Unpacking the Sermon on the Mount: Lessons for Today

08/18/24 • 1 min

Season 1 of Central Sermon Series embarks on a study of the Sermon on the Mount with Rev. Matt Sapp's summer 2024 sermons. The Sermon on the Mount is one of the most important and extended bodies of teaching in all of scripture, and its impact extends well beyond our faith. These three chapters of uninterrupted teaching from Christ have influenced the larger culture and even the entire Western world.
In a time when fewer people are familiar with the history and basic teachings of our faith, many still have some passing familiarity with the teachings of Jesus presented in the Sermon on the Mount. Phrases like "Turn the other cheek," "The golden rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you," "Blessed are the peacemakers," "Do not judge, or you too will be judged," "No one can serve two masters," "You cannot serve both God and money," "Don't worry about tomorrow; today has enough worries of its own," and even the Lord's Prayer are all found in these three chapters of uninterrupted teaching from Jesus in Matthew chapters 5 through 7.
These teachings are so impactful that they have permeated the larger culture, making even those who are unsure about the Christian faith recognize them as good advice for living a fulfilling and worthwhile life.
10 Lessons From the Sermon on the Mount

Be Happy (Matthew 5:1-12): Happiness isn’t found in most of the places most of us most often seek it.
Be Interesting (Matthew 5:13-16): You were created to stand out, not blend in.
Be Holy (Matthew 5:17-37): Holiness is not about self-improvement; it is an other-directed activity.
Be Generous (Matthew 5:38-48): Jesus calls us to a standard higher than fairness. Be generous.
Be Humble (Matthew 6:1-18): Prayer and self-denial develop attitudes of humility.
Be Measured (Matthew 6:19-34): Avoid the twin excesses of wealth and worry.
Be Self-Aware (Matthew 7:1-6): Recognize your own limitations and value the most precious parts of who you are.
Be Open (Matthew 7:7-12): Put God’s promises for you first, and everything else will fall into place.
Be Wise (Matthew 7:13-20): Be discerning enough to distinguish between true and false leaders.
Be Revolutionary (Matthew 7:21-29): Doing the will of God in the world is revolutionary.

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where all generations worship, grow, and serve together.
where women and men have equal opportunities for leadership.
where traditional worship is engaged with excellence.
and where diverse approaches to Christian faith and theology all find themselves at home under the lordship of Christ.

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Be Happy (Matthew 5:1-12): Happiness isn’t found in most of the places most of us most often seek it.
Be Interesting (Matthew 5:13-16): You were created to stand out, not blend in.
Be Holy (Matthew 5:17-37): Holiness is not about self-improvement; it is an other-directed activity.
Be Generous (Matthew 5:38-48): Jesus calls us to a standard higher than fairness. Be generous.
Be Humble (Matthew 6:1-18): Prayer and self-denial develop attitudes of humility.
Be Measured (Matthew 6:19-34): Avoid the twin excesses of wealth and worry.
Be Self-Aware (Matthew 7:1-6): Recognize your own limitations and value the most precious parts of who you are.
Be Open (Matthew 7:7-12): Put God’s promises for you first, and everything else will fall into place.
Be Wise (Matthew 7:13-20): Be discerning enough to distinguish between true and false leaders.
Be Revolutionary (Matthew 7:21-29): Doing the will of God in the world is revolutionary.

Central is proud to be a place

where all generations worship, grow, and serve together.
where women and men have equal opportunities for leadership.
where traditional worship is engaged with excellence.
and where diverse approaches to Christian faith and theology all find themselves at home under the lordship of Christ.

Next Episode

Be Happy (Matthew 5:1-12)

In this episode, we delve into the profound teachings of Jesus as presented in the Sermon on the Mount, specifically focusing on the Beatitudes. As we kick off our 2024 summer study at Central, we reflect on the significance of these teachings, which have transcended religious boundaries to influence broader culture and ethics. The Beatitudes, with their counterintuitive blessings, challenge our conventional beliefs and invite us to embrace a new vision of how the world works. We explore how Jesus' words, though shocking to his original audience, continue to provoke thought and inspire action today. Through anecdotes and reflections, we underscore the importance of not just believing in Jesus but also living out his teachings. Join us as we embark on this transformative journey through one of the most important bodies of teaching in all of scripture.

(00:00) Introduction and the Beatitudes

(01:07) The Importance of the Sermon on the Mount

(03:13) Understanding the Beatitudes

(06:02) Believing and Practicing Jesus' Teachings

(07:41) The Basics of Faith and Ethics

(11:23) Modern Interpretations of the Beatitudes

(14:00) Applying the Teachings in Everyday Life

Matthew 5:1-12
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Central is proud to be a place

where all generations worship, grow, and serve together.
where women and men have equal opportunities for leadership.
where traditional worship is engaged with excellence.
and where diverse approaches to Christian faith and theology all find themselves at home under the lordship of Christ.