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Matthew Overall
"THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT"
Introductory Material
INTRODUCTION
1. In Matthew 5-7, we have recorded the most famous sermon that has
ever been preached...
a. Commonly referred to as "The Sermon On The Mount"
b. It has touched more hearts, and in turn has sparked more sermons
than any other
2. But what is Jesus talking about in this sermon?
a. What is the "THEME?"
b. What is the "CONTENT" of this sermon?
3. As we begin this series of lessons on "The Sermon On The Mount,"
these are some of the questions we shall try to answer
[To begin, let's try to determine the "THEME" of the sermon...]
I. THE "THEME"
A. THE "SETTING" LEADING UP TO THE SERMON...
1. In Mt 3:1-3, we read of the preaching of John the Baptist
a. Who was sent to prepare the way of the Lord
b. The theme of his preaching concerned "the kingdom of
heaven"
2. In Mt 4, we read of the beginning of Jesus' ministry
a. After His temptation, Jesus begins preaching a message
similar to John's - Mt 4:17
b. His preaching in Galilee pertained to the "gospel of the
kingdom" - Mt 4:23
B. A "PHRASE" USED REPEATEDLY THROUGHOUT THE SERMON...
1. "for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" - Mt 5:3
2. "for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" - Mt 5:10
3. "...shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven"
- Mt 5:19
4. "...shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven"
- Mt 5:19
5. "...will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven" - Mt 5:20
6. "Your kingdom come" - Mt 6:10
7. "But seek first the kingdom of God" - Mt 6:33
8. ". . . shall enter the kingdom of heaven" - Mt 7:21
[Both the SETTING and the use of a particular PHRASE should lead us to
conclude that the "THEME" of Jesus' sermon on the mount is: "THE
GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN."
With this in mind, let's briefly consider the "CONTENT" of the
sermon...]
II. THE "CONTENT" AND ITS BASIC DIVISIONS
A. THE "CITIZENS" OF THE KINGDOM...
1. Their character and blessedness - Mt 5:3-12
2. Their relation to the world - Mt 5:13-16
B. THE "RIGHTEOUSNESS" OF THE KINGDOM...
1. In contrast to the "traditional interpretations and
applications" of the Law - Mt 5:17-48
2. With respect to man's relation to God - Mt 6:1-33
3. With respect to man's relation to man - Mt 7:1-12
C. THE "EXHORTATION TO ENTER" THE KINGDOM...
1. The "beginning" of the way - Mt 7:13-14
2. The "progress" along the way - Mt 7:15-20
3. The "end" of the way - Mt 7:21-27
a. Contrasting "sayers" with "doers" 21-23
b. Contrasting "hearers" with "doers" 24-27
[In view of its "CONTENT," we can appreciate why some have called this
sermon of Jesus "THE MAGNA CARTA OF HIS KINGDOM;" and by others, "THE
MANIFESTO OF THE KING."
Before we examine the sermon any closer, it may be helpful to define
the expression "KINGDOM OF HEAVEN" so we can better appreciate and
apply the teachings of Jesus found in this sermon...]
III. DEFINING "THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN"
A. COMPARING IT WITH "THE KINGDOM OF GOD"...
1. Some try to make a distinction (e.g., Scofield Reference
Bible)
2. But a quick comparison of the gospels indicate that the terms
refer to the same thing
a. Cf. Mt 4:17 with Mk 1:14-15
b. Cf. Mt 5:3 with Lk 6:20
c. Cf. Mt 13:31 with Mk 4:30-31
3. We find that Matthew used the expression "kingdom of heaven"
almost exclusively, while the other gospel writers used the
phrase "kingdom of God"
4. It may be that since Matthew wrote his gospel to the Jews, he
chose to used the phrase "kingdom of heaven"...
a. Because of the Jews' reluctance to use the name of God (out
of reverence)
b. Because of the Jews' misconception of the coming kingdom
1) Many anticipated a physical kingdom
2) The expression "heaven" (literally, "heavens") would
emphasize a spiritual kingdom
B. THE "KINGDOM OF HEAVEN" INVOLVES FOUR INTER-RELATED CONCEPTS...
1. God's Kingship, Rule, or Recognized Sovereignty
a. The term "kingdom" as used by the Jews often stressed the
abstract idea of rule or dominion, not some geographical
area surrounded by physical boundaries
b. Possibly used this way by Jesus in Lk 17:21
c. It is used this way by Jesus in Mt 6:10 ("Thy kingdom come; thy WILL be done . . .")
-- Thus, the "kingdom of heaven" is wherever the God of heaven
is allowed to RULE in the hearts of men
2. It Is Spiritual In Nature
a. Not a physical kingdom - Jn 18:36
b. But one that is spiritual - Ro 14:17
3. Its Visible Manifestation Today Is In The Form Of The Lord's
Church
a. Which is the community of souls in whose hearts God is
recognized as Sovereign
b. That the church constitutes the kingdom on earth, consider:
1) How the term "church" and "kingdom" were used
interchangeably - Mt 16:18
2) Comments made to those who were in the church
- Co 1:13; 1 Th 2:12
3) The description of those in the churches of Asia
- Re 1:4,6,9
4. It Also Involves The "New Heavens And New Earth"
a. The "kingdom of heaven" has a future element as well as a
present one
b. Its future aspect is spoken of by:
1) Jesus in Mt 25:34
2) Paul in 1 Co 15:50; 2 Ti 4:18
3) Peter in 2 Pe 1:10-11
c. Peter described the coming of its future state in
2 Pe 3:10-13
C. SO IT IS TO PROPER THINK OF THE "KINGDOM OF HEAVEN" IN BOTH A
"PRESENT" AND "FUTURE" SENSE...
1. In the PRESENT sense...
a. It is found wherever the SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD is accepted in
the hearts of men
b. It is a SPIRITUAL KINGDOM, for God rules in the hearts of
men
c. Its outward manifestation today is the LORD'S CHURCH
d. The kingdom was "INAUGURATED" on the Day of Pentecost in
Acts 2
2. In the FUTURE sense . . .
a. The kingdom will be "CULMINATED" with the coming of the
Lord
b. It will be that "NEW HEAVENS AND NEW EARTH" described by
Peter and John
c. It will be experienced only by those in the church who are
submitting to God's will - Mt 7:21-23; 2 Pe 3:13-15a
CONCLUSION
1. With this understanding of the "kingdom of heaven," we will more
likely...
a. Appreciate the CHARACTER and BLESSEDNESS of the citizens of the
kingdom (Mt 5:3-16)
b. Understand the need for the RIGHTEOUSNESS expected of its
citizens (Mt 5:17-7:12)
c. Respond to the EXHORTATION TO ENTER the kingdom if we have not
done so (Mt 7:13-27)
2. Our next study will concentrate on "THE BEATITUDES" (Mt 5:3-12),
in which we examine the character and blessedness of those who are
citizens of the kingdom of heaven
Have you responded to the exhortation to enter the kingdom? Remember
the words of our Lord to Nicodemus in Jn 3:3-5...
Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you,
UNLESS ONE IS BORN AGAIN, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old?
Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?"
Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, UNLESS ONE IS
BORN OF WATER AND THE SPIRIT, he cannot enter the kingdom of God."
The Beatitudes (Mt 5:3-12)
INTRODUCTION
1. As we begin to take a closer look at "The Sermon On The Mount," we
notice first that section referred to as "The Beatitudes"
a. In verses 3-12, we find Jesus discussing the blessedness of
those who possess certain qualities
b. It is almost as though Jesus was answering two questions the
people might have been asking:
1) Who are the citizens of this "kingdom of heaven"?
2) What benefits do they receive?
2. My treatment of this passage will be somewhat different than normal
a. Most approach this passage by examining each beatitude in detail
before moving on to the next
b. But we will look at the entire section in an overall fashion
twice, from two different perspectives
[First, let's look at "The Beatitudes" from the viewpoint of the
question: "WHO ARE THE CITIZENS OF THE KINGDOM?"
In other words...]
I. THE CHARACTER REQUIRED OF THE CITIZENS OF THE KINGDOM
A. ONE WHICH INVOLVES SEVERAL INTER-RELATED QUALITIES...
1. Only those who possess ALL of these qualities are truly
citizens of the kingdom of heaven
2. For it should be evident that some...
a. May be "poor in spirit," but do not "hunger and thirst
after righteousness"
b. May "mourn," but are not "pure in heart"
c. May be "meek," but are not "peacemakers"
d. May be "persecuted," but not "for righteousness' sake"
3. It takes ALL of these qualities, and in this sense the passage
is similar to 2 Pe 1:5-11
a. Where various qualities are also listed
b. Where each of them are needed IN CONJUNCTION to assure that
"an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the
everlasting kingdom"
B. THEREFORE, CITIZENS OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN ARE THOSE WHO...
1. ARE "POOR IN SPIRIT"
a. "To be poor in spirit is to have a humble opinion of
ourselves; to be sensible that we are sinners, and have no
righteousness of our own; to be willing to be saved only by
the rich grace and mercy of God" (BARNES)
b. I.e., convicted of one's own spiritual poverty
1) Exemplified by the tax collector in Lk 18:13
2) Such people God will accept into His good favor
- Is 57:15; 66:1-2
c. The opposite of "poor in spirit" would be "proud of heart,"
and those who are such are more like:
1) The Pharisee in Lk 18:9-14
2) The Laodiceans in Re 3:17-19
2. "MOURN"
a. But to do so in a specific sense: over one's own spiritual
poverty, one' sinfulness
b. Like David did after his adultery with Bathsheba
- Ps 51:3-4
c. Note the relationship between these first two character-
istics
1) Unless one is first "poor in spirit"
2) They will not "mourn" over their spiritual poverty
3. ARE "MEEK"
a. I.e., gentle, easy to be entreated
1) Would rather suffer injury than inflict it
2) Not out of weakness, but out of humility, realizing
one's own poverty of spirit, one's own sinfulness
b. A good example of meekness is Moses
1) He was certainly not a weak or timid man
- Ex 32:19-20; 30-34
2) But when personally attacked, he was very humble
- Nu 12:1-3
4. "HUNGER AND THIRST FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS"
a. I.e., looking for the righteousness which will meet:
1) Their spiritual poverty
2) Their mourning over the same
b. To "hunger and thirst" suggests not a half-hearted search,
but one exemplified by:
1) David in Ps 42:1-2; 19:12-14
2) Paul in Ph 3:7-15a
5. ARE "MERCIFUL"
a. Loving towards those in misery (e.g., the "Good Samaritan")
b. Possessing a forgiving spirit toward those who sin against
them (HENDRICKSEN)
1) E.g., Jesus in Lk 23:34
2) E.g., Stephen in Ac 7:60
c. Jesus stressed this characteristic on several occasions...
1) Later in His sermon, in teaching on prayer
- Mt 6:14-15
2) In His parable of "The Unforgiving Servant"
- Mt 18:21-35
d. This virtue grows "out of our personal experience of the
mercy of God." (LENSKI)
6. ARE "PURE IN HEART"
a. "singleness of heart, the honesty which has no hidden
motive, no selfish interest, and is true and open in all
things." (LENSKI)
b. Refers to one who is sincere, honest, without hypocrisy
c. That such a quality is necessary to see God - cf. Ps
24:3-4
7. ARE "PEACEMAKERS"
a. These are those who devote their lives to making peace by
following the Prince of Peace
1) Involves effort to be at peace with all men
- Ro 12:18-21
2) Involves helping others to be at peace with God by
proclaiming the gospel of peace - cf. Ro 5:1 and
Ep 6:15
b. "At peace with God and thus themselves filled with sweet
peace, they live in peace, if possible, with all men and
work to keep and to make peace where peace is threatened
or lost. Theirs is the work of true Christians who follow
in the footsteps of the Prince of Peace." (LENSKI)
8. ARE "PERSECUTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS' SAKE"
a. "The tense and voice of the verb (passive perfect) may be
regarded as permissive:
1) "Who have allowed themselves to be persecuted, or have
endured persecution"
2) "The idea is that they did not flee from it but
willingly submitted to when it came to them." (LENSKI)
b. In what way, is explained in verse 11, and includes
being:
1) Reviled or reproached
2) Persecuted
3) Slandered falsely
-- All for Jesus' sake
c. That such persecution would often afflict those who are
citizens of the kingdom, see Ac 14:21-22; Ph 1:29-30;
2 Ti 3:12
[Such are the CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CITIZENS OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.
But is it worth it?
To answer that, let's now look at the "The Beatitudes" from the
viewpoint of another question: "WHAT BENEFITS DO CITIZENS OF THE
KINGDOM RECEIVE?" In other words...]
II. THE BLESSEDNESS OF THE CITIZENS OF THE KINGDOM
A. THEIR CONDITION CAN BE SUMMED UP IN ONE WORD: "BLESSED"
1. This word stands at the beginning of the sermon, and is used
nine times in nine verses
2. It can literally mean, "how very happy" is the one described
3. We can infer from verse twelve that "blessed" involves great
joy and gladness ("rejoice and be exceedingly glad")
B. THEIR BLESSEDNESS IS UNDERSTANDABLE IN LIGHT OF THE BENEFITS
RECEIVED
1. "THEIRS IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN"
a. As defined in the previous lesson...
1) They are under the kingly rule of God
2) They are in a spiritual kingdom
a) Which today involves being in the "church," the
PRESENT manifestation of the "kingdom of heaven"
b) Which will involve the "new heavens and new earth"
in the kingdom's FUTURE and eternal manifestation
b. Note that the first (5:3) and last (5:10) beatitude
include this expression, which I take to imply that the
blessings in between likewise apply to those in the
kingdom
c. Just as the kingdom is both present and future, we shall
observe that the blessings described involve both the
present and future
2. "THEY SHALL BE COMFORTED"
a. This is in reference to those who mourn over their sins
and spiritual poverty
b. They are comforted even NOW - 2 Co 1:3-5
c. They shall be comforted in the FUTURE - Re 21:1-4
3. "THEY SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH"
a. In one sense, they inherit it now
1) As a result of putting the kingdom of God first
- Mk 6:33; Mk 10:29-30
2) Though they may have less than some who are wicked, God
enables them to enjoy it more! - Ec 5:19-6:2
3) This explanation seems to be consistent with the context
of Psalms 37, from which the phrase was taken
- Ps 37:1-11, 16-29
b. But in another sense, there yet remains a promise
concerning a "new earth" for those in the kingdom now
- 2 Pe 3:10-13
4. "THEY SHALL BE FILLED"
a. That is, with the righteousness which we so desperately
need, found only in Christ - Ph 3:8-9
b. Received presently, through the precious blood of Christ
- Ro 5:9
c. Received in fulness when adorned in the white linen of
righteousness in preparation for the marriage of the Lamb
- Re 19:5-9
5. "THEY SHALL OBTAIN MERCY"
a. Those in the kingdom enjoy the forgiveness of sins through
the blood of Jesus - Re 1:5-6
b. They shall also be shown mercy in escaping the righteous
wrath of God in the Day of Judgment - Ro 5:9
6. "THEY SHALL SEE GOD"
a. Presently, citizens of the kingdom can see God through
their Lord Jesus Christ - Jn 14:6-7
b. But in the future, we shall see him face to face
- Re 21:3; 22:3-4
7. "THEY SHALL BE CALLED SONS OF GOD"
a. Even now we are called the sons of God - 1 Jn 3:1-2
b. How much more so, in the future! - Re 21:5-7
CONCLUSION
1. Perhaps we can better understand why those in the "kingdom of
heaven" are truly called "BLESSED."
2. Certainly the benefits of the kingdom outweigh anything this world
has to offer, or any persecution it might inflict!
3. But the "blessedness" of the citizens is only for those who have the
"characteristics" of the citizens in ever-increasing measure. DO
WE?
4. Our next study will look at the citizens of the kingdom in their
relation to the world (Mt 5:13-16)
Salt And Light (Mt 5:13-16)
INTRODUCTION
1. In "The Beatitudes", the CHARACTER AND BLESSEDNESS of the
citizens were described
2. In the final beatitude, Jesus described the attitude the world
would often display towards the citizens of the kingdom (10-12)
3. Jesus now proceeds to describe the opposite: The influence of
the kingdom upon the world.
4. He does this by using two metaphors: "salt" & "light"
I. "YOU ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH" (Mt 5:13)
A. SALT HAS SEVERAL CHARACTERISTICS...
1. It is white, enhances flavor, preserves, etc.
2. Based on the context, it is probably salt's ability to
enhance flavor to which Jesus refers in his illustration
a. Notice: "...but if the salt loses its flavor..."
b. Salt has the ability to give flavor to that which is
otherwise bland
c. Job mentioned this ability in Job 6:6
B. THROUGH THE METAPHOR OF "SALT"...
1. Jesus illustrates that the relationship of the citizens of
the kingdom to the world is one of:
a. Making the world palatable (bearable) to God, and possibly
to others as well
b. Perhaps making it possible for God to continue to bear
with this world and its "distasteful" wickedness
2. The idea that the "righteous" few can make it is easier for
God to forbear the many wicked is illustrated:
a. In Abraham's conversation with God over Sodom - Gen 18:
20-32
b. In God's dealing with Jerusalem - Jer 5:1
[So from God's point of view, the citizens of the kingdom give the
world what good "flavor" it has!
C. JESUS GOES ON TO WARN AGAINST LOSING OUR FLAVORING ABILITY!
1. With pure salt...
a. It actually never loses its flavor
b. But when mixed with impurities salt can lose its ability
to enhance flavor
2. We too might lose our ability to be a "flavoring agent" for
the world...
a. If we allow "impurities" into our lives - 1 Co 15:33
b. Therefore, we need to keep ourselves from sin - Ep 5:3-7
D. IF WE LOSE OUR "FLAVOR"...
1. How are we going to be "seasoned"? (impurities prevent us
from being useful)
2. We will be thrown out!
a. Is Jesus teaching the possibility of losing our
salvation?
b. He certainly does elsewhere! - Mt 13:40-43; Re 3:15-16
[First of all, then, we are told of the relationship of the citizens
of the kingdom to the world FROM GOD'S POINT OF VIEW: "You are the
salt of the earth."
Continuing, we find Jesus teaching concerning the citizens of the
kingdom as to their PRIMARY FUNCTION in the world...]
II. "YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD" (Mt 5:14-16)
A. USED BY GOD TO TRANSMIT HIS GLORY TO THE WORLD!
1. They are "lights" in a dark world - Ph 2:14-15
2. Their purpose: to proclaim the praises of God! - 1 Pe 2:9;
Ep 5:8b-9
B. THEY ARE NOT A "LIGHT" IN AND OF THEMSELVES...
1. Only in the Lord - Ep 5:8a
2. Christ is the "true" or "original" light - Jn 8:12
3. Citizens of the kingdom are simply "luminaries" reflecting
The One True Light, just as the moon reflects the sun
- 2 Co 4:6
C. CITIZENS OF THE KINGDOM HAVE A TWO-FOLD RESPONSIBILITY AS
"THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD"...
1. They must be VISIBLE
a. Implied by Jesus in His use of a "city" and a "lampstand"
as metaphors
b. Jesus therefore expects His followers to be SEEN by the
world - e.g., Jn 13:35; 17:21
2. They must RADIATE (give light)
a. This principle conveyed by the idea of the lamp
1) Designed to SHINE on a lampstand
2) Not put under a basket
b. This principle explicitly stated in "let your light SO
SHINE before men"
3. The purpose of such VISIBLE RADIATION: so men may GLORIFY
THE FATHER in heaven - e.g., 1 Pe 2:11-12; 2 Co 9:12-13
CONCLUSION
1. Why be concerned with being "the salt of the earth" and "the light
of the world"?
2. Because of the One Who is described as "YOUR FATHER WHO IS IN
HEAVEN"!
a. This expression should remind us that God is both:
1) TENDER (a term of tenderness)
2) and MAJESTIC (He is "in heaven")
b. Such a Majestic Being Who is willing to be our Father makes Him:
1) Worthy to be pleased!
2) And worthy to be praised!
3. We who claim to be the children of God, citizens of the kingdom,
are we:
a. Pleasing to our Father (by being "the salt of the earth")?
b. Praising Him (by being the "light of the world")?
If not, then may the prayer of David in Ps 51:10-15 become our own:
10 Create in me a clean heart, O
God; and renew a right spirit within
me.
11 Cast me not away from thy
presence; and take not thy holy
spirit from me.
12 Restore unto me the joy of thy
salvation; and uphold me [with thy]
free spirit.
13 [Then] will I teach
transgressors thy ways; and sinners
shall be converted unto thee.
14 Deliver me from
bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of
my salvation: [and] my tongue shall
sing aloud of thy righteousness.
15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and
my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
Jesus And The Law (Mt 5:17-19)
INTRODUCTION
1. Having described the CITIZENS of the kingdom, Jesus now proceeds to
describe the RIGHTEOUSNESS of the kingdom, which takes up the bulk
of His sermon
2. He begins by correcting a false impression some may have had about
His relationship with the Law of Moses and the Prophets...
I. "I DID NOT COME TO DESTROY BUT TO FULFILL"
A. SOME MAY HAVE THOUGHT JESUS INTENDED TO TOTALLY DISREGARD THE
LAW...
1. That His coming and teaching would regard the Old Law in a
negative light
2. For the expression "to destroy" means literally to "to
destroy utterly, to overthrow completely" (VINE)
B. ON THE CONTRARY, HIS PURPOSE WAS TO "FULFILL" THE LAW AND THE
PROPHETS...
1. For they FORETOLD THE COMING OF THE MESSIAH (Christ)
a. There are approximately 330 prophecies concerning the Christ
found in the Law and the Prophets
b. For example, De 18:15,18-19; Is 53:1-12
2. For they FORETOLD THE COMING OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD
a. One example is Da 2:44
b. Jesus was preaching that the fulfillment of that prophecy
was now at hand - Mk 1:14-15
3. For they also FORETOLD THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW AND DIFFERENT
COVENANT (LAW) FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD
a. See Je 31:31-34
b. That Jesus brought in this new covenant is confirmed in
He 8:6-13
C. THEREFORE, UNTIL THE LAW AND THE PROPHETS WERE FULFILLED, JESUS
TAUGHT THAT...
1. The Law would be as permanent as the heavens and the earth
- Mt 5:18
a. As He said in Lk 16:17, "It is easier for heaven and
earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail."
b. There would be no change at all, until it was fulfilled
c. Not even a "jot" or a "tittle" (Hebrew grammatical markings,
similar to the dotting of an "i" or the crossing of a "t")
2. A person's treatment of the Law (while still in force) would
affect their standing in the kingdom - Mt 5:19 HOW SO...?
a. Remember that the kingdom has a FUTURE aspect - Mt 7:21-23
b. Those who lived before the coming of the kingdom in its
PRESENT sense (i.e., the church) could still be in the
kingdom in its FUTURE sense - cf. Mt 8:11 (e.g., Abraham,
Isaac, Jacob)
c. Their standing would be affected by their treatment of
whatever Law of God was in effect when they were alive!
d. For example, notice what Jesus said would happen to the
"sons of the kingdom," those Jews who by the Law had the
right to inherit the kingdom but did not appreciate its
fulfillment in the coming of Jesus Christ! - Mt 8:12
D. AN IMPORTANT QUESTION TO CONSIDER: "DID JESUS FULFILL THE LAW?"
1. If He DID NOT...
a. He failed His purpose in coming to this earth! - Mt 5:17
b. We had better observe the Law in its strictest sense! - Mt
5:18-19 (including circumcision, and not eating unclean
meats!)
2. If He DID...
a. He accomplished His purpose! (notice Jn 17:4)
b. We should not be surprised to find a NEW Law or Covenant
governing God's people today
3. Indeed, Jesus MUST have fulfilled the Old Law...
a. For there has been changes:
1) In the PRIESTHOOD - He 7:11-14
2) In the LAW ITSELF - He 7:18-19,22
b. Even as the Law itself foretold, it has been replaced by a
New Law - He 8:6-13
[Though Jesus ultimately fulfilled the Law and the Prophets, at the
time He was preaching the Sermon they had not been fulfilled. So, true
to His statement in verse nineteen, He taught His disciples to be
faithful to God's Law as it then stood.
But what about the contrasts found in Mt 5:21-48? Are not these to be
viewed as comparisons between the OLD Law and the NEW Law?
Here are some thoughts along these lines...]
II. THE NATURE OF THE CONTRASTS MADE BY JESUS
A. MANY UNDERSTAND JESUS TO CONTRAST THE "OLD" WITH THE "NEW"...
1. I.e., comparing the "Law of Moses" with the "Law of Christ"
which would govern His kingdom
2. This in essence has Jesus teaching:
a. That the "Old Law" only condemned the OUTWARD actions
b. But that the "New Law" introduced by Jesus condemned the
INNER conditions which led to the outer actions
B. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE CONTRAST JESUS MADE IS DIFFERENT...
1. Rather, it w