[Biblemat] The Messenger Vol 002 Iss 033

Sat Oct 6 09:23:21 CDT 2007

The Messenger

Published Weekly by Main Street Church of Christ

306 West Main Street, Newbern, TN 38059   731-627-3514

bibleanswers at charter.net                                    www.mainstreetcofc.com

Bulletin Editor: T. Sean Sullivan

VOLUME 002::ISSUE 033::October 07, 2007  

NEW SERIES: Lessons Drawn from the "Sermon on the Mount"

ARTICLE ONE: The Greatest Sermon of All

ARTICLE TWO: Beatitudes 001

Article One: The Greatest Sermon of All

How often have you heard people talk about Jesus like He is some sort of salve? I over heard a couple people talking about some problems in their life, the one said, "Jesus is wonderful". It is interesting to me how they didn't mention any specific teaching or example of Jesus that helped them. No, it was like they we talking about Jesus the same way an pain sufferer might talk about their favorite pain rub. "Have you tried Jesus, oh Jesus is wonderful". The way that Jesus is described by many is as if He is not a "being" but rather only a force or power that just fills you up and allows you to do things that you could not do on your own. The serious problem with this attitude is that having Jesus reduced to a mystical force of goodness we miss the true hope and strength that He has made available to all of us-our salvation through Him (Matthew 11:28).

The fact remains that Jesus Christ is wonderful but the only way to find the blessings that He provides is to abide in His word (John 8:31-32). The only way to have a right relationship with the Father and to be in the Father's presence one day is to abide in Christ's doctrine-teachings (2 John 9). There is a group of teachings from Jesus Christ that we know as the Sermon on the Mount. Let's consider these words of Christ.

Our lesson in this session is focusing on the background behind the sermon. The reason it can be called "the greatest sermon of all". This lesson will serve as an introduction to a series of lessons gleaned from the Sermon on the Mount.

The Greatest Teacher

The disciples called Jesus, "Rabboni" that is teacher. Out of the nearly eight hundred thousand words in the Bible the 'teacher' only appears fifty-five times-forty-three of those fifty-five times is directly referenced to Jesus. Jesus was a teacher and certainly His teachings remain to this day. By looking closer at His style and approach we can learn the answer to the question "What made Jesus a great teacher?" 

Certainly His parables are important to consider. When Jesus spoke in parables He was relating a message to an audience. By "relating" we see that He used terms and scenarios that were familiar to their lives. For example when speaking to farmers and country laborers- the parable of the Sower (Matthew 13) was very appropriate. To herdsmen and shepherds-the parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15) was relative to their experiences. To the rich-the parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12) or perhaps the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15) would be understood well. We must note that the truth did not change with each audience, only the way of getting that truth across to them. Yes, Jesus was a master of identifying with His audience.

            It is also worth noting His posture while preaching. You may wonder what His posture had to do with His ability to teach but it is key. Take note how Jesus conducted Himself while teaching. Matthew 13:1-10; Mark 3:23-35-He sat and taught. He did not elevate Himself with His words or posture. He spoke in such a way as to bring His audience to understanding. 

The Greatest Reason 

His purpose was the greatest. Christ's purpose was to teach a very wide variety of topics as effectively as possible.  He spoke on simple matters of morality and conduct as well as very profound matters like Heaven and salvation. His purpose in all things was to direct any who would listen towards the Kingdom of God.   

Jesus taught in order that His hearers could have a better relationship with God-their Creator. He taught the need of trusting God (Matthew 6:25-33). He taught the need of serving God according to His will (Matthew 7:21). 

Jesus taught to bring about a better relationship in our life with others. If His listeners would adopt the beatitudes and establish them as necessary personality traits, how much better would their lives be (Matthew 5:2-10)? By becoming the light of the world as we should, we set the right example for others to see (Matthew 5:11-16). 

Jesus taught to offer a better hope for the future. Jesus came to save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:21).  He was the Messiah that the Jews were promised (John 4:25-26). He came to establish a new covenant that is available not only to the Jews but also to all willing recipients regardless of race or social standing (Romans 1:16-17). Jesus' great reason was and is-our salvation.  

 The Greatest Sermon

Among the teachings of Christ one particular group of lessons is considered by some as the greatest example of Jesus' ability to teach. We know this as the "Sermon on the Mount".  This sermon is recorded by Matthew in chapters five through seven and by Luke in chapter six verses twelve through forty-nine. Many have viewed this sermon as a call for societal restructuring-with a political application toward the larger group of mankind. In reality, this sermon is the call for conversion to any and all who will hear, believe, and obey.

Why would this particular group of teachings be considered the greatest of all sermons from Christ? Perhaps, the coverage of vast topics: we will encounter everything from morality to marriage to relationships and respect. Jesus will speak the "real truth" compared to that which had been believed to be the truth. 

            There will be much to consider. Jesus was able to teach this in one session. We will take several weeks to consider this portion of scripture.  There is much to be gained by our efforts.

Conclusion:

Jesus' greatest goal was to do the will of His Father (John 4:34). He also came to establish our availability to that will (Matthew 7:21). Jesus, for both reasons, established a new covenant for us with God, through His own blood (Matthew 26:26-29). It is that covenant that has allowed you and me the ability to become acceptable to God (Ephesians 1:3-6). All of us have been offered entrance into this new covenant-in order to enter we must follow His plan. If you are willing to obey, seek assistance today. ~tss

Article Two: Beatitudes 001

As Jesus sat before the multitude and began to speak, He was, in essence, bringing the dawning of a new ethic. The words that Christ would share go against the grain of the world. The Beatitudes as well as the whole Sermon on the Mount would share a new way of relating to each other, to self, and to God. We will begin to look closer at the lessons that Jesus taught by the shore of Galilee. 

As Jesus introduces this sermon He uses eight statements to get the audiences attention. We know these statements as the Beatitudes. Each one helps us to better conduct our lives and all together should be a description of each of us. To have one is to have all and to lack one is to lack all. Let's open our Bibles and consider the first three of these statements.

Blessed Are The Poor in Spirit, For Theirs Is The Kingdom of God

This does not say blessed are the poor and spiritual. Some who are bound by material thinking have proclaimed this verse to mean monetarily poor. We know that riches are risky (Matthew 16:26; Matthew 19:23-24). It is not impossible for the monetarily rich to place their trust in the Lord and be faithful to Him nor for the monetarily poor to be arrogant and hard of heart. Riches are a risk but not a sin (1 Timothy 6:17-19). We must understand that Matthew 5:3 is not speaking of material things. 

"Poor in spirit" means spiritually destitute. The poor in spirit are those who know their own spiritual downfall and destitution. The original Greek ptochos translated here as "poor" is more literally translated -Helpless, powerless, reduced to begging. It was also a description of posture: crouching or cringing. 

Man's awareness of his own destitution brings him to God for help. The kingdom is for the humble and needy; not the proud and self-reliant. Jesus proclaims happiness to those who realize their own destitution. Only when they realize their need for help they can be helped and rewarded by God (James 4:6-10).-according to this Beatitude their reward is the kingdom of heaven. 

Blessed Are Those Who Mourn, For They Shall Be Comforted.

To a crowd full of men who were taught from youth that tears are a sign of weakness this statement would be particularly perplexing. Again, with this beatitude there is more to its meaning than what may be first thought. This mourning is not the end of happiness. Jesus explains that mourning leads toward happiness. 

In what way can tears bring about happiness? According to what we learn in the scriptures mournful equals thoughtful. Ecclesiastes 7:2-4, "The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning."

 It is possible to get so busy with our lives that we can find ourselves riding a wave called, "good times". We begin to take for granted our blessings and forget their original source-God. Trials that bring mourning also bring us back down to earth (Psalm 119:67, 71). 

Jesus says that those who mourn will be comforted. One who mourns over his own sins and the sins of his fellow man will truly know the reflection and the grounding of mourning-godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10). Though we may shed many a tear here in this life we have a promise of comfort from our eternal God. His comfort will be fulfilled in heaven. Revelation 21:4 "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."  

Blessed are the Meek, They Shall Inherit the Earth.

Unlike what many perceive: meekness is not weakness! Some have thought that meekness is weakness or subject humiliation forced upon those who can not stand up for themselves. These thoughts are absolutely false. The meekest of all who ever lived also on occasion burned with anger (Matthew 21:12).  Jesus Christ-who was "gentle and lowly of heart"(Matthew 11:29) endured many abuses without retaliation (1 Peter 2:23). This was not because He lacked the strength (Matthew 36:53). 

Meekness is not necessarily a natural born trait. Meekness is a choice based on knowledge (2 Peter 1:5-10). The strength of meekness comes with moral resolve-self-control. Even though one has the ability to retaliate they will not for the sake of what is right. One who is meek knows his place before God and others. A meek one knows God's love and loves the souls of his fellow man. 

Jesus says that their reward is the inheritance of the earth. This has often been puzzling and some have even used this verse as proof of false conclusions regarding the perpetual continuation of this world. The Greek word geé translated here as "earth" may be better stated as "land"-such as the promise land. In other words it is speaking of a great blessing much like the land promise of Old. This promise to the meek is a great blessing-the promise of Heaven.

Conclusion:

We have learned that humility and awareness of spiritual destitution is the key to the kingdom.  We have learned that mourning is better the continual bliss. We have learned that meekness is the truest form of strength. The words of Christ are as true today as they were then. We cannot do it ourselves, we must rely on God. The heart is made to focus when difficulties fill our eyes. The path to Heaven is one for the humble, focused, self-controlled soul.

Our hope of salvation is from God and it is for you: if you will humbly accept His invitation. Will you? ~tss 

If you are enjoying The Messenger and you know someone else who would like to receive it. Please forward it to them or send me their email address and I will add it to the list.   Sean

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