hunger for God and His righteousness resulting in expressing it to others.

I. Beware of being satisfied with _______________ blessings.

Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be satisfied.

Isaiah 55: 2 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy?

Beware of the “when and then” thinking syndrome.

Ecclesiastes 6:2 A man to whom God gives wealth, possessions, and honor, so that he lacks nothing of all that he desires, yet God does not give him power to enjoy them, but a stranger enjoys them. This is vanity; it is a grievous evil.

I Peter 2:11Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. (Romans 7:23, 2 Corinthians 4:4)

Prayer: Lord, show me the lesser hungers seeking to control my soul. Deliver me from the trap of settling for lesser hungers!

I. Spiritual health comes from hungering after _________ and His ___________________________.

Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be satisfied.

Hunger and thirst are very commonly used to express strong spiritual desires and needs. Both participles are durative present tenses, for this hungering and thirsting continues and, in fact, increases in the very act of satisfied. Lenski

A. This ______________ for God replaces lesser hungers.

Psalm 63:1 O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Luke 1:53

This desire for righteousness becomes a hunger that eats up the lesser hungers of one’s life, until the man is eaten up with this all-inclusive hunger. E. Stanley Jones

Psalm 63:2 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. 3 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. 2 Timothy 2:22.

I Peter 2:2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— (I Peter 2:1, Matthew 4:4)

May my deepest craving be to be right with God. Spending time with God increases my hunger for God. Lord, may each decade of my life find me even more thirsty for a life pleasing to You.

B. This hunger for God changes my goal for ______________.

Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be satisfied.

Philippians 3:9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— Philippians 3:8,10

No greater blessing than seeing others find a right relationship with God.

Isaiah 58:10 If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. No greater blessing than satisfying the hunger of others who are where you once were.

Passion for righteousness and compassion for men--- this is purity of heart.

E. Stanley Jones

Blessings come to those who are poured out for others.

I. True _____________________ comes from hungering after God.

Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be satisfied.

Isaiah 58:11 And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.

John 4:14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

John 6:35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” Ps.107:9

John 7:37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.”

Are you filled? Are you blessed in this sense? Are you hungering and thirsting? Those are the questions. This is the gracious and glorious promise of God to all such: “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled.”

Growth Group Questions for May 6th

Icebreaker: Who is the happiest person you know? Why do you think they are so happy?

1. Read Matthew 5:3-6. Discuss how the four beatitudes build on each other. From the world’s point of view, why is it surprising that the hungry and thirsty will be satisfied?

2. Read Matthew 5:6. How is this hunger different from the things most people hunger for? How can spiritual hunger for a right relationship with God lead to a blessed and happy life?

3. Reflect on this quote by E. Stanley Jones: “This desire for righteousness becomes a hunger that eats up the lesser hungers of one’s life, until the man himself is eaten up with this all-inclusive hunger.” Discuss how this hunger for God eats up lesser hungers. How could this help with someone facing an addiction?

4. Read Psalm 42:1-3, Psalm 63:1-2, I Peter 2:2. What are people seeking in these verses? Discuss how happiness is always the result of seeking something else in the beatitudes (Mt.5:3-6). Discuss this quote: “when people place happiness before righteousness, it’s always doomed to misery.” Why or Why not?

5. Read Psalm 63:3-8. List what you see the Psalmist doing to keep himself spiritual hungry and satisfied with God. What do you do to help you stay hungry for God?

6. Read Matthew 5:6. Focus on the word righteousness. Read Romans 3:21-22, Phil. 3:9, 2Cor.5:21. How are we made right with God? How does Paul teach and treasure this righteousness? In your own words, what does it mean to be right with God? Who could you share this with this week?

7. Matthew 6:33 teaches us to seek the kingdom first and his righteousness. How does this correlate with Matthew 5:6? What area do you need help seeking His kingdom/righteousness first?

April 29, 2018

John Lloyd - The Sermon On The Mount - Meekness

April 29, 2018/ Dolores Park Church

Seeking God First: A Study on the Sermon of the Mount

Blessed are the Meek Matthew 5:5

April 29, 2018

Pastor John Lloyd

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus expresses His desire for us to live for Him in an upside down world. This greatest sermon ever given, is uplifting, yet challenges us to live a life with Jesus that is far better than any other! It is our prayer that you will be amazed and challenged by studying and applying this great sermon to your life. Small groups are also available throughout the week to further discuss and put into practice the lessons taught from the Sermon on the Mount.

Matthew 5:3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 4.God blesses those who mourn,

for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Psalm 37:1-11,22, 29, 34)

Big Idea: People who trust God for everything inherit/enjoy God’s best in this life and the life to come. Help me learn of the meekness of God.

I. A spirit of ___________________ and service produce meekness.

Matthew 5:3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 4.God blesses those who mourn,

for they will be comforted. 5“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed – It will go well with

Matthew 5:3 plus Matthew 5:4 = Matthew 5:5

First, kingdom people do not try to force God’s whole will on a world unprepared for it. Second, God favors the humble, who trust in him rather than their own strength (5:3–5).

Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:22-23

“The man who is truly meek is the one who is amazed that God and man can think of him as well as they do and treat him as well as they do. That it seems to me, is its essential quality.” E. Stanley Jones

“He that is down need fear no fall.” John Bunyan

Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Action Point: Meekness begins by being yoked with Jesus and surrendering to Him in every area. Help me learn the meekness of God.

II. Meekness is a deep ___________ in the sovereign power of God.

Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”

The meek are mild, gentle, patient. The word refers to an inward virtue exercised toward persons. When they are wronged or abused they show no resentment and do not threaten or avenge themselves. The opposite are the vehement, bitter, wild, and violent. Jesus is the greatest example of meekness. Lenski

I Peter 2:23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. (2 Corinthians 10:1, I Peter 3:4)

“But when a man becomes meek he has finished with all that; he no longer worries about himself and what other people say. To be truly meek means we no longer protect ourselves, because we see there is nothing worth defending. So we are not on the defensive, all that is gone.” Lloyd Jones

Psalm 37:9 For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land.

Action Points:

God I trust you with you ______________.

God I trust you will make this _____________ situation right.

I am responsible for my response! Help me learn the meekness of God

III. Meekness brings an incredible ______________________.

Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Isaiah 29:19 The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the LORD, and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel. (Acts 14:22)

To sum up: The renounced in spirit gain the kingdom of heaven, the mourners gain the kingdom of inner comfort, and the meek gain the earth. So the world above, the world within, and the world around belong to this man. Wanting nothing he inherits all worlds. E Stanley Jones

Ephesians 1:18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

Colossians 1:12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. (Hebrews 9:15)

Meekness is essentially a true view of oneself, expressing itself in attitude and conduct with respect to others. It is therefore fore two things. It is my attitude towards myself, and it is an expression of that in my relationship to others. D Martyn Lloyd Jones

Philippians 4:12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.

Inherit the earth – What does it mean? A man who is truly meek is a man who is always satisfied, he is a man who is already content. Having nothing yet hath all. As having nothing but possessing all things.

Luke 14:11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Lord, I make a commitment to learn of your meekness. I make a commitment to express your meekness in my life’s most difficult situations. Thank you Jesus for modeling meekness for me.

Growth Group Questions for April 29th

Icebreaker: What do you think heirs feel when they inherit something valuable? If you have inherited something describe how you felt?

1. Read Matthew 5:3-5. Discuss how the three beatitudes build on each other. From the world’s point of view, why is it surprising that the meek will inherit the earth?

2. What does meekness mean to you? Why do we feel the need to retaliate when we have been treated unjustly?

3. Read Psalm 37:1-5, Galatians 5:16. Meekness is produced by depending upon the Holy Spirit. What does the Psalmist tell us not to do? What does he tell us to do? How would these actions produce meekness? How does walking in the Spirit produce the fruit of meekness? Share what you do to develop this type of walk?

4. Read Psalm 37:6-11,22, 29, 34. What does the Psalmist tell us not to do and to do? What promises are made to the meek? How does God take care of the meek?

5. Read Matthew 5:5 (focus on inherit), Ephesians 1:18, Colossians 1:12 and Hebrews 9:15 (focus on inheritance). Describe the inheritance God has for those who have surrendered to Him. What makes this believable or hard to believe for you?

6. Read Romans 8:17, 2 Timothy 2:12, Acts 14:22. Why must we trust the Sovereign power of God in this life in order to reign with Him in the next life? How can Acts 14:22 be helpful in our lives?

7. Where do you find it hard to walk in meekness? Please share a prayer request with a friend or your group. I am trusting God to make ___________________________ work together for good.

Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.

Meekness is supreme strength-it possesses itself and possesses the earth.

April 22, 2018

John Lloyd - The Sermon On The Mount - Mourning

April 22, 2018/ Dolores Park Church

Seeking God First: A Study on the

Sermon of the Mount

Blessed are Those who Mourn Matthew 5:4

April 22, 2018

Pastor John Lloyd

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus expresses His desire for us to live for Him in an upside down world. This greatest sermon ever given, is uplifting, yet challenges us to live a life with Jesus that is far better than any other! It is our prayer that you will be amazed and challenged by studying and applying this great sermon to your life. Small groups are also available throughout the week to further discuss and put into practice the lessons taught from the Sermon on the Mount.

Matthew 5:3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 4.God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Psalm 34:18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Big Idea: Mourning our losses before God opens our hearts to receive the amazing comfort of God.

The loss of anything that a person counts as valuable will produce mourning, whether it’s one’s financial support, or loved ones, or status in society, or even one’s standing before God. Wilkins

Real losses produce mourning in our ____________.

Matthew 5:4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed – It will go well with

We should not assume that if we are trusting in God we won’t weep, or feel anger, or feel hopeless. Remember Jesus is presented as the suffering servant. Keller, Timothy. (See Isaiah 42 & 53)

Romans 8:23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. (2 Corinthians 1:8)

“The renounced in spirit are affected and affected deeply. Having been cleansed by renunciation they are now more sensitive than ever to the world’s pain.” E Stanley Jones

2 Corinthians 5:2 For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling,

The world inflicts blows, losses, and pain upon the godly. It includes every wrong done us, as well as every painful consequence of our own wrongdoing. Lenski

‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.’” (Matt 26:37–38).

Action Steps: Give yourself permission to grieve your losses. Give your heart permission to lament the injustices of this world. Pray the lament psalms to God… Psalm 39, 88.

The surrendered heart is the sensitive heart.

III. Mourning with God expands our souls to _______________ God.

Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

Mourn- the verb denotes a loud mourning such as the lament for the dead or a severe painful loss.

As far as contrition is concerned let us keep in mind the first of Luther’s famous 95 Theses, that our entire life must be a continuous contrition and repentance. God’s people are indeed a mournful lot. Martyn Lloyd Jones

Psalm 34:18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. (Psalm 51:17)

Some thoughts about pain and mourning:

1. God uses our pain to get our attention. (2 Cor.7:9)

2. Sometimes it takes a painful experience to get us to change our ways. (Jonah 2:7)

3. Pain teaches us to depend upon God. (Psalm 119:71)

4. God allows pain to give us a ministry to others. (2 Cor.1:3-4) Isaiah 42:3 a bruised reed he will not break,

God can heal bruised reeds! God can recycle my pain!

God’s _____________ is brought to our souls through our losses.

“It will go well with those who mourn, they will receive the comfort of God.”

Isaiah 61:3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning,

Comfort is made up of two words, con, “with,” and fortis, “strength” literally, “strengthened by being with.” Isaiah 66:13

A. Comfort may come through fellow _________________.

Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. Pr.27:9

Join a Griefshare, Celebrate Recovery, Divorce Care or growth group. It may be helpful for one should also seek counsel of a trained Christian counselor.

B. Comfort comes from _____________________ Jesus and His Word.

Romans 15:4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

The greatest comfort is the absolution pronounced upon every contrite sinner. Because of Jesus we can grieve with hope. I Thess.4:13

2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

It will go well with those who mourn, for they shall experience God’s comfort. God can give you strength to face your losses by His grace.

Growth Group Questions for April 22nd

Icebreaker: How would you describe the word “blessed?” Ask each member to write their definition on a piece of paper. Collect and read each definition, letting the group guess who wrote each one. What did you learn from these responses?

1. Read Matthew 5:4. Consider the word blessed as meaning “it will go with the person who.” How can it go well with the person who is mourning? Why is knowing our sins have been paid for by the sacrifice of Jesus a comfort to one who is mourning?

2. Read Isaiah 61:1-4. Why are people mourning in this passage? What promises are made to those who mourn? How does this bring encouragement to heavy hearts?

3. Read Joel 1:13, James 4:9-10. Why are they mourning in these verses? Discuss Martin Luther’s first thesis that followers of Jesus should be a continual state of repentance and contrition over their sins. Why is this helpful or not helpful?

4. Those who mourn feel sorrow not only for their own sin but also for the sin they see around them. What have you heard in the news lately that caused you to mourn?

5. Read Matthew 5:4, Isaiah 66:13, 2 Cor. 1:3-4, 2 Cor.1:8-9. I will not leave you comfortless. How do you think those who mourn will be comforted? How does it help you that Paul despaired for his life? What did this experience do for Paul?

6. Read Isaiah 53:3-4, Hebrews 7:25, Revelation 21:4. What do you notice about Jesus and his life on earth? What do you notice about his ministry in heaven? How does his ministry on earth impact his ministry in heaven?

7. Discuss how we can help each other with the losses impacting our souls. Pray for one another. Pray for those you know who are facing intense trials.

It will go well with those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

April 18, 2018

John Lloyd - Beatitudes - The Sermon On The Mount

April 18, 2018/ Dolores Park Church

Seeking God First: A Study on the Sermon of the Mount

Blessed are the poor in spirit Matthew 5:3

April 15, 2018

Pastor John Lloyd

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus expresses His desire for us to live for Him in an upside down world. This greatest sermon ever given, is uplifting, yet challenges us to live a life with Jesus that is far better than any other! It is our prayer that you will be amazed and challenged by studying and applying this great sermon to your life. Small groups are also available throughout the week to further discuss and put into practice the lessons taught from the Sermon on the Mount.

Big Idea: The blessed person is the one who recognizes his spiritual poverty and reaches out to the King of Kings.

I. Jesus has a word for all ___________________.

Matthew 5:1-2 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.

The beatitudes are pure gospel. Lenski

Introduction to the Beatitudes: Who was it addressed to?

1. All followers of Jesus are to be like this description.

2. Followers of Jesus are meant to manifest all of these characteristics.

3. These characteristics go beyond our natural temperaments.

4. You will see the essential difference between followers and non-

followers of Jesus.

a. What they admire

b. What they seek after

c. What they do

d. They live in an entirely different kingdom.

“Happiness is the great question confronting mankind. The whole world is longing for happiness. It is tragic to see the ways in which people are seeking it. The vast majority seek happiness in a way that is bound to produce misery. The Sermon on the Mount says, if you want to be happy here is the way. This and this alone is the type of person who is really blessed.” E Stanley Jones

Character before conduct.

II. Seeking God first redefines ___________________.

Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew is a training manual for Christian discipleship for believers of all ages. A balanced understanding of the Sermon on the Mount will mature our discipleship to Jesus. Michael Wilkins

Blessed- A judgment pronounced, extremely fortunate. It is a rich promise for the present but a promise of even greater riches in the future. It is a positive judgment by God that means “to be approved” or “to find approval.”

It is a state of existence in relationship to God and from His perspective even when he or she doesn’t feel happy or isn’t presently experiencing good fortune.

Psalm 2:12b Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

Isaiah 30:18 Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.

John 15:11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

Real happiness/blessedness begins when we seek God first!

III. Seeking God first recognizes our ___________________ poverty.

Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Poor in spirit- cringingly, beggarly poor with respect to spirit.

Isaiah 66:2 But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word. (Examples of Isaiah in Isaiah 6:5, Peter in Luke 5:8, Paul in Romans 7:24, Philippians 3:8)

Psalm 40:17 As for me, I am poor and needy, but he Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God!

There is no one in the kingdom of God who is not poor in spirit. It is the fundamental characteristic of the Christian, and of the citizen of the kingdom of heaven, and all the other characteristics are in a sense the result of this one. As we go on to expound it, we shall see that it really means an emptying, while the others are a manifestation of a fullness.

You cannot be filled until we are first empty. There are always these two sides of the gospel; there is a pulling down and a raising up. It is an essential part of the gospel that conviction must always precede conversion; the gospel of Christ condemns before it releases. Lloyd Jones

The greatest filling comes when we realize we are empty!

IV. The ________________ belongs to those who submit to the King.

Matt. 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matt. 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Eph 1:3, John 18:36, Rom.14:17)

The more we look at Him, the more hopeless shall we feel by ourselves, and in of ourselves, and the more we become ‘poor in spirit’.

You cannot look at Him without feeling your absolute poverty, and emptiness. Then you say to Him, “Nothing in my hand I bring,

Simply to Thy cross I cling.” Yeah, all I need, in Thee to find,

O Lamb of God, I come. D. Martyn Lloyd Jones

Reflective questions: Am I like that, am I poor in spirit? How do I really feel about myself as I think of myself in terms of God and in the presence of God? How does this happen?

Hebrews 12:2 Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame.

The kingdom of heaven belongs to those who respond to Jesus.

The way to become poor in spirit is to look at God. Look at Jesus!

Growth Questions for April 15, 2018

Icebreaker: Who has been like a Bible for you? What did that person say or do that showed God in their life to you?

1. Read Matthew 5:3-12. As you read make note of what Jesus says is blessed versus what you know the world says makes people happy. Share the differences.

2. Read Matthew 5:3, Psalm 1:1-2. Focus on the word “blessed.” This is more than a state or condition but it is an attitude that grows out of our utter helplessness and need for pure grace and mercy. Discuss what brings on this blessedness.

3. Read Matthew 5:3. Read the following passages and discuss what being poor meant to Isaiah in Isaiah 6:5, Paul in Romans 7:24, Phil.3:8, Peter in Luke 5:8 and Jesus in John 14:10. What does being poor in spirit look like to you? Why is this so critical to spiritual growth and power?

4. Read Matthew 5:3-12. Note and discuss the differences between followers and non-followers of Jesus. Compare and contrast what they admire, seek after and do.

5. Read Matt. 5:3. Focus on the word “kingdom.” Read Luke 17:21. John 18:36, Romans 14:17. What does kingdom mean to a follower of Jesus? What is the worldly definition of the kingdom? What promises does the king make about the future world? See Revelation 1:5-7.

6. How does coming face to face with Jesus help you navigate through the difficulties of this life? How have you experienced a blessedness despite unfortunate circumstances?

7. What circumstances/attitudes do you need to bring to Jesus for His help this week? How can we pray for you?

Blessedness is not a description of a present condition, neither a wish regarding a coming condition, but a judgment pronounced upon the persons indicated, stating that they must be considered fortunate. And it is Jesus who renders this judgment, which is therefore absolutely true although all the world may disagree. All this blessedness is spiritual, each part of it coming from the great Messianic kingdom, true soul-blessedness, a rich possession now but with a glorious promise of still greater riches-the very opposite of the world’s happiness. Michael Wilkins

April 08, 2018

Evan Rogers - Introduction to the Sermon On The Mount

April 08, 2018/ Dolores Park Church

Sermon on the Mount

Introduction to the greatest sermon ever

April 8, 2018

Evan Rogers

John 14:15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus expresses His desires for us to live for Him in an upside down world. This is the greatest sermon ever given. It is uplifting yet challenges us to live a life with Jesus that is far better than any other.

Big Idea: The Best way to keep the commandments of Christ is to face the Sermon on the Mount.

I. False views of the Sermon on the Mount:

1. Metaphorical imagery:

The sermon is nothing but metaphors and none of it should be taken practically or literally because He is only referring to spiritual things.

2. Elaboration of the law:

Jesus is just explaining a further understanding of the Mosaic Law that can provide righteousness through your own hard work

3. Dispensational view:

This sermon was only for the time before Christ’s resurrection. It has no practical significance to modern Christians.

Our View of the Sermon on the Mount:

The Sermon on the Mount is an elaborate description of Christ’s new commandments and how to follow them.

II. Why we should study the Sermon on the Mount:

Definition of a Christian: A believer in Jesus Christ and his teachings.

Jesus died to enable us to live the Sermon on the Mount

Titus 2:14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

The Sermon shows us our absolute need for the new birth and the Holy spirit in order to live it.

Titus 2:14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

The more we practice this Sermon the more we shall experience

blessings.

Matthew 7:24 Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

The more we live out this Sermon, the more people will come to Jesus.

Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

III. 20 Parts

1. The Beatitudes - The 7 characteristics of a Christian, and the results of living this way.

2. Salt and Light - Our calling to make a change.

3. Fulfillment of the Law - The Law is still a valid and is only possible to live through Christ.

4. Anger - The law goes beyond killing, it covers the hidden sin of the heart in anger.

5. Lust - The Law goes beyond adultery, and covers the hidden sin of the heart in lust.

6. Divorce - The Law goes beyond the false teachings of society and the accepted practices of “believers” in marriage.

7. Oaths - The law goes beyond the teachings of old when keeping your word.

8. Retaliation - The law goes beyond the teachings of old pertaining to revenge.

9. Love Your Enemy - The law goes beyond the teachings of old about enemies.

10. Gifts - Do not give for selfish gain.

11. Prayer - Do not pray to be seen.

12. Fasting - Do not fast to be praised by men.

13. Treasure in Heaven - Life should be lived for the kingdom of God.

14. Don’t be Anxious - Worry will not help, rather trust in the Lord.

15. Judging Others - Do not condemn another while excusing your sin.

16. Ask - Ask and it will be given.

17. The Golden Rule - You will reap what you have sown.

18. A Tree and its Fruits - You will know who is teaching truth by the results it brings.

19. I Never Knew You - The action isn’t enough, God will not accept you without a relationship.

20. Build your House on the Rock - A parable about the results of your faith.

IV. Eight Major Sections

I. The Characteristics of Christians

1. Beatitudes

2. Salt and Light

Poor in spirit

Ones who mourn

The Meek

Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness

The Merciful

The pure in heart

The peacemakers

Those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake

Salt of the Earth

Light of the world

II. Jesus is the fulfillment of the law and the only means by which men can fulfill the law.

3. Fulfillment of the Law

5:17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.

20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

III. Christ’s New Commandments

4. Anger

5. Lust

6. Divorce

7. Oaths

8. Retaliation

9. Love Your Enemy

5:48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

IV. Good things done for selfish reasons won’t please God. Do everything in service to God with love.

10. Gifts

11. Prayer

12. Fasting

6:1“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.

V. Faith requires we live for God each day, therefore humbly examine yourself each day asking if you are living for Him or another master.

13. Treasure In Heaven

14. Don’t Be Anxious

15. Judging Others

6:27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?

VI. Trust That as you follow God’s way of doing things that he will take care of you.

16. Ask And It Will Be Given

17. The Golden Rule

7:11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

VII. How to spot the truth, and the result of not following the truth.

18. A Tree And Its Fruits

19. I Never Knew You

7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

VIII. The results of either following Jesus advice or ignoring it.

20. Build your House on The Rock

Matthew 7:27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.

Closing Thought: When the rains come and the winds beat us will our beliefs hold true or will we fall? Are my beliefs founded on truth or my personal opinion? Are my beliefs founded on the Rock of Christ and his words?

Sermon Podcast

Dolores Park Church