The Sermon on the Mount – Discussion Starters
- He taught with authority. Were Jesus’ listeners amazed that He spoke with authority even before they knew He was Jesus Christ? In other words, was it “who He was” or “How He spoke” that first impressed them concerning Jesus?The “Sermon on the Mount” is fairly short, but it is “the most powerful sermon ever preached,” according to our lesson guide. What was powerful about Jesus’ sermon?
Image © Pacific Press from GoodSalt.com
- Principles and Standards. Does everybody react to the Sermon on the Mount in the same way? Is respect for the words of this sermon based on its message or its author? Do you think the words of the Sermon on the Mount have as great a need today, when we have lived with the principles for some two thousand years, as it did in the days of Christ’s ministry on earth when it was a new set of standards for many?
- Sermon Versus Law. Is the Sermon on the Mount the law of God? If so, does it occupy a position of superiority over the Ten Commandments? Why or why not? What do you think of this expression in our study guide, “the workless grace of much of Western Christendom”? What do you say to the person who wonders why as a Seventh-day Adventist you believe you are saved by works?
- The Righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees. Did the Scribes and Pharisees, in general, consider themselves to be righteous believers in God? Can you imagine what it would have been like if these dedicated Jewish people had followed a system of grace? Do you and I project a system of obedience-driven salvation? Should we? How can we discover within ourselves if we are leaning towards legalism? Or toward a totally “free” way of following God without bothering with strict obedience?
- The Principles of the Kingdom. Many, including our lesson author, believe that the “most radical teaching of Jesus” is found in Matthew 5:48. Have you ever trembled at this command to be perfect just as God our Father is perfect? (Or are you already perfect?) How do the verses just before Matthew 5:48 help us to grasp where God wants to take us? How does that happen?
- Receiving the Words of the Kingdom. Jesus told many stories. We call them parables. What is the difference? Is the “parable of the hidden treasure” and the “parable of the pearl of great price” the same basic story? Have you ever sold everything you owned to work in God’s vineyard? Is the prize of eternal life with Jesus Christ enough of a reward for us to sacrifice all to follow Him?
(15)
Thank you Joyce for your incite in these discussions
In the opening introduction to the multitude Matt5:3 Jesus begins with the heart of the message. If we were like
a salesman new to town, you would want to put your best foot forward so to speak. Hear ye, hear ye. You are blessed because you are spiritually in need, and Because Gods Kingdom belongs to them. Sounds like an invitation of great hope. With more to come.
What do you say to the person who wonders why as a Seventh-day Adventist you believe you are saved by works? Is this what Seventh-day Adventist believe? That we are saved by works? What I read is in the Bible is: "By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8).
Exactly we should recognize God is the one guiding us always and leading us of what we are. Now, give everything credit to God especially about salvation God alone can save us yet, we need to cooperate or do His will that we will be worthy to the next step of salvation
Andre, we are not saved by works, but our works--the way we behave to others, our response to criticism, our attitude to those who are not like us etc. The people who say that are the ones who do not want a character change, but want to continue in their sins. Jesus said to the woman who was caught in adultery, "Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more.
Let's get the message clear here so that we don't get misled.
As a Seventh Day Adventist, I do not categorically believe we are saved by our "mere" works per se, though our works are very imperative too, as expression for our love for God (John 14:15).
We may not get it clearer unless we study carefully and prayerfully in comparison the books of Romans 6 especially vs 1-2; 7 especially vs 7 and Ephesians 4:8.
We should not forget that God Himself through Jesus Christ accomplished (i.e salvation) for us what the law (our goods works or strict adherence to the law) could not in that it was weak through the flesh. Romans8:3.
Therefore, we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ which now calls for our total obedience to His will, commands - His law (the transcription of God's character) which has much to do with our relationship with God and man.
Being too legalistic or fanatical would not matter but how the two are blended to the glory of God.
This is what I believe without fear of contradictions.
Please let me know your concern.
I think we are saved by grace but we are judged by our works or deeds. Rev 20:12,13.
Gordon, just so!