Jesus was the greatest moral teacher that ever lived and the ‘Sermon on the Mount’ was his most famous sermon. Many of the phrases used are still used 2000 years later –‘turn the other cheek’, ‘do not judge’, ‘do unto others as you would have them do unto you’.
Initially Jesus came proclaiming the kingdom of God, issuing the call to repent and believe (Matthew 4:17). Jesus had come to be King of this world and was calling people into his kingdom. Once he had proclaimed the kingdom and chosen his twelve disciples, he goes on to describe what life in the kingdom looks like for those who have already entered.
So this is Jesus’ teaching on discipleship – once you have entered the kingdom of God, what kind of life have you signed up for? What does it mean to be a Jesus follower? What are the ethical standards? What are the privileges and demands of life in the kingdom? This teaching is not for the faint-hearted, but for those who have a desire to learn and grow within Jesus’ kingdom.
Here is how we will break down the 8 week series:
- A new society – “The meek will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:1-16)
- A new law – “You have heard…but I say to you” (Matthew 5:17-37)
- A new love – “Turn the other cheek” (Matthew 5:38-48)
- A new devotion – “Do not do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men” (Matthew 6:1-18)
- A new freedom – “Do not worry” (Matthew 6:19-32)
- A new humility – “Do not judge” (Matthew 7:1-6)
- A new way – “Enter through the narrow gate” (Matthew 7:13-38)
- A new foundation – (Matthew 7:15-29)
Do join us every Sunday, 4.30pm for our service – whether online, or if and when possible, in person.
FYI – sandwiched in the middle of the series will be our online/smaller-groups and Dublin-based weekend away (6-8th Nov). Details to follow.