The Sermon on the Mount…
Once the disciples saw that Christ was the one on whom they were expected to build their lives, he then wanted to give them the confidence to live out what he’d called them to do—not in order to earn salvation, or to impress God.
So, they were to really live out these instructions, which is why they were to return to these words in the Sermon on the Mount again and again. And that is what the church has done throughout generations…
So, is the Sermon on the Mount your textbook for life?
And then if the Sermon on the Mount is a summary of the whole law of God, then is the Bible dear to you?
Here in the Sermon on the Mount—and in the Bible as a whole—we find the way to salvation, the way to forgiveness, the way to righteousness credited to us by the Lord Jesus Christ, yes, but then also where we find out how to follow in his footsteps—to look to him as an example and to copy him, to obey God’s law.
Your Christian life isn’t done as soon as you’re saved. You have work to do—you have fruit that the Holy Spirit is to produce in you—and you are to look to him to do that for you, but you yourself are to be active in living out the way the Lord Jesus calls you to.
So, be the salt of the earth. Be a conserver for the world in your Christian life. And be the light of the world. Don’t hide your good deeds.
And to death your hatefulness and murderousness.
Keep short accounts with God, but also with one another.
And put lust to death.
If you’re married, know that divorce is not an option for you.
Keep your promises.
Hate revenge.
Love your enemies.
Give to the needy secretly. Pray secretly. Fast secretly.
Stop worrying about tomorrow.
Stop judging others without sorting yourself out.
We’re talking about living out God’s law.
But remember, if you are living out God’s law because you think that God is impressed with you, or because you’ve failed God and you’re trying to make up for your failure, then go back to the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount…
Mourn for your sins. Hunger and thirst after the righteousness of Christ. Realise that you’re rubbish—that is the way forward.
Remember that Christ is the Rock, not you. Remember that Christ is the Word, so the Father is happy with you. Remember that Christ is Wisdom, you don’t have any.
And then live out the law in response. May it be so!
