Day 5, Matthew 5: The Sermon on the Mount

TITLE: Day 5, Matthew 5: The Sermon on the Mount
THEME: Counter Culture

In this amazing chapter, we read about the beatitudes. We read about the call for Christians to be the salt and light of the world. Following that, the chapter moves toward several counter-cultural, counter-beliefs.

With regards to the Law, Jesus in demonstrating his grace, shows that the Pharisees and adherents of the law, are nowhere to be compared with Jesus's keeping of the Law. For the fulfilment of the Law is not in terms of following the rules and regulations of each word of the law, but in following the Person of Jesus.

With regards to murder, it is not the physical hurt inflicted, but both external AND internal hurts that need to be addressed.

With regards to adultery, it is not simply to external act of unfaithfulness, but includes the internal temptations of sinning against one's spouse that is crucial.

With regards to divorce, it is not the act per se, but how the act causes others to stumble.

With regards to the keeping of oaths, do not let the keeping of oaths be the rod. Let truth be the guiding light with or without oaths.

With regards to retaliation, do a double-double. Over give. Over deliver. Thoroughly love.

With regards to enemies, do not killing. Love them.

All of these counter cultural actions show us that the God that we follow is not from this world. Jesus is from heaven.

What I learn: The person of God fears not the world, but lets the fear of the Lord guide him to counter the world when necessary.

conrade