Day 13

Matthew 5 

Sermon on the Mount part 1

The next three days we will be reading the most famous sermon of all time. This passage has a lot of practical living advice. It calls us to a higher standard in many areas of life.

vs 1-12 The Beatitudes

We covered the beatitudes the other day. But I will address them a little more. These little phrases might seem confusing to you because who says "blessed are the poor in spirit?" It does not seem normal too us. This is a bit of a paradox. A paradox is something that seems contradicting. We are told the blessed ones are the ones with all the money, power, toys and other material positions. These phrases show us the type God is looking for. When you are able to survive and thrive in your faith it is because you rely and depend upon God for your strength. Those who feel they have it all together do not rely on God as much as the poor in spirit, the mournful, the meek, the hungry,  and so on.

vs 13-16

Salt enhances flavor, salt is also a preservative. We need to be the salt to enhance the name of Christ. Preserve it so the name of Christ will live on in our and future generations. Light over cedes darkness. We need to spread the light to overtake the darkness in the world.

vs 17-20

The law will not be abolished. Meaning what was written through scriptures is still valid today. Jesus is the fulfillment of the law which will be an enhancing of scripture. Everywhere from the law that is seen in the first five books of the Old Testament, to the prophecies of Christ. 

vs 21-26 Murder

Every one knows murder is wrong, and I hope most of you do not struggle with this sin. However anyone who is angry with a brother or calls his brother a fool will be in danger of murder. It calls us to a new level of love. 

vs 27-30 Adultery

Anyone who looks lustfully at a woman is subject to adultery. It is not just about cheating physically but cheating with your heart. It would be better to gouge out your eye then for your whole body to be thrown into hell. This probably should not be taken literally. But take whatever steps necessary to love Christ more and sin less.

vs 31-32 Divorce

Divorce should be the last option taken. It is only okay in marital unfaithfulness. Even though it is not implied here I would also go with abuse as being part of the unfaithfulness. Divorce is difficult and affects a lot more then just the couple involved.

vs 33-37 Trustworthy

Be a man or woman of your word.

vs 38-42 More then required

1. Turn the other cheek... let him slap the other as well. We should not retaliate in a way that the world does. Yet another level of love.

2. If someone forces you to walk go one mile, go two. The phrase "go the extra mile," comes from this. When this was preached Romans had power in Israel and would seldom ask someone to carry his stuff up to a mile. It was even a law that required them to do it. So when a soldier asked them to do it, it was almost a slap in the face to go two miles.

vs 43-48 Love your enemies

A new level of love is shown here. Neighbor also includes enemy. We learned this when we read the Good Samaritan. Because they were not the nicest of friends. 

This chapter is closed to be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect. What do you think about this phrase? Is it possible to be perfect?