Sermon on the Mount –Why should we study it?

                The theme of Matthew 5-7 is the nature of the kingdom of heaven and the life required by those who desire to become a part of it.  It is applicable to us as a standard for conduct as Christians.  It is not a system of rules or regulations for we are doomed to fail if we try to use our own righteousness as a means to salvation.   It drives us to the cross recognizing we have fallen short of God’s righteousness.  It calls us to live by faith in Christ in a broken world that encourages us to seek our own desires and pleasure. 

                It is about a new way of life.  Leaving the old self behind and putting on the new self, (Eph 4:22-24, Col 3:9-10).  This is a continual renewing  lived out daily by dying to ourselves and living for Christ, (2 Cor 4:16).  The old mindset is shaped by the world and the new mindset is shaped by Christ.  The worldly agenda places importance on our own interests of pleasure, recognition, power, and possessions.  The Christian finds true happiness in accordance with the principles set forth in these chapters.  Life is more than self-satisfaction.  It is about our relationship with God and with others.

                So where do we go from here?  We need to be learners.  Learning from Him and about Him through the study of His word.  This new way of life and continual renewing of the mind requires an investment in learning.  Not just passive learning but intentional learning.  We must take time to think, reflect, and meditate on the Word.  Learning has a cost.  Not just time, but it also requires internal change.  Change that comes from God as we learn to put on Christ.  This is not natural for us and usually a difficult or even a painful process.

                One of the goals of this study is for each of us to think, reflect, and meditate on the selected verses for each week.  Allow them to soak in as you go through your week.  Listen to what God is saying to you through these verses and reflect on what He is trying to teach you throughout the week.  You may find yourself in situations where these words become reality and lead you to even deeper understanding.  You are welcome to post your insights anytime.  Please feel free to comment on the posts that are made during the week.  This might be a simple word of encouragement, confirming one another’s thought process or to let someone know you are praying for them.