Sunday: Principles and Standards
Skim through the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7. Summarize on the lines below what stands out the most in your mind about it, about what it says to you.
“Perhaps no other religious discourse in the history of humanity has attracted the attention which has been devoted to the Sermon on the Mount.
Image © Review & Herald Publishing from GoodSalt.com
Philosophers and activists from many non-Christian perspectives who have refused to worship Jesus nevertheless have admired His ethic. In the twentieth century, Mohandas Gandhi was the sermon’s most famous non-Christian devotee.”—Craig L. Blomberg, The New American Commentary: Matthew (Nashville: B&H Publishing Group, 1992), vol. 22, pages 93, 94.
This sermon has been viewed in many different ways. Some see it as an impossibly high moral standard that drives us to our knees and causes us to claim the righteousness of Jesus as our only hope of salvation because we all have fallen far short of the divine standard that God calls us to as revealed in the Sermon on the Mount. Others see it as a discourse in civil ethics, a call for pacifism. Some have seen in it the social gospel, a call to bring the kingdom of God to earth by human effort.
In a sense, probably everyone brings something of himself or herself into this sermon because it so powerfully touches us in crucial areas of our lives; thus, we all react to it in our own way.
Ellen G. White writes: “In the Sermon on the Mount He sought to undo the work that had been wrought by false education, and to give His hearers a right conception of His kingdom and of His own character … The truths He taught are no less important to us than to the multitude that followed Him. We no less than they need to learn the foundation principles of the kingdom of God.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 299.
Thus, whatever else we bring to it, the Sermon on the Mount gives us the foundation principles of God’s kingdom. It tells us what God is like, as the ruler of His kingdom, and tells us what God calls us to be like, as subjects of His kingdom. It’s a radical call from the principles and standards of the fleeting kingdoms of this world to the principles and standards of the one kingdom that will exist forever. (See Dan. 7:27.)
(23)
What a wonderful lesson that touches humanity at it's core in both the spiritual and social circles.Surely, the heaven's main business since the fall has been redemption of man from spiritual poverty.In some societies ,individuals are ranked according to the social status in which he/she belongs depending on how poor or rich you are.My questions are:
1.Can the physical riches or poverty influence the spiritual poverty ?
2.What are the principles and standards as expressed in the beatitude?
3.Are there degrees of standards and principles?
Probably the most controversial--Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Probably the most misapplied--Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
Jim bob the words probably, fit and a possible definition for perfect, is one that I have heard before more than once. A flower when it buds is in a perfect state of maturity. As it grows into a beautiful flower it is in a complete state of maturity. Jesus gave the Father all that He asked. The eternal Three are perfect. Judging others becomes a problem of preferential treatment. When applying Matt22:36-40 judging may be easier.
The teachings on the law Matthew 5:17-21 stands out. If humanity were able to keep the laws/commandments, none of the other teachings would be controversial or misapplied. We would all be walking through the narrow gate, but because of sin some are travelling the easy road.
I think misapplied verses hav been so due to humanity efforts to redeem themselves.
I wanna thank the contributors for good work that enriches our souls
The comments on Sundays lesson seems to agree with the opinion that what ever you take away from reading MATT 5-7, there is something for every reader. How might the multitude have grasped the many admonitions? Have they been accepted or understood? With the promise of freedom, possibly by a great religious leader, opportunity was sought at every turn. There was at least, a certain amount of curiosity. Enough to keep them glued for hours. How we deal with how to?, is always a challenge, if we are Holy Spirit guided. We have those same promises from the m31ultitude as well as us, in Matthew 1:21-23.
I'm aware that I don't deserve d mercy of God,it's a gift of his love for me ,l thank God daily for allowing me to deal with others through His eyes to treat others d way He treat me,I thank God for d Holy blood of Jesus that wash my Sins that I can show mercy to other knowing I need d Holy Spirit daily to keep my eyes on his sacrifices,with a greatfull heart for adopting
Me in His everlasting mercy,through His mercy I can show mercy to others.
Amen...
Looking at Matt. 5:48 my question is: Is it possible for one whose sins are forgiven to live the rest of his life without committing another sin? keep in mind the power of the cross ?
I don't think so because the bible says we sin even in our thoughts. but we have an advocate ready to forgive when we confess our sins.
But Marcia, we have a wonderful promise from Desire of Ages, that while Jesus did not sin even by thought, so it may be with us. However Freddie, the key is not to get wrapped up in overcoming sin, but to focus on a relationship with Christ. Jesus will take care of the sin problem Himself by cleansing and forgiveness. Also please notice while Matthew 5:48 says "be ye therefore perfect" Luke translated it in Luke 6:36 "be merciful". In our relationships Christ wants us to be perfectly merciful.
Here is the encouraging quote about how we can overcome even in our thoughts.
"The prince of this world cometh," said Jesus, "and hath nothing in Me." John 14:30. There was in Him nothing that responded to Satan's sophistry. He did not consent to sin. Not even by a thought did He yield to temptation. So it may be with us. Christ's humanity was united with divinity; He was fitted for the conflict by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. And He came to make us partakers of the divine nature. So long as we are united to Him by faith, sin has no more dominion over us. God reaches for the hand of faith in us to direct it to lay fast hold upon the divinity of Christ, that we may attain to perfection of character." {Desire of Ages, Page 123.3}
Wonderful thought!
"Not even by a thought did He yield to temptation. So it may be with us."
Amen, Willeam.
Freddie, I would answer your question several ways. First would be, the answer is hypothetical in the same way the question is asked. To put it in literal terms, by stipulating conditions, puts one in a position of dictating to God. Because you are positive that if you were able to remain sinless, there is a reward of eternal life, is based again on what that source is.
Freddie, One other observation. This is much like the age old challenging question, Can God make a rock larger than He can lift? To answer your question for those that would say yes to their question, Yes perhaps if you expired sinless. Their are those that believe if you sin as a way of life, there are extenuating circumstances?
Yes, I believe it is possible Freddie.
The Word of God assures us that He is able to keep us from falling. (We don't HAVE TO fall under temptation. We don't have to fall into sin.) Jude 1:24
And the well known Scripture tells us that "all HAVE sinned" - but of course this speaks in the past tense. It doesn't say that we must CONTINUE in sin. (Rom 6:1-2)
Also, as I expect you are aware, the perfection mentioned in Matt 5:48 refers to Christian "maturity". I find the thought quite wonderful, that God can bring His people up to the 'full stature' (the full maturity) found in the man Jesus Christ.
By faith, Jesus was more than conqueror over sin, and of course Jesus used no advantage that we cannot also have. (Of Himself He could do nothing! He depended on God for the power to overcome, leaving us an example.) In this life He can make us more than conquerors too.
The text in Romans 6:12 was a rhetorical question. Not advocating we should continue in sin. The next Chapter Romans 7:7-25 however,not only explains the debate but in fact verse 19, Paul says I practice being sinful. Verse 24,25, the answer is one of comfort.
Freddie, I believe it is not possible to live the rest of one's life without sinning if we are focused on "not sinning," because that is essentially a focus on self.
However, the new heart that Christ has promised to give will not want to sin, and by surrendering to Christ, He will keep us from sinning willfully. Please refer to the testimony, "God's Love Wins ... Again" for an example of how that works in real life. (It is not our business to worry about sins that we do not yet recognize as being sin. That's the burden that Christ will carry for us.)
I highly recommend that you read the whole book, Steps to Christ for the answer to your question, but especially the chapter on Sanctification. It begins like this:
For off-line reading of this book, you can get the EGW app on your phone (search your app store), or you can purchase a Kindle version. You can read any Kindle book on your phone, tablet or computer by downloading the Free Kindle app.
Freddie, I believe it's encouraging to realize that God looks on the heart, not the outward appearance. Thus, when it is in our hearts to obey, He accepts that as though we obeyed perfectly. That is what it means to be covered by the righteousness of Christ.
See also
I remember talking to A Graham Maxwell on this very quote. He told me that he used to hand it out to a bunches of students at PUC.
May the Good Lord bless His people especially those who are taking their time to prepare and read Sabbath school's lessons. Wherever you are stay in Heavenly peace.Thank you and stay tuned to Jesus.
What did Jesus mean when He said " And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathens do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words " Matthew 6:7
What is this vain repetitions and many words?
If anyone understands this,, help me.
Orpah I believe it means reciting a prayer without really thinking about or meaning what you are saying.
William I agree and I draw an example, when I was only about nine or ten years old, my sister,17, was like my mother sometimes such as telling me that if I called someone a fool Matt 5:22, I will end up in hell. We get misquoted and misunderstood sometimes in the manner that Jesus addressed the scribes and Pharisees.
Orpah,
I've understood that the Jews used the Psalms, etc., in the same way that the Catholics use "Our Fathers'" and "Hail Marys'". And of course the heathen had mantras, and things they would recite over and over, thinking that by repeating "sacred" verses many times over, they would win the approval of their gods.
Jesus warns us not to get caught in the same trap. (Prov 10:19.)
(Perhaps a good example of vain [empty, useless,] repetition can be found in 1Kings 18:26.)
I thank God for the wonderful people who take there time to study the word and minister it world wide may God bless you all
Our prayers doesn't bring our Heavenly Father to this world, but our prayers takes us before our Father who at in Heaven( these words are found in the book of Steps to Christ). So what Jesus ment in the book of Matt 6:7 is that when we are going to pray we must have great respect to God, we must be specific in the words that we use in our prayers, because Jesus saw that we do not know how to pray and what kind of words we can be using when we are praying that's why He thought us how to pray in Matt6:9-13. In Heaven there is order in everything especially in prayer that's why Jesus is training us so that by the time we will go to heaven we are already trained how to pray , and how to sing . May the Good Lord help us to learn more about His word, wherever you are God loves we are His people.
Thanks William, but how is that possible?
Am struggling with that. May you please explain properly if it's possible because my fear is that I might be just doing what Jesus Christ said not to do it
Orpha, this might help you:
Steps to Christ, chapter 11. Through nature and revelation, through His providence, and by the influence of His Spirit, God speaks to us. But these are not enough; we need also to pour out our hearts to Him. In order to have spiritual life and energy, we must have actual intercourse [conversation] with our heavenly Father. Our minds may be drawn out toward Him; we may meditate upon His works, His mercies, His blessings; but this is not, in the fullest sense, communing with Him. In order to commune with God, we must have something to say to Him concerning our actual life.
Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Not that it is necessary in order to make known to God what we are, but in order to enable us to receive Him. Prayer does not bring God down to us, but brings us up to Him
Orpah I think the passage shirley shared says a lot. When you talk to your friends do you just recite phrases you've memorized? No, you speak from the heart about your feelings and cares for that day. Speak to God the same way.
If look you at the multitude, they were attentively listening to Jesus as He was Teaching and everyone was amazed. Pastors of nowadays have gone away from the truth. They want to show how good they can teach as the result they turn away from the teaching of Christ. Even us the listeners we go in the house with minds somewhere while others are busy on the phones therefore we tend not to appreciate the message. We must be serious when we are in the house to get something that will build us spiritually.
This overcoming vs defeatist topic is what was crucial in the theme of the great controversy..from last quarter. It is unfortunate that it is getting less exposure in the "remnant church" which is supposed to be different because it "keeps the commandments of God and has the faith of Jesus". Some or many don't realize that many pastors and teachers have raised the white flag of surrender to the flesh and "have the form of godliness but deny the power thereof". I will post some SOP passages that get little exposure.
"Every one who by faith obeys God's commandments, will reach the condition of sinlessness in which Adam lived before his transgression." ST 7-23-1902
"He came to this world and lived a sinless life, that in His power His people might also live lives of sinlessness." R & H 4-1-1902
"The gospel is the good news of grace, or favour, by which man may be released from the condemnation of sin, and enabled to render acceptable obedience to the law." Bible Echo 4-16-1894
Even the bible victory verses get little exposure these days.
"Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:" 2 Pet 1:10
"Therefore, since Christ suffered for us[a] in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,"
1 Pet 4:1
"Now to Him who is able to keep you[a] from stumbling,
And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy," Jude 24
"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:" Heb 12:14
I would echo what Jesus said in MATT 16
"Beware of the doctrine of the Pharisees."
The verse from Jude is 24 not 2. Sorry for the typo.
Thank you for the reminder of the beautiful promises of what Christ will do in us as we allow Him to be Lord in our lives.
Here's the full paragraph regarding reaching the sinless state of Adam:
The focus is always on Christ. So, to have victory in our own lives, we need to devote time and attention to nurturing our relationship with Christ. Then we shall live in the atmosphere of heaven by being surrounded by the Holy Spirit who will give us the mind of Jesus. (See Phil 2:5-8)
I can't speak for anyone else, but I know from experience that striving for perfection "with the help of Christ" only results in legalism. However, when I spend time nurturing my relationship with Christ, the Spirit prompts me to walk in His paths. (See Isa 30:31)
I believe God sees "perfection" differently than we do, because He looks on the heart. If we strive to be "perfect" so we may be saved in heaven, our heart is still selfish. It is only Christ who can root out this selfishness so we will do good as naturally as He did. I like this little excerpt from Thoughts from the Mount of Blessings:
Churchgoers ask, "How can one stop sinning"?
Think..have you ever overcome one single temptation? Have you ever overcome two? How did you do it? Now, how did you fail to overcome a temptation? Is this rocket science?
Thank you Stewart:I believe that Jesus Overcane every temptation known to man. The key to his victory was : that he lived within the will of his Father. He taught us by his example that our victory is sure as we live within his will. that is righteousness by faith. (Our will must be surrended to him )
A close look at these NINE Beatitudes, fondly known to many also as "the Sermon on the Mount", reminds me of the TEN commandments. These governing principles of the kingdom of God in essence summarize on the one hand - our relationships with each other as human beings and on the other, our attitudes before God, our Creator. Two sides of the same coin.
As with the ten commandments, I see myself as it were in a high definition mirror that shows up all my flaws and faults - there's no escaping the stark reality, my sins. If we look to self instead of to God, this standard may seem very discouraging, out of our reach and impossible to attain, after all, this is about the righteous character of God; but there is hope. God has not required human works or righteousness for we have none, as the prophet says (Isaiah 64:6) "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away."
He has made the Way for us, Christ is our hope, our only righteousness. Jesus' exemplary life has demonstrated for us, that once we put all our hope and faith in Him, we SHALL overcome because He overcame for us.
If we desire to be citizens of God's actual kingdom, we must first be willing to embrace the principles and standards of His spiritual kingdom. We have no choice but to let go! and let God!
Not I, but Christ, be honored, loved, exalted;
Not I, but Christ, be seen be known, be heard;
Not I, but Christ, in every look and action,
Not I, but Christ, in every thought and word.
How do so many contributors to these pages arrive with so many methods of perfection? Many with verses of scripture and other sources, that, by these admonitions are unworkable due to what ever formula is perceived. Such as commentaries for entire chapters in the Bible that allow understanding different from what perception we might conceive of. I have discussed this at some length with belief that, first the Bible is reliable, and if time is spent among Its many pages, God will lead as He chooses. What I or someone else chooses as dogma is not always accurate and is often taken out of context.
Was there a question here?
The Bible writers all have a unique, individual background, yet they present the Gospel as inspired by the Holy Spirit. There is no formula or orthodoxy to achieve. There is no method to obtain a perfect faith, it is a gift.
We see the need, realize our incompetence to achieve it, and wholy rely upon Christ to give the gift. Romans 5:1
Thank you so much brothers and sisters for your response,, God bless you all.