Why the Sermon on the Mount Matters
By Dr. Darrell Bock- Dallas Theological Seminary
Imagine the pressure of walking into church knowing you must follow hundreds of rules perfectly. During Jesus’ time, God’s people lived according to a collection of 613 mandates extracted from Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The religious leaders of the time defined their faith by how perfectly they could keep the minute details of each law, even adding stipulations to increase their perceived righteousness.
Today, we may be free from many of these stipulations. But, just like those religious leaders, we’re often tempted to measure our righteousness by our rule-following.
For many of us, biblical teachings can represent countless opportunities to fail or fall short. We’re either tempted to ignore God’s standards, knowing we can never measure up, or we cling to them, trying to earn the favor of God and men.
Jesus, however, challenges both extremes. In the famous Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7, He offers a path forward that holds onto high standards without tying our status to them.
Rather than a presentation of a new list of rules to follow, the Sermon on the Mount is an invitation into the very heart of God. Jesus gently moves us from a shallow reading of what we should do to the true fulfillment of the law — who we should be. This transforms our understanding of blessing and identity from external indicators to an internal and eternal perspective.
Blessing Redefined
Merriam Webster’s Dictionary defines “blessing” as “a thing conducive to happiness or welfare.”
With that definition in mind, we’re tempted to think of relationships, finances, or hobbies, just as the religious leaders were tempted to think of position and influence.
Jesus presents a radically different definition of blessings. His blessings are not about external comforts. Instead, He promises the kingdom of heaven, mercy, and to call His followers children of God. The one who is blessed is full of internal traits drawn by the grace of God:
the poor in spirit
those who mourn,
the meek,
those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
merciful,
pure in heart,
peacemakers,
persecuted,
and those insulted because of Jesus.
These are all characteristics of the heart — internals, not externals.
Jesus does not promise “theirs is financial security, they will be shown job promotions, or they will be called popular.” His is the promise of being part of the kingdom both now and yet to come.
In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus teaches:
“Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus forces us to examine our idea of “treasure” and “blessing.” We are challenged to ask, “Where is my heart?”
When we humbly go before Him, confessing our sin with a hunger and thirst for righteousness, we receive an eternal blessing that is far richer than anything we could possess on earth.
Identity Established
In Jesus’ time and in Roman culture, Jewish believers were easy to recognize. Their clothes, their holidays, and their eating habits clearly established their religious identity. Our identity as Christians isn’t always as visible, but in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus clearly tells His followers we are to be distinct.
So, what sets us apart from our neighbors?
In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus establishes our identity as salt and light. This is the true purpose of our good actions — through our heart for others, we show God’s heart for them. A true fulfillment of the law is not about our own status, but about our purity of heart and our representation of God as His people.
We are a people who understand that murder comes from anger, adultery from lust, and divorce from a broken commitment. We don’t need to make oaths, because our word is good. We value forgiveness over revenge.
Jesus calls us to be different because He is different. We are transformed because He transforms us. We ask what the Father desires of us, and we prioritize what is precious to Him.
When our daily lives reflect the teachings of Jesus, we reflect the light of Christ. We are not defined by the commands we keep, but by a heart that seeks to keep them.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
Want to learn more about Jesus’ teaching in Matthew? Check out our blog archive for more posts like this one.
Dr. Darrell Bock
Dallas Theological Seminary
Dr. Darrell Bock is senior research professor of New Testament and executive director for cultural engagement at Dallas Theological Seminary. He hosts The Table Podcast, leading discussions related to God, Christianity and culture.
What is God teaching you?
Dr. Bock shared his insights from the Sermon the Mount. We want to hear yours! In the form below, share how God has been working through His Word this year.
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Good morning l read so many times the sermon on the mount and just treasure all the readings.
AS a teen I opened my heart to God and my first effort to follow His word was to memorize and follow the ten commandments God gave Moses, with the fear that not following these laws would surely result in disobedience and failure as a Christian. Sad to say I could not perfectly follow these ten laws and felt discouraged in my quest to follow the Lord. Glory to God for clarifying the importance of giving my heart to Jesus was far more important than any law.
To me the sermon on the mount makes this very clear and when now when my children ask for guidance on how to live their lives, I refer them to these most important qualities you initially presented in your article, which I found to be true to the spirit of God’s word. Thank you!
After I detoxed from drug addiction (which I previously thought was something that would never happen to me) I stopped judging others. I don’t suggest trying it and it would have been better if the addiction hadn’t happened. However the Lord can make bad things into good things especially if we put our lives in His care and ask Him for help. I still struggle sometimes with judging others but I pray for understanding of other’s (for example, my husband’s) actions and I feel the Lord has opened my eyes and heart.
This summary was very helpful, after going through the Sermon on the Mount. It’s easy to get lost in all of it.
God’s word & His Spirit have changed me a lot.I have written my autobiography in which I told this.Is it forbidden to share my book with others in bsf?
Before the death of my husband, the Lord has held me in his arms. First with comforting me so I wouldn’t freak out. Even though his passing took a long time at home with his battle with cancer. The Lord made sure I learned and grew a lot. My growth allowed me to want to help others in need. He showed me it was time to sell the home we had together with everything in it, which was another hard trial to go through. The Lord did that to show me how strong I could be. The Lord held me with the move I was able to make with our son. The Lord even made a place for us to live that we could afford with ease and love. I see and know I am in the hands of my heavenly father now and forever.
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
Matthew 7:7-11 KJV
https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.7.7-11.KJV
I feel God is calling me to prayer. I think the passage above is beautiful, and I am so glad it is all true. I just need to live like I believe it.
Matthew 5:5 ” Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth.” I have been dealing with an issue that I knew involved my pride; but this morning the Holy Spirit revealed just how I was making the issue about me and not about God’s will. This came to me as I was reading how the centurion humbled himself before Jesus in Matthew 8:8. I felt God’s peace envelop my heart as I prayed a prayer of submission to my Father’s good and perfect will.
The sermon on the mount showed me I had unresolved issues with anger toward a supervisor from 7 years back. I finally forgave her and reached out to say I was sorry for the things I said to her and any actions of retribution I caused. I stated I forgave her for her actions. I don’t know her address and she had unfriended me from Facebook, so I messaged her husband with the words of forgiveness and sorrow. I have not heard back, but the weight on my heart has lifted and Jesus has forgiven me. I have more joy in my heart and life. I see the world in a different manner, one of love, forgiveness and faith.
I have felt closer to God since starting BSF. Being in a group helps me understand that other people have or have had some of the same problems I have. They have taught bible verses to help me pray and get closer to Jesus. I look forward to our meetings when before I just sat in the house and prayed to God to show me what to do. He led me to BSF. The lectures help be closer to the Lord and closer to others.
Valerie, I totally agree with you. God is filling our heart with love. God Bless.
I’m really enjoying studying the book of Matthew. The main thing that the Lord seems to be telling me is that its the heart that He is concerned with rather than all the works that we may do for Him. Not everyone has the opportunity to “do” many works, some people are rather limited, but everyone can humbly submit their heart and motives asking Him to purify this area of our lives. I am blessed to know that.
That my heart should reflect the love, the attitude, and the commitment to the Father’s work and will, just as Jesus’ did in His time on earth. If I am so privileged to declare that it indeed does, then I am also justified to claim that I am truly blessed.
Fasten your seatbelts… The fact that I’m NOT wearing an orange jumpsuit and writing this from behind bars is due to my trust in God to fix what’s wrong in my life.
My Faith is increasing Romans 10:17
The sermon on the mount lessons have great impact on me. Jesus has taught , encouraged and transformed me.
I now yield to Him completely.
I give my all to Him and by His grace I purpose to shine out for His glory and for my good.
Teachings on beatitudes,
Murder, divorce, being sensitive to others , not to judge others, discernment and making right choices have changed the way of thinking. Going forward I pray that I live God’s word and this way I will please my God. Amen.
I have become highly aware of my shortcomings of being richteous in the eyes of God. The sermon on the mount holds a mirror up to me. Its a magnifying mirror! Its an absolute need for me. So i can recognize & own up to my sins. Having that done, its a whole lot easier to sincerely repent & become more obedient from my growth in my trust & faith. I WANT to know my Savior much better, as He so desires so much! That being said, im in progress of becoming more like Him. The results are amazing. My attitudes are more positive therefore my family relationships are on the mend as needed so much! Im so very grateful & thankful that i praise Him much more than i ever have.Not only that, i now volunteer in my community to help families of domestic violence (same as my own childhood years experience.) I feel compelled to do this in obedience of God’s Will for me.
Praise to God for His work through you!!
I feel so much closer to God with this Matthew study.
The Matthew lessons are impacting our lives in Ghana. The favorite Matthew verse to share is 6:33, “But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
The hymnist Nahum Tate (1652-1715) says it all encouragingly in the last stanza of his hymn/lyrics:
“Fear Him, ye saints, and you will then
Have nothing else to fear;
Make you His service your delight,
He’ll make your wants His care.”
I am blessed to be in Bsf
I have been going through a rough season with my adult son. God has been teaching me to always pray before and after any interaction with my son. Pray that God will protect him and it is in God’s hands and time when my son will decide to either come back into my life or finally decide to tell me he doesn’t want anything to do with me since he has not contacted me and doesn’t respond to me reaching out to him.
Jessica, praying with you and for you!
I pray Lord God that You will watch over him and protect him and dear Father God, bring him back to his mom ready for a fresh start. I pray for his freedom in whatever he is going through in You alone. In Jesus’ name. Thank You Father! Amen
Have just realised that God is the audience of my prayer sessions and not the many prayer partners l often have yearn for.
Samson, thank you for sharing this. Such an amazing reminder!
Wow! That’s a very enlightening realization. I’m glad you shared this.
I love when the Lord makes an old lesson new! I’ve read Matthew 7:7-8 so many times and have probably even taught the concept of Ask, Seek and Knock a few times.
Today, the first portion of verse 8 really hit me in a fresh way – “For everyone who asks receives”.
Granted, I must do my part as an asker, seeker, and knocker, but y’all, I’m one of those EVERY! Not some, not a few chosen, but every.
Today, I’m so thankful for serving a Savior who will provide answers when I ask, show me when I seek and open doors when I knock. #HisWordisthebestinvestmentofmyday
The word of God should have an impact in our life and we should not imitate the world we may be worthless,we should not blend with all but have a positive effect.
To pray the Pattern (Our Father) plus ASK (Ask, Seek, Knock). In that order so the the Father guides & inspires the very prayers He delights to answer.
Expanded: To not belabor the details of what I need since my Father knows what I need before I ask & use the patter of the Our Father, learning to trust my perfect heavenly Father Who knows what’s best. To start with focus on Him & let Him lead in simple prayer after praise & shift to HIS will be done (the prayer that never fails) while unburdening as led in simple ASK (Ask, Seek, Knock), knowing He’s promised to answer.
In my home church we are taught that you can’t beat God’s giving. When I came to BSF it was after I started learning to surrender my life to Christ. I had been through baptism long ago, I had pledged my life to Christ long ago but it’s only been within the last two years of my 39 years journey with Christ have I learned to truly surrender and say ,”Lord whatever you want for my life , is what I want for my life.” That doesn’t mean I’m perfect or that I do everything that I should do but as this teaching said I have a heart to do what I should according to the fruits of the Spirit. I’m learning daily I’m not what I have been but I am becoming what God calls me and qualifies me to be in JESUS name. Amen
Thank you I needed that
Blessed are the peace makers for they shall be called the children of God. Matt 5:9
When I was a child I chose peace to avoid the persecution of my peers(go along to get along). Today I strive to be a peace maker in spite of the persecutions of the world all around me because He is worthy of all of our praises.
What would humanity look like if we really tried hard to love our enemies…more like His kingdom.
This is my eighth year attending BSF. I have gone full circle now beginning with Matthew and studying Matthew again and I feel so blessed to study Matthew again. I never get enough of the words of Jesus. The Sermon on the Mount reaffirms to me how much Jesus loves us and instructs us on how to live and love. This study is so good for such a time as this.
You need to return this program to it’s roots. It’s become very emotional, and has almost NO biblical content instruction compared to the program of yester-year. Years ago, BSF was like free seminary for women. We’d learn and then enjoy each others company from deep discussion and studies. Now, the superficiality is distracting. You can’t create intimacy which is what the apparent attempts are. The group therapy aspects of “what do you think?” or “How’s that make you feel?” is just disgraceful. In short, you’re trying to hard to be in the world and you’ve removed the biblical content and the programs’ previous rules that provided the quality order and experience of the program.
Hello Ella
I joined BSF a little over two months ago – starting in with Matthew 14. Although I do like the fellowship, I totally understand what you mean about “what do you think” and “how’s that make you feel” – so the study does lend itself more to what’s going on in your life and the discussion at hand can get more off track from biblical content.
I am not sure what you mean about “free seminary for women” when BSF also has a study group for men? But I guess BSF was only for women at the time you are speaking of?
I myself would like to see a shift in the questionnaire that lends itself more to serious and deeper study. I will stick it out for a while and pray that the studies would be geared more deeper biblical discussions.
Matthew 7:7 is the ASK/GIVEN, SEEK/FIND, KNOCK/OPENED promise from Jesus to His followers. I am a woman who from birth to adulthood had parents who showed me how to have a family of abuse, alcoholism, poverty, dysfunction and little to no nurturing. My Mom was a believer but came from a troubled family also. When I started 7th grade my Mom fled Appalachia with six kids and came to Cleveland. At 12 years old I was realized I was pretty much “on my own” “fight or flight”. I prayed and gave God my wish like rubbing a magic lamp and my exact request would be answered by God because I knew He loved me and if I asked I trusted he would magically grant my request. Ultimately I have learned that God did give, He helped me find and He opened many doors. In many UNEXPECTED ways Gods has proven He is wiser than my magic lamp wish. I could share a book of how God has worked everything in my life for His glory and my good in UNEXPECTED ways. I am still learning to TRUST but the sweet gift of His faithfulness is priceless.
I’m learning about that sweet gift of His faithfulness being priceless.. Thank you
The verse Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth”, will always be a special verse to me because it is how the Lord spoke to me 40 years ago when I was in college. I had one foot in the world and one in my belief in God, but not really living for Him. I was convicted of my sins and gave my heart and life to Jesus shortly after this encounter with God and His Word and have never been the same!
I am really enjoying the content of the deep studies BSF is leading. I would like to see the format change a little though, in that the lecture and note-reading come before the questions each week instead of after. Sometimes our discussions are better than the lectures or have covered the same insights.
What a wonderful reminder that God wants Our Hearts and not our acts. Our lives lived out will reflect our love for Him and make His Fruits evident not for His approval but for His honor and His Glory. Hard to imagine thanking Him for COVID or other challenges in our lives but He continues to teach me that all of these things are for my good and His glory. He always provides the Grace we need as He forms me to be more like Jesus every day. Wow do we have an Amazing , Loving Father!!! Thanks to all in BSF for the challenge to grow, the encouragement and for sharing their lives with us.
God has used this study to help me completely surrender to Him again. I was dealing with fears and as soon as I surrendered, God showed me how I had allowed a lie to keep me in bondage.
I attend a women’s class online. I had been in this study of The beatitudes. The day before her class I had been in prayer asking the Lord to set me free from insecurity which I know is really pride. That I wanted more of him and less of me. As we as a group listened to the lecture spoke about blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. As she spoke the words that we are bankrupt, we have nothing to offer before God, what I had read and acknowledged in my heart the Holy Spirit supernaturally sanctified my mind and attitude. All I can say is what I knew in my head now I knew in my heart. Thankfully I was muted on the computer because I said “I’m free!” His word is living and active. And I’m so thankful for my advocate, a helper, the Holy Spirit that is completing the good work in me. I am very sure that many prayers are offered over the lecture and over us, that we would be changed for his glory. Well he answers! His word did not return void but answered my hearts cry. To be changed and to be able to receive more of him. To become more like him. Praise honor and glory to the unexpected king!
Margo, this is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing!
Praise the Lord for His answer to your prayer and for changing your heart and mind.
Gods Word changed me. I do not worry about every little thing cause God’s got me.
As we’ve studied the Sermon on the Mount these last few weeks, God has pointed to a heart issue that I have been fearful of facing, but I know He is faithful and cleanses me as I confess and face this sin.
I am been in BSF for 6 or 7 years, I have enjoyed every one of them. The last year and this is through Zoom, The men are wonderful and true and new. I have experienced new insights into God’s love that goes way beyond me. I teach myself many times and always learn from everything I hear and read. Thank you for your part and our part is to reach others for Christ. Thanks
This study has been so great! I thought I understood what I have read so many times before in Matthew but feel like God has really taken the scales from my eyes. I see on a deeper level my motivation for some of the things I do and have done and have realized I have been self deceived at times! I realize how far I have to go and that it is a daily choice and walk to be more Christ like to others in my life. I have felt very convicted about holding on to anger- even though it would be justified by the worlds standards. I know my standards are Gods and no one else’s.
My teaching leader said that the room Jesus told us to go into, close the door, and pray, is translated treasure room. It has transformed my prayers into treasures of blessings from God.
Connie, Pray and never give up!~
The lessons have definitely challenged and brought me to recognize the need for a standard I hadn’t considered before. Simple tolerance for folks isn’t enough, I must show mercy and non-judgement that’s born out of true humility knowing that I, myself, can fall just like my fellow believers, at any time. Other’s simply aren’t gonna receive or feel God’s heart through us if we don’t genuinely model it.
Also, a heart that’s right before the father and strives to perform (for lack of a better 🙂 for His eyes only is the singular thing I need to concern myself with…
I want to be a member of Bible Study Fellowship
Ricardo, we would love to help you find a group! Go to https://join.bsfinternational.org/ to search for in-person and online groups!
Jesus spoke to his people on the mount about their faith and values. He reminded them of of a humble mind and soul and to always look towards God, he also let them know about the Beatitudes, of which we need to apply to our lives today. To be as salt and season wherever you go with the word of God and to be as a light or your action be humble and not for righteousness for we are being judged each day, be humble and pray to God daily for support and forgiveness, we will never know our treasures, and should not worry about that, just know that we will someday be with the trinity!
How is God working in my life?
God has brought out some very serious issues that I thought were not even issues. Like our scripture offers we think ourselves to be relatively good people because we do not have a criminal record, have not engaged in any illegal activities, and are kind to people. The sermon on the mount exposed the motives of some things that I had done taking granted that I presumed myself good. In fact, the more I understood these scriptures it brought me under conviction to the point that I thought back over certain situations in my life recently and in my past.
The truth convicted me. I could not stop crying as my soul had to own that I had many wrong motives regarding things that I had done. For example, I convinced myself that I shared the good things that I had done with other people to encourage them to do like I was. I was ashamed from my conviction that I did not give the glory to my Father God. For I began recanting exactly what I had done that I thought was a good deed. In telling it to others I now was convicted that it made people think good of me but not think good of the God in me. I knew and said that God inspired me to do my good deed, but it drew people to seek me out to help them in their time of need. It did not draw them any closer to God and in some cases, it made some people resentful of me. They saw me as a bragging person “goodie too shoes”. My heart hurt when I realized that my Father God was denied the joy and delight of the glory He deserved. After my soul had mourned for my shame, it made me understand that even though it caused me pain on the next day I was released from the conviction of that same sin. I knew that the light of my Father God was molding and shaping me to become something better than I was. I felt His work within me
I prayed for God to transform my heart and my motives for I truly love Him. I can not see myself living one second without Him. I welcome more changes and transformations within me. Just like a butterfly has a transformation to endure to become the best it will be when it comes forth as a fully beautiful butterfly in all of it splendor of colors bringing smile and joy to those who benefit from seeing the change within. Praise the Lord God as we grow in His knowledge and change.
I had a revelation of the debt I owe. I saw myself as the servant who was forgiven much. ( a great debt) Then he met up with a man who owed him a small sum. Angrily he demanded to be given the small sum. I see myself when I judge, unwilling to submit and surrender my demands to The Holy Spirit and take my reward on earth (allowing anger rise up and retelling how wrong I was treated). But I believe the sanctification is the process of my gift of Righteousness and the Righteousness of Justification which is the gift unearned, complete never to be taken from me. Jesus forgave me AND gave me the gift of RIGHTEOUSNESS in Christ Jesus.
I love the verse, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” I have learned this week that Jesus calls us to act in compassion for others who are experiencing sin’s misery. My cousin’s granddaughter who is only a teenager has become pregnant out of wedlock. Last night, my cousin confessed her situation and asked for prayer for her granddaughter who had gone into early contractions. It took me awhile to adjust to hearing her news, but then, God convicted me to reach out in love and prayer.
Matthew 6 has been such a convicting chapter for me. I seem to worry too much and God shares why not to. It’s been great reading through this chapter.
Melissa, I can definitely relate! Praying for you and so grateful that God meets us through His Word.
It brings the Old & New Testament together for your discernment & digests the where, why, & how from the Book of Matthew. Jesus’ sermon brings a better & new understandings of what has been taught by the Jewish leaders. He tells you what God the Father expects & wants. Clarity of these scriptures leaves no doubt. Jesus as the Son of God is the truth. You are reading about his life. Jesus is righteousness & in order to attain righteousness we come by it through faith in Jesus Christ our Lord. Each chapter makes me know how little I understood in my youth, when decisions would most probably have had different outcomes in the choices made in my life, with this knowledge. However, I believe that God, our creator, has orchestrated my life from before I was born. The free will given us by Him led me back to Him as my choice. Joy & thanksgiving is my testimony from a grateful heart that holds the love of Jesus within. All honor is due the trinity.
I was sharing my new thoughts on being reconciled from Matthew with my husband about how I need to go to a friend and try once more. He said I too have withheld reconciliation in pridefulness over three issues, for over 30 years with you that I now want to confess and be done with. I cried because I knew how deeply it was rooted down. We had glorious talks, and forgiveness. I told my group, if you pray for an issue for 29 years and don’t have resolve, go ahead and pray 30 years. Its all in gods time he blesses us.
Cathy, thank you for sharing this! Such amazing encouragement
A friend invited me and other friends to their home for coffee and cake after a Christmas performance at church. BSF was mentioned and I joined in the
study of John in January of the next year {1985}. The discussion at the time was on Christ’s death on the cross. I was overwhelmed by God’s Spirit
and have been serving Him ever since. I currently serve as a group leader
in WA.
Roger, that’s amazing!!
I am grateful for BSF for the gift that it is to study God’s Word as a family. My husband and I enjoy the study together at home with our three children, who participate in the School Program. And we also get to bring my 86-year-old mom along with us this year. So three generations are studying and learning God’s Word together. Praise the Lord!
Stefanie, so thankful God is working in your entire family! That generational connection in Christ is really beautiful
It was pointed out that Jesus said “Blessed are” not “Blessed will be”. The happiness that is experienced by God’s children who are meek, poor in spirit, peacemakers, etc., is for this earthly lifetime, not just in our final reward. I’ve always looked to it as future blessings, and this newfound realization brings me great comfort. The happiness is ours, here on earth, when we have a submissive posture toward Christ.
Rebecca, wonderful insight. Thank you for sharing. This is something I’m excited to unpack in my study!
Mathew 6 . The birds in the air do not sow or reap yet they wait to be fed by God. I have learnt never yo worry, of important os who i am in christ , a forgiven child of God., all I need is this truth, yo believe in this truth and to act on this truth. This revelation has put more trust in God for me and am a more confident believer.
Thanks and Praise always to you LORD🙏🏽👏🏼
It feels so good knowing GOD is in my corner and will always be there❣️🙏🏽 🙏🏽
I always pray, and really mean it when I say, “Let your WILL be done” ❣️ I know HIS WILL will always be what HE knows is best for me💞❣️
My study through BSF has enhanced and solidified this feeling and belief!
God gave me a great lesson in “pride” this year. I have shared it with my BSF family. I am very happy that the Father wants me to be more like Christ.
I feel very close to Jesus. He is teaching us that we don’t have to worry about anything, that He will take care of us in all things.
When I first started BSF I expected it to be a simple Bible study similar to Sunday school classes. I was overwhelmed with the wonderful depth of the detailed notes, commentaries, from the writers in BSF San Antonio. The BSF Notes are very important in that they explain so many things in the History of Jesus Christ and the history of creation. I also noted that the Board of Directors is made of a large variety of Bible educated people including PhD’s. It is wonderful to see all the lessons are available on the web so that the world can learn from the dark locations of Africa, South America, China, Russia, N. Korea, etc. I pray that BSF continues to teach everyone; note that the world has a population of about 8 billion people and only 31% claim to be Christians and in the USA only 65% claim to be Christian. Matthew is a great study of God’s Word. I pray that God blesses BSF and they doubles in size.
This enlightened me in the fact that we already have the ability to have these attributes as Christians.
Oh my goodness! This walk through the Book of Matthew! I find myself saying “ouch” constantly as it is reminding me that I’m not as holy as I think. Praise God for showing me “me” but loving me nonetheless.
I was greatly blessed by the promise in Matthew 6:33. But seek first the Kingdom of heaven and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you, When I put The Kingdom of God ahead of everything and everyone else, I can focus on him will, his purpose and his plan for my life.
I can rest in his love for me and he works every thing out, for my good and for him glory!!
Oh, to be more like Jesus! The Sermon on the Mount calls to me to become a more simpler, kinder person and draws me away from the cares of this world. I am so convicted of my sin nature and yet through these scriptures I see that I am a precious child of God. How wonderful that the Lord took human form in order that he may better understand our daily dilemmas! Only through the study of His Word may I become more like Christ. Only through prayer and petition to the Most Holy Lord may I mimic the virtues outlined in these passages. In my self I can do nothing, but through faith and trust I ask that the Lord mold me to be more like Him.
Thank you, Fran! I feel exactly the same way! I appreciate you putting out your words so eloquently!
As a School’s Program leader in Liverpool Uk I’m enjoying teaching the children from Matthew this year. so as I teach it I am greatly challenged by the Sermon on the Mount to live as a child of the Kingdom.
This week teaching the memory verse from Matthew7 :12 is a great lesson to do things God’s way and treat others as Jesus treats us.
Thank you to the Schools program staff who have put so much work into the lessons.
Our identity in Christ should show up in how we live. As we trust Jesus and surrender our will to His, He will give us the power to reflect Jesus.
Eight virtues (loyalty, filial piety, benevolence, love, honesty, justice, harmony , and peace) are common ethical principles for most Asian people. In order to become a woman with noble character, I tried my best to achieve these moral principles since I was young. But when I read Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5, I felt spiritual bankruptcy. Because the standard of holy God is so much highet than human moral standards. The bealtitude is not achievable by human efforts, instead, it is a work of Holy Spirit of our inmost beings.We don’t need to tried harder to become like a virtuous man. We simply need to turn to God humbly and trust and obey His words.The bealtitude shows me how broken I am, that is why I need Jesus Christ desperately. Self-effort won’t lead me to a man with noble character. This is the work of God, the work of Holy Spirit. We should give glory to the Lord He deserves.
God is continuing to teach me of me being His dependant in applying the standards of being a Christian as shown in the Beatitudes and this week in Matthew 7.
I cannot do anything withiut Him and Praise Him since He neither sleeps nor slumber over my life and family. Trusting in Him helped me and my family rely on His healing power for my son who in January 2021 had an over the knee amputation . But he never spent time in the ICU and spent only 7 days in hospital after such major surgery. And by Sept 2021 he was back in his family in the USA walking with an artificial limb but confident in God . That’s my testimony among many.
Thank you BSF family
I appreciated Dr. Bock’s message, thank you for your insights.
After this week’s study discussion, our group had a fellowship regarding the usage of the word ‘Fool’ and the passage in Mt.5 that states anyone who says ‘You fool’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. I questioned several passages that quote Christ as referencing someone as a fool, i.e. Lk. 12:20. The discussion led to the parable of the rich fool and the discussion morphed into the topic of self-preservation, hoarding. Well, every Fall I feel this urge to prepare for winter, a throwback from the Pioneer era I guess. I feel compelled to store food for the winter. After our fellowship discussion, I felt ashamed for storing a winter’s larder, greedy. Then I prayed and reread the passage about the rich man and his abundance and realized that the shame I felt was unwarranted as I read Lk. 12:21. It was not about preparing and storing, but about the rich man who stored up things for himself but is not rich towards God. The rich man’s treasures were worldly and not focused on God. Greed is defined as a desire to acquire and keep more than one needs, avarice, covetousness. In essence, greed defines a person’s character. The person motivated by love for God will sacrifice possessions to serve others. The person motivated by love for self will sacrifice others ~ and God ~ to possess things. As for my ‘Pioneer’ urge…
let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.
In our study this week, our group realized each phrase within the Lord’s prayer presented a theological truth about God:
Our Father who are in heaven: Sovereign Father
Hallowed be Thy Name: Holy, deserving or worship
Thy Kingdom come: King
Thy will be done: Almighty to execute and accomplish
on earth as it is in heaven: Restorer, Healer, Redeemer
Give us today our daily bread: Provider
And forgive us our debts: Just and loving
as we also have forgiven our debtors : Our Example, Model
Lead us not into temptation: Deliver, merciful
But deliver us from evil: Savior, Deliverer
I had not realized how prevalent hypocrisy was until we discussed at length these last few weeks.
Hypocrisy is at it root a deception and a lie which are primary methods and tools of the devil. At the root of impure motives is the desire to exalt oneself. So no wonder Jesus railed against it. The root of hypocrisy is living a lie that we like to tell other people, and that we like to tell ourselves. We enjoy telling ourselves we are at heart innately good when the Bible clearly says we are spiritual dead and corrupt in need of God’s deliverance.
In chapter 6, Jesus teaches us to have pure motives to eradicate self-deception that can hinder our learning from the Holy Spirit. So thankful that Jesus cares so much about us to stick with us when our hearts are so to learn, disinterested, and unteachable.
WHEN I GET QUITE ENOUGH TO HEAR HIS VOICE I ASK FOR A SIGN TO KMOW HOW TO OVER COME AND IN THE STILLNESS OF MY SPIRITHE WILL REVEAL HIMSELF. I MUST MAKE HIM BIGGER THAN THE PROBLEM TO HEAR HIS VOICE…….
I have an associate whom I see regularly and associate with often where I live now. I thought she was a friend, but she has openly turned her back on me and makes nasty remarks to my face. I have always been a very friendly, forward speaking individual and love helping others any way I can; however, on our game night when I was teaching the participants a new game, she accused me of wanting to run everything my way! I have been thinking a lot about this and examining myself with the traits in the Sermon on the Mount, and wonder if perhaps I AM abrasive to others. I always have been rather a perfectionist, but I am not a good listener–mainly because I’m 91 years old and wear hearing aids. I know my Great Grandchildren and even my Grandchildren whom I see a lot cannot communicate well with me because they talk quietly and fast and I miss a lot of the conversation going on around me. I’m aware that the Lord is working with me greatly since my husband of 68 years of marriage (who was my absolutely best friend in spite of differences we often had all throughout our marriage) passed away two years ago. ( I and my family received blessed assurance that Jesus took him to heaven when he passed in the Hospice room where he had a dozen wonderful days relating with adoring family, former students and good friends.) I truly feel we were meant to be together. However, even before we married, since he came from a broken family and only had a lenient Grandfather to discipline him, I took on the task of trying to make him into the kind of man I felt God wanted him to be. It wasn’t until about 20 years later that I added being ‘born again’ to my lifetime desire to obey the Bible and tell others about Jesus Christ — running ahead of Him instead of making friends with a sincere heart and not waiting for the Holy Spirit to open doors. God has changed my heart greatly, but He is still shaping and molding me into what He wants me to be. He has taught me well how he shows His love through hardships. He’s given me many opportunities to teach from His Word, but I have been way too proud of the feeling of self-satisfaction He allows me to often have. The Beatitudes, the Lord’s prayer and Christ’s whole sermon has helped me to better understand His Will for my life so I can become more and more sanctified before He calls me home–which may not be too many years from now.
I’ve learned to be a peacemaker & to turn the other cheek knowing that God can be trusted to deliver me from any feelings of retribution. I want to love others as Christ loves me and saved me from my sin & shame.
God is teaching me that He is the most important treasure that I have and that He is everything I need at every season of my life
The Sermon on the mount resonate well with BSF Core values and that must be my core values
1. Total dependency on God
2. Passion for Christ
3. Compassion for His people
4. Excellence
5. Integrity
6. Humility.
They are all reflected in the sermon.
I love the study on the beatitudes , it has really convicted me to check my heart attitude. why am i doing what I am doing? this week studying about laying up treasures in heaven is excellent as well. all of these are helping me to turn my focus to Christ and His kingdom and His will to be done.
Thank you for all you do
I have a lady in my group who is from Israel so she closed our discussion with the Lord’s Prayer in Hebrew. What an amazing experience to hear this special prayer Jesus taught as if He were speaking it to each of us!! We were all moved to tears.
I am enjoying the study of the Book of Matthew in the BSF for men. There is so much meat in the sermon on the mount and I love doing the homework.
Eugene Peterson’s translations of the Beatitudes in The Message spoke so clearly to me. I read that translation in our BSF discussion group and we had lively and beneficial interaction. We also all agreed on the need for complete humility and dependence on God’s Spirit as we seek to apply the words of Jesus in our daily lives.
Thank you for sharing. I enjoyed what you had to say. I have not been in the study due to being very ill.
God searches the heart of man. We must be transformed daily to his will and his way. Our purpose is to glorify him in all things. I thank him that his grace and mercy are new every morning allowing me another chance to do better than I did the day before. Another chance to let my light shine so others can see him in me. Another chance to share his free gift of Salvation to whosoever will. We serve an Awesome GOD!!!💖
I am impressed with two thoughts: First, Jesus’ early life demonstrates we can be right in the center of God’s will for our lives and yet the circumstances of life are not what we would call ideal: the specter of being illegitimate, born in a stable, having to flee to Egypt. Second, I am more and more impressed with the thought that Christ knew what He would endure, and yet I continue to see evidence He kept choosing His path, because He loved us.
Through his word and his faithfulness I have inner peace and joy knowing he walks beside me daily and gives me inner strength when I need it most.Daily prayer..
Proverbs 3 verses 5&6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
Lean not on your own understanding
Acknowledge him in all that you do
And he will direct your path.
I realized from the Sermon On The Mount what as a Christian should be everyone’s heartfelt goal to enter the kingdom of heaven.
He has replaced hate with love. Given me grace and mercy and used me a witness to others by calling me to teach His Word.
I used to have a real problem with the letters of Paul. They are so full of what I perceived as commands. Then through the Romans study, I was able to see them in a different light. Now I can carry that forward to other studies, especially this year in Matthew. I am ever so grateful for the Lord wanting heart change instead of blind obedience. The more I spend time with Him, the more moldable is my heart. Praise Him!
Matthew 7:1-2
Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others you will be judged. I have learned that there is only judge Jesus , not me.
I shared in our discussion group this morning that I am in the middle of a storm with the process of listing our newly built home, up for sale as of tomorrow, November 4th. We thought it would be the place we lived out our twilight years, here with our son, daughter-in-law and two of our grandchildren. But circumstances have forced Marcus and Katie to make this difficult decision.
As I said in discussion, it’s easier to trust when you have all your basic needs met. So, when you don’t know where you will lay your head in the future, your world is rocked. When you feel as if you’re in a free fall and have absolutely no idea where God is leading you, his Word really is your lifeline. Needless to say, this weeks lesson on Matthew 6 was tailor made for me. Each verse weighed heavy on me, reminding me that if his will is my ultimate goal, everything will work out. Laying aside my flesh with worry, doubt and fear is a process. I have learned that it is OK to grieve the loss… but it is not healthy to stay in a place of self pity or martyrdom. That is not attractive to others and it doesn’t give God the glory.
My prayer is that God will show us and provide for us new living quarters. This move may require us to move, which would lessen our trips so that we can continue to host our Pastor’s Retreat. However, my entire family and friends are on this side. ((Sigh)) So, thus, the grief.
May these verses be my comfort in the coming months: “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Matthew 6:26-27
MT 6:8 “Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
I have been thinking about this and I have heard the questions many times: “Why should we pray if God already knows what we need?” I am convinced that If we are led by the Spirit our prayers will align with God’s will and he will act accordingly. If we are praying and not in accord with God’s will we will not get the answer we expect. I will be writing down my prayer weekly using the ACTS model and record how God responds. I believe this will draw me closer to my Father in heaven.
One of the ladies in my group said that we are the light because we are the Father’s children from Matthew 5. In Matthew 6, God teaches us how to help poor, pray and fast.
As we studied righteous living, God convicted me of my heart attitude toward a group of disruptive students in my classroom. He showed me that my negative attitude and frustration were the same as being angry with them and though their behavior is not acceptable, that does not make my heart attitude justifiable.
Over the past week, He has removed my frustration and given me a heart of compassion and an eagerness to greet them each morning. All I needed to do was recognize my sin, confess, and submit my heart to Him so that He could change me. In reality, these students are just looking for love and acceptance instead of judgment and irritation.
God is my Father, and in Him will I trust. The Lessons for Nov. 2 and Nov. 9 are challenging and comforting for me. For many years I have felt the need to defend myself against wrongs. As I fight to cover past historical and personal wrongs, I admit that I have not always put prayer over fear. As I prayed with my discussion group, “Chicks 4 Christ” I realized that an incident where I felt wronged will truly be addressed by God. Being at the end of this trial, I believe God provided for this problem long before the incident occured. During the summer of 2021, I was awarded a financial gift from AARP for volunteer service rendered during the 2020 Covid-19 Pandemic. The honor of being recognized for this service among my peers in a National AARP contest was thrilling and humbling. A video announcement was made on FB and is recorded. It was a thrilling moment watching the announcement being made by the past receipent. So many were proud of the work and me. With all the congraulatory hoopla, I had to repeatedly acknowledge to well wishers that God had provided and recognized the work. The public acknowledgement is over, but the presentation of the check has been delayed for at least a month. On Saturday, October 30th I dropped the last child at her door in a van owned by our non-profit. An innocent trip to the United States Post Officer ended in an accident. The passenger of the car that hit our van came to our window. When he saw I was an older lady, he began yelling, cursing and beating on the window calling me all sorts of names. The 911 operator told me to share with the person that I was on the phone talking to the police. He did not stop. At one point, the person returned to his car. I was thankful, but in a moment he returned with the other occupant of the car. They both beat on my windows, cursed me, turned on their phones and video taped me with lights from their phones shining in my eyes, all the while cursing me and beating on the windows. The police arrived physically after what seemed forever and the actions stopped. Upon receiving the card with the other person’s driving information, I did learn that the other driver had an operator’s license, but no insurance. Over the next 4 days I was prayerful. My answer came in group discussion as we recounted of our lesson in Matthew 6, I will use wisdom over worry and allow God to vindicate this issue. I just know the award money from AARP is coming and is going to help with the repairs. I am believing God that the award will be enough or more than enough for the repairs. I also believe that I will be safe in my neighborhood and nothing will happen in retaliation. God is my provider. I forgive these people and I want to pray for them and me to do better, be better for God. I am thankful to be in fellowship with my discussion group and to discern from the Word of God.
Why is it that Christian world looks at people with money, education?
I have always thought that hungering or thirsting after Righteousness was a “should do” – but now I see it’s a promise! That God is really the only one who provides what really satisfies and His opinion of my worth is the only one that matters.
I am learning so much about God with me. All my life for sure. But recently, exponentially. But I lack experience with others. Since the abuse that began in 6th grade fear, doubt, self loathing has defeated me. I did not develop socially as others did. I remained alone as much as I could. Others went on to develop careers, family, a church life. I remained in the wilderness between the City of Man and the City of God. The family I was adopted into supported me. A bit too much I am sure. I was enabled to remain in that alone wilderness right up to now in the evening of life at age 60 when they are all gone. Yet the Lord remained constant with me. Like a bright star in my darkness. So many wonderful times with him. But always I was alone. I prayed for a friend with faith in him. For a people to gather with, God with us. So long in the wilderness, I am afraid to come in from the cold. Seems I speak a strange language and I do not fit the conforms of either City. I see with two eyes overlapped, hear with two ears and speak with two mouths; of the spirit and the flesh. The Lord is so wonderfully with me. He is the father I did not get to have and the friend I could not find. He speaks inside me, shows me his thoughts with images in the clouds of the heaven in my mind. And I see him, hear him clearly in the world all around. Life with Jesus is so amazing, so wonderful. I long to be past this life and home with him. But I have no experience living with others. I feel little in common with good people who have careers, and families. When I go into the wilderness on trails and into the mountains I take a camera. I rejoice when the Lord brings animals of all kinds to be with me. I sing hymns to them. I thank God for them. I praise Jesus in me and in all creation and all the life of creation. But most other men take guns and rejoice over the animals they kill. At at church I went to both the pastor and a prominent older man who loved to hunt ridiculed me because they knew I loved the animals and often they saw my photos featured on TV on the local news. I don’t fish because I know the hook must hurt the fish terribly. On my boat during my years in Florida, always alone with God, I would swim among dolphin and spend many hours communing with the Lord. But always I was alone. After people introduce themselves, giving their names, the next question always causes me to hide within myself; “So, what do you do?” I have learned to be a listener rather than a talker. I invite others to talk about themselves. No need to say anything about myself. Compared to others, really, I am a nobody. But God is with me. He is the Father I did not get to have. The friend I could not find. Who I am and what I am becoming is completely defined by God with me. To that question I should reply, “I am a Child of God growing in his Spirit with me. I struggle with what I would be without him, the flesh he is saving me from. I am a traveler on my way through this world. A wanderer in an alone wilderness between two cities. And these wounds on my heart? They were give me in the house of my friends and my family and in the house of my God among his people. I have worked the ground of my heart all my life in service to my Father who owns me. The wounds are the tilling trenches where his Seed in me grows what fruit he plants. He has created me to be an encourager and one who prays for others. By the suffering I have endured he has taught me empathy. The comfort that comes through me for others is the comfort my Lord is to me.”
Zechariah 13:4-6
“On that day every prophet will be ashamed of their prophetic vision. They will not put on a prophet’s garment of hair in order to deceive. Each will say, ‘I am not a prophet. I am a farmer; the land has been my livelihood since my youth.’ If someone asks, ‘What are these wounds on your body?’ they will answer, ‘The wounds I was given at the house of my friends.’”
His Word burns within me. His life sustains me. He shows me his thoughts in the clouds of my mind. I hear his voice. In dreams and waking dreams I have heard him, been with him, inside him and he tells me, “Do not be afraid. I am with you always.” Long ago the Lord said to me, “In the morning of life I made you my own. In the day you will go far. But in the evening of life I will come upon you with might.” In my heart in the day of life I went far astray. Now comes the evening of my life. His Holy Spirit with me burns hot within me. With the might of his Spirit he is showing me his presence with me so clearly more and more. In a waking-dream when I was a child the Lord told me to “Give my son a drink”. Only recent do I understand he means for me to encourage his people and edify the Church. This I feel He is calling me to do. But I am still in that alone wilderness. I will not try to make the way myself. I will wait and if the Lord places me, I pray he will be the spirit of encouragement, of prophesy with me for others (Rev 19:10 …For it is the Spirit of prophecy who bears testimony to Jesus.)
Zechariah 14:6-7 “On that day there will be neither sunlight nor cold, frosty darkness. It will be a unique day—a day known only to the LORD—with no distinction between day and night. When evening comes, there will be light. On that day living water will flow out (of my heart), half of it east (toward the future) and half of it west (towards the past), in (good and bad times). The LORD will be king over (all of myself). On that day (the war within the heaven of me will be over and) there will be one LORD, and his name the only name (of God, Jesus Christ who is my King, my Father, my friend.). As in another dream, in the temple in the core of my deep where an empty throne was, He takes his seat. He is a Pillar of Fire rising, the Vine through me where I am attached to Jesus.
My evening began a few years back when everything crumbled to dust. All the efforts of my life came to no harvest at all. I found myself depressed to the point of wanting to die. But the whale of misfortune that swallowed me placed me on the shore of where I needed to be; back in my mothers house where I grew up, in place to care for her when her time came to pass to the Lord. Now comes the darkest hour. I am as I was in my beginning when darkness covered the deep of my soul but the Spirit of God hovers over the waters of my life. His light shines in my heart. By faith in Jesus He creates a vault in the heaven of myself and He makes a separation in me of what is above from him and what is below in my carnal nature. He sets the great lights in my mind. The sun of scripture and the Word of his presence in me. The moon of his promises and the hope he is to me. And the stars of the cloud of witnesses, countless of his people I learn about that shine. He gathers a dry place in the turbulent emotions of my heart and there plants his garden where He walks with me. He is creating me in his image. This new day begun in evening will grow steady to the bright of noon day. Already Jesus is the morning star I see. A new day in the evening of my life when the Spirit of God rests like a bird on a vine in me, like a farmer after a long season at last reaps his harvest.
A wonderful Christian counselor, a Christian friend, the men in the Bible Study Fellowship I meet with on Monday evening, my loving wife who waits near Seattle with her sisters for me here in Alaska for the time the Lord makes when we can live together, and God with me, is the light in this evening of my life. A frosty day when I can not see my way ahead but the fire of the Lord keeps me warm. The fountain of His Spirit rises from the Eden at my core where God walks with me spilling out west to cover the wounds of my past and east to pave the way into the future. Though I still struggle with fear, doubt, shame and temptations, I know I am not as I was before. All my life with God I was as a fetus growing in the womb of the Garden of God in my deep where his temple is within me, with all of us in that place we all meet in the Halls of Zion, Jesus, God with us. I have been in the pains of birth as evening has come. Satan has opposed my rebirth but the Lord will have his way with me. God is delivering me from the Egypt of who I would have been without him, my old carnal nature. I wandered alone in a wilderness between the City of Man and the City of Lights all my life. He drew me into himself once in a dream. Into his Pillar of fire at my core. He drew my spirit out of my body. As I came near his flames I was afraid, thought I would be burnt up. But fear, doubt, shame, sin did not pass through the fire. My spirit entered his rest and I was refreshed. So much love. Such a feeling of home, of acceptance. I long to be there. I thought only when I die would I ever be home. And I have longed to die but death has fled from me. The Lord commanded and I heard His voice before I was born, “He will live to 84”. Now I see the way He is making to be home while I live, with friends of faith, people of Church, God with us all. I am still frightened at times. I still run and hide from society. I am still insecure. I am so happy to be included with a church. So ready to at last come in from the cold. My joy is God with me. He is creating me in his image. He says it is not good for man to be alone. Now in the evening of my life His lights shine. I have found I am home with his people, God with us all.
The book of Matthew is amazing. I loved the part of prayer that we should pray simple prayers and not to blabber.
Even before we ask God know what we need and what’s best for me.
The Lords prayer is very powerful prayer.
The beginning of true knowledge when I realized that I am bankrupt in spirit. The ladder of spiritual growth began with the first Beatitudes of Christ “Blessed are the poor in Spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven”. The revelation that I am bankrupt in spirit came through the Holy Spirit, has given me the the truth, that I cannot on my own steam come to God, let alone overcome my sin nature. The realization of who I am lead me to mourn over my prideful self to renounce my many iniquities and with help of the Holy Spirit, His conviction provided me the posture of my repentance to start a new life. It was the beginning of my search for righteousness. Poor in spirit, mourning has given me the strength of meekness, for me intense internal and emotional outflow to seek God, to know Him in the fourth Beatitude to hunger and thirst for righteousness and lead me to study God’s word with BSF. I think this is my eight year with BSF and I give thanks to God for His leading. I am still a work in progress!
Frank
Frank…. Thank you for sharing your heart/spirit….. “May the Joy of the Lord…. continue to be your Strength.”
In the book of Matthew 6:
Jesus is remaining us that as we do good to others we should not display to the public….. we should give secretly with the right motive..God knows our intension of giving n he will reward us according to the motive.
Right motive we shall receive the rewards
Wrong motive we will not receive rewards even if we do it secretly…
It’s also talking of giving,,, prayer n fasting
The sermon on the mount is a word in season for me and my family/relatives. We are struggling with making peace with a relative who has declared enemity with almost every relative on the husband’s side. Matthew 5 v9 has ministered to me and I’m sharing it with family members. It is my prayer that we shall live the word and make peace with each other.
Matt 7 starts with Jesus guidance for us to not judge. I am guilty especially of judging the way others drive. Well, God has a sense of humor in that this past Sunday I had felt not so positive with other drivers en route to my church service. Well, in a hurry, I rapidly backed into a parking spot at church, only to hit a tree and damage my wife’s car. No one was hurt but God sure humbled me at that instant about judging others!
God bless you and your wife. You have a very good attitude. Thanks for sharing.
I am amazed at what I see in the Word of God when I am intentional in my daily study. I am in awe when I am studying in a group where the anointing of God is greater and thus the experience and the knowledge of Him flows in a greater compacity. I love BSF because it causes me to develop into the woman I know God is requiring of me.
Even though I have read this passage numerous time, every time I read it, it seems God is teaching me something new. This time, my biggest takeaway is that apart from Jesus, it is impossible to achieve the righteousness that God wants us to have. So, rather than working extra hard on gaining righteousness by myself, I must rely on Jesus minute by minute, so that I can be more like Him, step by step.
SO AWESOME!!
Such a huge comfort and encouragement in this stormy era!
I had so much emptiness inside of me. I was looking to fill it in places and people that I should’ve never had. Then Jesus did something for me, he took away my addiction. I started in earnest looking for Him, and I tell you, He is what filled that empty feeling inside of me. It’s not empty any longer. He is the light that guides my way. Each and every day I meet Him and talk to Him. I learn all I can about Him. I love the Lord Jesus Christ. I have found my Savior. Amen 🙏
Righteousness — Dt. 6:24-25 “And יהוה commanded us to do all these laws, to fear יהוה our Elohim, for our good always, to keep us alive, as it is today. And it is righteousness for us when we guard to do all this command before יהוה our Elohim, as He has commanded us.”
Romans 2:13 “For not the hearers of the Torah are righteous in the sight of Elohim, but the doers of the Torah shall be declared right.”
I Jn. 2:4-6 “The one who says, “I know Him,” and does not guard His commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever guards His Word, truly the love of Elohim has been perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. The one who says he stays in Him ought himself also to walk, even as He walked.”
Romans 8:2-9 “For the torah of the Spirit of the life in Messiah יהושע has set me free from the torah of sin and of death. For the Torah being powerless, in that it was weak through the flesh, Elohim, having sent His own Son in the likeness of flesh of sin, and concerning sin, condemned sin in the flesh, so that the righteousness of the Torah should be completed in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the matters of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the matters of the Spirit. For the mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace. Because the mind of the flesh is enmity towards Elohim, for it does not subject itself to the Torah of Elohim, neither indeed is it able, and those who are in the flesh are unable to please Elohim. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of Elohim dwells in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Messiah, this one is not His.”
Please consider The Sermon on the Mount a road map to Jesus. Those who want to find Jesus just need to see the:
the poor in spirit
those who mourn,
the meek,
those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
merciful,
pure in heart,
peacemakers,
persecuted,
and those insulted because of Jesus.
The Sermon on the Mount has just come alive to me and it’s meaning for me!
I have been learning on forgiveness. Forgiving others and developing kindness in my heart. Growth in these areas is a miracle to me how he is refining me. Reminds me of when chaff is removed from wheat before grinding for its purpose.
God’s message in His Words in the Sermon on the Mount resonated with a deeper meaning to where my Heart was changed and rebuked for how sometimes I have “murdered my brother” with malice in my heart. I also realize I need a deeper hunger for righteousness in my heart! I realize that I must be the light in a dark world where too many have no hope and I need to continue to share the saving gift Christ’s shed blood for our sins where He has given us true hope!
God’s word has changed me in my thoughts, words and actions. I look for God to enable me to walk in his word and not my human one. So when I have bad thoughts I turn to God and pray for help. That helps me think before I choose my words and actions towards others and myself and put God first and stay in his word.
Only the Holy Spirit has the power to change lives. I know too many who quote Scripture right and left from memory and don’t anything like Jesus.
Today we learnt from the 3rd session that the things we worried about were our treasures … our thoughts and motivated will and feelings surround these that are visible eg growing old , uncertain future, health, providing for our children esp their education , unfinished work, providing income for our family, failure and lack , physical loneliness , not fulfilling potential career wise , children’s future , family & health , children’s security & future , career and finance, validation from others, worry when children don’t worry …
God knows it now … : 🕊
The Sermon On The Mount has reminded me how much I need Jesus to navigate this worldly journey. As much as I try to do it on my own, only Jesus can keep me on the path of righteousness. Thus far, this study has blessed me tremendously.
How far I need to go. Than I realize God knows where I am at and He knows my need for growth.
It has turned me upside down…for the better. Amazing grace & wisdom!
I want to hear Him say, “well done, “Good and faithful servant”! I know I sin and do not deserve that, but His mercy & grace makes the impossible a reality! He did it on the cross for me! Thank you, Jesus! I am “80”now so it won’t be long before I say, “Amen”, to life here, and to the beginning that never ends!
BSF has given me a great fellowship in faith. God bless you who make this study possible…. I just finished my lesson 8 study, looking at the Sermon on the Mount! He made our priorities clear! What a wonderful hope we have in Christ!
God bless all you who provoke our thoughts in Study!
Excellent Blog! Thank you. I will adopt that saying on how we are Defined: NOT by the commands we keep but by the HEART that seeks to keep them! WOW!
Our Lord looks at our hearts and motives.
Lesson #7 – Matthew Chap 6 was such a right time message and lesson for me. I have been job searching and after receiving an opportunity for a final interview, I felt confident that the Light of God was shown through in the interview. However, I received a message that although I was qualified, they chose another candidate who was a better fit for the sales position. I was disappointed and discouraged, but so thankful for BSF studies, especially about “Do Not Worry” from 6:25-34. It helped me to trust in the Lord, to put my faith in Him, knowing that He will provide and open the door for a new opportunity. And when that happens, I will leaping and jumping and praising and worshipping our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Glory be to God!! Amen.
Praise the Lord every one. I am getting a clear understanding of the Beatitudes. I am enjoying this book.
My husband has dementia and has become angry with me. We have been married almost 50 yrs.
It is difficult, and hurtful, yet Gods direction in Matthew has encouraged me to pray over the protection of my love for him. To forgive and treat him how I would want to be treated if I were sick.
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 taught that we are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds (and your smile!) and glorify your Father in heaven.
We should not cover up the image of God with a mask (Genesis 1:27), and BSF HQ should defer mask rules to the local host church.
Because the classrooms were crowded, I thought I could transfer to online because of covid concerns. Very sad online was full and I never got to continue Matthew study past 1st lesson.
Judy, I am so sorry! Please continue to check for new group openings at https://join.bsfinternational.org/. We don’t want you to miss the Matthew study either!
The sermon on the mount series has opened my eyes and heart to some past sin that I needed to reconcile with another believer. The Holy Spirit tugged on my heart and I reached out to this person and I’ve since been praying for reconciliation in Gods perfect timing. I’m thankful for BSF and this study as how god is growing me through his word.
When my BSF chapter told me they didn’t have room for me to come in person this year, I was disappointed. God placed it on my heart to continue BSF virtually through the online weekly lecture and audio notes and the audio Bible App. I’ve consistently attended BSF online this year, doing most of the study while driving in my car and found a new way to be in Bible Study to hear the book of Matthew and gain new insights on the Word. I’m thankful that God opened a new door for me to hear His Word preached.
I love the opportunity as well. Otherwise I wouldn’t be able to have bible study because of such a long work day.
Jenna, I’m part of an online BSF study group and love the discussion. My group leader is Cydney Jones. Please check and see if you can join.
To Know or Not To Know, That’s The Question
Bing Chang – 11/2/2021
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God” John 1:1
The Word radiates the infinite source of wisdom from God.
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” John 1:14
The flesh, Son of God, both human and divine, unveils Jesus.
The Son in Father, Father in the Son, 2 persons in one spirit.
Lord in flesh lights the path to God, which humanity ought to inherit.
Damaged genes in human by the forbidden fruit open their eyes.
They see the world of kaleidoscope full of things, wise or unwise.
Fake news and conspiracy theories sing their poisonous hymns.
Schizoid minds rest choices on chaos and frivolous whims.
God’s knowledge and truth are lost in self-justified interests.
Knowledge of good and evil fades into oblivion at its dimmest.
When the mind meets the heart, can I find my true self?
When I pause at the fork, can my consciousness sanctify itself?
When the charm of a lure dazzles my eyes, can my faith hold its grip?
When I face criticism, do I readily forgive myself for my moral slip?
Can I really discern what’s wrong and what’s right?
Can I tell if my prayer’s revelation comes from God or devil’s invite?
“He is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in wisdom..” Isaiah 28:29
The profundity of learned knowledge exudes from God’s kingdom.
Following the lighted path, we retrieve our inheritance, the prized find.
Excavating precepts from God’s words illuminates the heart and mind.
“In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:6
To know or not to know? I wrestle with the question at its depth.
God’s word has helped me to view life in an eternal perspective, focusing more on the things that will last for eternity and not focused on making the most out of this short life which will pass away.
I was just a Jew when I joined BSF and now I am a Messianic Jew – a complete Jew! That is the power of God and God’s Word/word. I am in my 15th year now – this is my 3rd time through Matthew a book written to Jews and the second time in the study is when I became a complete Jew! This year the call is to LIVE MY FAITH – HELP OTHERS AS GOD HAS HELPED ME – A CALL TO ACTION – something has been stirring for years and these BSF studies are a huge reason!
Matthew 5:21-48 I’ve often seen the Lords genius in these scriptures. Ive heard some people say “they aren’t fair” that no one can possibly live up to such a high standard. I believe they make the Christian faith the only truly fair and level playing field we have in this life. No matter who we are or where in society we exist we are all guilty of breaking the commandments and we all need a savior to make it into heaven.Romans 3:23
I continue to sin in habit, my weakness. In a BSF lecture, the point that “people are incapable of perfection sinlessnes & God KNOWS our limitatipns BUT He provides us rhe Holy Spiritto help us in our weakness.” Also, “Jesus empowers believers to liveout righteosnessto the LEVEL OF HIS standards (since we ourselves are unable to produce that.”
This particular part of lecture hit home in a big way for me. I received total reassurance that i will be provided how to accomplish achieving God’s standard (but i must allow in my heart for Him to transform me & help me live as Jeses would have me to & to
extend love & kindness to others DAILY.)
Also, i tend to be a peacemaker for (family conflicts for example) but reconciliation is not always achieved because my words become twisted into what i didnt say…and when i explain that the Lord has placed this on my heart so im compelled to express my cincerns & offer at least some ways of resolution to their household tension but the person says that they dont want to hear about what the Lord is telling me. So i tend to slack up temporarily then later attempt again with an easier & softer & more tactful way & dont give up.
“The eye is the lamp of the body…” (Matthew 6:22-23), I was reminded by these verses that I cried for God’s healing on my spiritual eyesight! I was filled with joy and confidence to serve again in BSF! Praise the Lord for His powerful words and work in me and through me!
Im with you on that….i nearly left BSF for various reasons but a good friend & previous class leader met with me over lunch & helped me see the error i was about to commit. She was doing the Lord’s will for her. By the time lunch was over i was in tears of joy & decided to stay in BSF. I thank God she asked me how things were going in my new class. That 1 question was the spur for me to talk honestly with her. So we went to lunch that day & the discussion was initiated by my good friend. I was comfortable in confiding in her about the situation at hand about BSF.
The sermon out represents Jesus‘s mission statement it should also represent ours. to mourn over sin to seek righteousness being a Peacemaker and To care for those I need. In doing this With prayer and Thanksgiving we will find Christ
You ate SO right!
Correction: are (!)
This sermon series is reinforcing my identity in Christ, not as the world sees me , but how God is teaching me to identify with him.
I am light of the world, I must show light of God to sinners & Salt of God I must displayed sweetness to people around me not hatred.
It sounds like Jesus is addressing our attitudes, the intentions behind our actions. Our state of the heart matters more than our actions but that does mean Good actions are not important.
Faith without actions is dead…for our good actions ought to reflect our faith-ful obedience to God.
FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is LOVE, JOY, PEACE, LONG-SUFFERING, GENTLENESS, GOODNESS, FAITH, MEEKNESS, TEMPERANCE…”
“If we live in the Spiit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
Galations 5:22-23 & 25
Also —
Lord make me an instrument of your PEACE. Where there is hatred, let me sow LOVE. Where there is injury, PARDON. Where there is doubt, FAITH. Where there is dispair, HOPE. Where there is darkness, LIGHT. Where there is sadness, JOY.
There’s a lot of lessons in the Sermon on the Mount for me. The biggest lesson though is for me too look inward – all the time. I need to ask myself “how is the condition of my own heart?” Sin isn’t always outward. My outward sins are a reflection of the condition of my heart. People might not see my sin but God does. God knows what my heart looks like. That has to be my focus. That has to be the focus of every believer. It’s not my place to judge someone’s outward sin or hide mine. It’s my biggest priority to protect what’s happening inside my heart.
That’s IT!
I was reading Deuteronomy 4 during my quiet time, “See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the LORD my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’” Deuteronomy 4: 5 – 6. I got so excited as Jesus has said that he came to fulfil the law and the prophesies, also in Matthew 7: 24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Combining these two portions gives me a thirst to Seek first the kingdom of God and follow the righteousness that Jesus has shown in detail in the sermon on the mount.
Mathew 6:6
But thou, when thou pray, enter into they closet and when you have shut the door, pray to the Father which is in secret, and the Father who sees in secret shall reward you openly.
Through prayer, I have learnt to be humble and patient.
I have always know that the genealogy of Christ points back to the Old Testament. Starting in Matthew I was just so struck by his lineage & how Christ’s earthly family was not only full of ordinary but sinful people as well. It just shows how God uses unlovely sinners changing them into new creations . It gives hope to all who are lost. What a perfect plan of redemption to one’s such as me who was saved by His grace alone. Nothing deserved or earned but simply a gift of his mercy! What a friend we have in Jesus!
“You’ve Got a Friend”
— Carole King
(replace “I’ll” with He’ll in lyrics)
God is teaching me as a believer not to have anxious cares about food drink life and clothing. Instead He wants me to face each day with a cheerful trusting confident heart knowing that if good or evil comes my way I can say to my heart “He’s got it this”. “God is in control”. “Thank you Lord”. The antidote to worry is prayer and the belief that Providence is equal to every emergency.
My tee has this on it,
“I’VE GOT THIS. Stop worrying. — God”.
As a Group Leader, I am so excited to see how God is work, not only in my life, but in the lives of my group members! A new Christian who started out stating she would only listen and never talk has started sharing! And the encouragement and support from the rest of the group is so inspiring! I love our God and I cannot wait to see what He will accomplish in our class this year!
Mathew 6:33
Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and these things shall be added unto you.
I need not worry about anything for if i have God ; then i have all i need; for he will provide according to his riches and glory.
Matthew 6:20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
God continues to guide me on the path to Himself and putting Him first, above my stuff, my kids, my husband, my job. He is to be my treasure and my eternal home.
God’s word recenters me.
Great purpose & God’s intent.
God is teaching me that The
truest and deepest satisfaction is not found in worldly
possessions.
Matthew 6 :5 -15 taught me that i have to honestly speak to God from my heart and make definite clear cut request
This is the first time I have ever really understood the beatitudes!!!
Ya know what? ME TOO!
Amen Brother. The churches or buildings where these paper doll cut out type Christians dwell feel worldly and evil. They’re lost , and the leaders of these churches seem to all be on the same page as the worldly governments , not the word of God.!
MATT 5:13 i loved how our TL said regarding being salt ” am i causing healing to those hurting around, or adding flavor of Christ in the community or discomfort to those in darkness
Matt 6: 19-24 regarding treasures, was really encouraged and challenged to know that knowing Christ is a treasure and the Word of God is a treasure since its precious more than silver or gold , salvation is a treasure and when i suffer tribulation or persecution its treasure.
Since I’ve gone into intensive therapy for my lymphedema, my baffled leader has dropped me from her group in TX and I have not been able to listen to the lessons and lectures on line. I’m very sad about this.
Susan, your Group Leader, Teaching Leader or Class Administrator can help re-enroll you in the group. Have you ever considered BSF Online? You can find groups here: https://join.bsfinternational.org/
I am learning from the study of Matthew, the importance of understanding my identity – “who i am in Christ”. From comparing the temptations of Jesus and Adam & Eve, seeing how Eve and Adam doubted their identity while Jesus did not, showed me the power of seeing things from the correct perspective. In the Sermon on the Mount, i see the difference between being called “to do” and being called “to be”, and i am amazed at the difference between the 2! That is why believers who understand who they are, find joy in acts of righteousness, while those who are more concerned about doing, find they are “burning out” in the effort to be righteous. A pradigm shift …
Am reminded through the word of God to focus on Him in a moment by moment encounter. For He alone should be my audience in whatever I do. Especially as another force competes for my loyalty & allegence.
Holy Spirit provides the power to resist sin through complete faith.
When we read Mathew 5:16, we all agreed that there are times when we do things with selfish or wrong motives thus having reward of men rather than of God. We owned our sin & asked for forginess & mercy from God.
I am learning to be intentional in scheduling a time for prayer and communion with God the same way I fill up my schedule with several other things that matter to me. I am learning that my relationship with Jesus is the most important thing in this life and so I ought to make time for such a great relationship and interact with Jesus more often on a daily basis. (Matthew 6)
GREAT advice for others to do so, including ME!
Re mt 6v33
God is reminding me that security in this life is found by prioritising God , His kingdom and righteousness – He will take care of the rest !
I worry about the future.
I fail to recognise God’s provision thus far.
Today is the future I worried about last year/month; God has brought me thus far. I am thankful, and can rest on His blessed assurance that He has my hands.
My tee has this on it:
“I’VE GOT THIS. Stop worrying. — God”
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33
This verse says it all. I am reminded that my priority must be seeking the Lord and HIS righteousness. He knows my needs before I even pray and He is a good Father. What He tells me to seek is HIM and not things – things will come as an addition.
God is teaching me that I can never be all that He wants to be by my own human effort. Everything I am and have is a gift of grace and mercy. His ways are SO SO different to mine/ours. A very challenging book.
Mathew 6:8 Do not be like,them for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.
I am encouraged that knows what I need before I ask Him.I like what my BSF leader shared the God can be found in the secret.
Mathew 6:33 in my own words:When I Esther instead of focussing on what is keeping me worried and anxious ,I should instead focus on God and the thing of God and desire the righteousness of Jesus daily ,then the Lord will take care of my needs and I won’t have to worry anymore.
Matthew 6:33 The thing you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what God wants.
This verse has helped me considerably to focus on the scriptures. I keep searching for more encouraging verses as to what to do in the kingdom of God.
We studied the Lord’s Prayer tonight and all of us felt as though our prayer life was sorely lacking. We then went to a time of prayer and the guys really prayed from their hearts. We prayed specifically for a young woman who loves the Lord but has been in the hospital for over 40 days in debilitating pain from a rare autoimmune bone disease. She is a strong believer and never blames God for her troubles, but celebrates His closeness to her. Her parents don’t understand how a loving God could allow this to happen to their daughter, so we prayed for them too. At the end of the session, my eyes were moist knowing that we had reached out to a God who cares, listens, and will answer in His own way in time. The depth of prayer was encouraging and I look forward to a session tomorrow morning with other brothers.
Matthew 6:33 has become my daily goal to seek God in everything I do and to put Him first always. I no longer worry because I know if I prioritize God, all shall be well. Though I am still learning what it is to seek ye first the kingdom of God, I know I will get answers along the way.
BSF has rescued me from my past state of being a Christian without any knowledge or relationship with Jesus.
For over 20+ years I am still struggling to memorize His Words but enjoy the transformation that is taking place. The best is able to proclaim Jesus to everyone without fear!
I was unable to continue answering the questions because they hit too close to home. I just stopped and prayed about my and my brothers issues with my sister. It seemed out of my control. Met my brother for supper. His wife finally said we need to discuss your sister and try to make amends with her before it is too late. We decided to invite her to our Christmas siblings dinner. I was able to work through the questions after that meeting. Thank you for these lessons. I am hopeful for the future as God is in control of all of us as his children.
Matthew 6 verse 33: Seek first the kingdom of God and all else will be given as well.
Yes my Father in heaven is the creator of all things and all that is in heaven and earth is His. As His child, therefore, I share in all that is His as long as I do not lose my position as a child.
My favorite verse is Matthew 6: 25
Do Not Worry
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?
God has taken care of me in so many ways and He has assured me that nothing is too big for Him. “I Live for God alone”
Matt.4:4 (b) people do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.
This encouraged me to know that I can declare the word of God on every situation am in be it temptation, sickness, hardship etc. and it will be so. BSF has really helped me to see the book of matthew differently and so far it has humble me than before and helped to live the word of God.
It is tangible and rich. I think Jesus is actually talking to me. The sermon on the Mount is a deep challenge to me to take his words serious enough to live as He is here now. I am hungry for more.
God is teaching me to trust him with my whole heart and mind and soul. To trust him with all of my problems and concerns.
Mathew 6:33 “But seek first His kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will he added to you.”
In the areas of life where I struggle and worry, this reminder is an anchor to my soul reminding me where my focus should be!
God works in my life daily by getting me thru every step of the way to accomplish my needs and fight the good fight of the demons that try to enter my life thru evil ways. God is strong and can accomplish anything that is thrown my way thru love and power I have within my soul. Amen for this wonderful gift.
Jesus is teaching me that the intention of my heart is very important and I need to pay attention to it. To be meek and to have a pure heart.
Growing up mg father always quoted Matthew 6:33. It has always been special but as I’ve gotten older God I’d showing me that seeking Him is the most important
“Jesus calls us to be different because He is different.” I am reminded that just like our Lord’s, our difference would be attractive to some and repulsive to others. We need to have God’s own characters as our reference and not judge ourselves by the response of others.
Amen
Matthew 7:7–13 A. S. K. And go through the narrow gate…
Matthew- the narrow gate is my favorite quote because it leads to enteral life and few will find it.(Matthew 7;13).
My favorite quote is the quote in Matthew 7;14 regarding the narrow gate which leads to life and few will find it. This narrow gate strength our faith because it shows us everything we will face as we go through it.
My favorite quote is Matthew 7:14 regarding the narrow gate which leads to life and few will choose it. This gate shows us and strength our faith in Christ.
He has reminded me how awesome he is and how his love is never changing regardless he loves us. I’m reminded of his Forgiveness and grace new every morning.
The Sermon on the Mount that God is a God of righteousness, compassion and justice, and that I should also pursue righteousness, compassion and justice as a reflection of my obedience to God as I understand HIM to exist 🙏
613 Commandments that God gave Moses not mandates
Once you are in Christ you are a different person. And God expect you to be the salt and light of the world through your words, actions, and motives. Not just hears of the word but doers, which can only take place from the heart, inward out.
Love this! You worded that perfectly!
Now being retired I have time to reflect on my 40+ year career.. I can now look back and see how God directed me in the day to day operation of owning a business. Coming into retirement, once again I’m amazed how everything fell into place. He has been so good to me, and I am truly grateful.
He is teaching me more & more how to walk in His Glory! The Supernatural realm as Messiah walked the 1st time He was sent into the fallen dark World!
HALLELUYAH!!!
🔥🔥🩸🔥🔥
When I am critized for something not to be upset with the other person but to look at myself and see how I need to change.
The “Sermon on Mount” truly reveals inherent being and substance of God: indescribable mercy, grace, and love. Jesus, our Redeemer and Savior, fully and perfectly embodies each of these attributes. We, who profess to be believers and followers of Jesus, must strive, throughout our life’s journey, should strive, daily, to follow His example in how He lived His life, while on earth.
This study is really helping me to understand more of the meaning of The Beatitudes and how to apply them to my lifeu.
I am thankful He has reminded me through this study that I am and never will “be enough” without Him. Everything – even the good – that I do is by Him and for Him and His glory. This brings true freedom to a past people pleasure, performer and perfectionist 🙂
Dianna, I can SO relate to this! Thank you for sharing!
I’m learning that no matter what I do, I will never be good enough, but because Jesus is, so am I. Amazing Grace 🙏🏻
At each stage of your life on earth The Bible truth can make it better for yourself and those you contact.
What I am not, He is. What He is, I am to follow.
Well said!
The Sermon on the Mount has taught me how to look at “Blessings” and “Treasure” from God’s perspective. The heart of Jesus is
revealed clearly in the Beautitudes. My understanding, is that, to achieve God’s standards, I have to nullify myself(ego) and absorb
whatever happens to me using the “lens” of God. This is indeed a tall order, but, it is God’s benchmark for humanity. We have to embrace
our discipleship journey, by living just and righteous lives. God is teaching me to be God-centric and people centric, in order to achieve
His goals for my life.
This time around God has really opened my eyes to the treasures in my heart. How my own success was more important than God’s glory. He has shown light into the corners of my heart that I hadn’t seen. The importance of keeping the body of Christ together. My heart, mind and soul is to yearn for God’s glory. My thought’s, actions and words to be brought in obedience to Christ.
Practically, I now get up every morning asking for every thing I do be for his glory. That I put on the armour of God so I can resist evil and grow in my understanding and practice of love. It doesn’t matter what happens as God has me and I have him.
Thank you Diya now I know how to pray 🙏 for His glory in my life. Amen
Love, love this!!
“Jesus calls us to be different because He is different”.
The moment I read this, my heart just leapt & say AMEN.
It’s such a Joy to see this because I know I am DIFFERENT from the World.
Thank YOU, Jesus for setting me apart from the Worldly ways of life ‼️
This year the study of Matthew have added much more in depth into my heart.
Praise GOD.
Just as Paul yearned that Christ be formed in each of his own followers, so Christ has, in the sermon on the mount illustrated his own character that we as his children begin to adopt and share Him through the ingrafting of the Holy Spirit – the transformation that is sanctification. Just as only God gives the increase to the seed sown, so we needn’t fear how it shall come about , but take courage in the faith that it is coming about in us through His good pleasure.
Being a Christian for more than 30 years, I have read Matthew 6:25-27 countless of times. But it is only this time while doing my homework I felt really ready to let go and let God take over. My greatest need has been met by Christ. There is no need to worry because God is my Father.
I love the ‘Blessing Redefined’ section. That was my experience. When my son was unwell, it was a blessing from God for there was mourning and weeping. It was then I seek God’s characters and promises.
Each time I study Jesus’ teachings from the sermon on the mount, it simply shows me how far away I am from God’s righteousness. However I thank the Lord for His assurance when He said: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven’ It is when I see my own inadequacies, that I experience God’s sufficiency
I was wowed by these verses – Isaiah 66: 1&2 – “Thus says the Lord, “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool…for my hand made all these things,
But to this one I will look,
To him who is humble and contrite in spirit, and who trembles at my word.
God Almighty so magnificent and awesome yet He chose the humble the God fearing one !!!
We become true followers of Jesus Christ when our hearts are transformed, and that is to obey God’s commands
for a man who follow buddhism and turn away from this God for 50 years ,by His grace ,this awesome God shows me He is the only one true living God in my own cancer journey and physical death experience and i now testify only for HIM . The word beatitude comes from the Latin beatitudo, meaning “blessedness.” for me its a powerful meaning of “divine joy and perfect happiness” to the people who come to know Christ’s day
you can
google :tony and ashley low testimony
“Above all else guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” The Sermon on the Mount reminds me of Proverbs 4:23. We need to constantly check our heart’s motives and pray for the Holy Spirit to help us. The Beatitudes lays the foundation of all things in our Christian lives. May we all “… be built up until we reach unity in the faith and knowledge of the Son of God and becoming mature…”
God’s word has changed my life from the inside out. It taught me to be more gentle not to be so hard on others. I mellowed down, be calmer in stressful situations. With God’s word, I am at peace, knowing that He will be there whenever I needed him. Thank you, Lord, for your love, blessings, and protection always.
God is strengthening more and guiding the way I should walk. God’s word shared through BSF helps me to understand is loving kindness.
As I reflect on Jesus teaching described in the Beatitudes I realise I have to work on the eight characteristics of a blessed person with Christian grace and character that I have to possess in my soul to be the salt and light in the place He has placed me, thereby glorifying God🙏🏼🙏🏼
God’s standard is higher than what mankind can attain. It is pure, perfect, eternal and does not waver. It cannot be attain by striving or trying harder. When we surrender and submit to Him, obeying and trusting Him wholeheartedly , then transformation becomes evident in our life
I have learnt and still learning a lot from the sermon. Most importantly the way Jesus came to fulfill most of the old testament prophecies in the new testament, opened my eyes . It’s taught me to obey, be faithful, righteous, to forgive, to love our enemies as well to be perfect as our father in heaven is perfect.
The sermon on the mount is the key highlight demonstrating God’s character that embodies love, compassion, grace, mercy and kindness.
Through this study, God wants us to follow his righteous ways as demonstrated by Jesus’ life on earth. We can’t be like Jesus but certainly can embrace the values imparted to us.
It’s my sincere wish that I learn and continue to mature spiritually with God’s outpouring through the study of Matthew.
Concise, clear well written.
I’m a group leader. I. Found change in many of my group members.Self examining, dependence upon Christ and to grow in Christ are their prayer requests.
Thank you Bsf
When Jesus said in Matt 6:25-34 not to worry about my life, what I will eat or drink; or about my body, what I will wear; he was in fact addressing
1. what I need for survival.
2. what I enjoy, e.g. comfort or beauty.
In a recent episode when I had contacted someone who turned out to be negative, but I myself am vaccinated and tested as negative, noticed how panicky people of the world were and the absurd measures they took. They simply have no assurance of protection nor of heaven at all. No wonder their worries of today are more than enough to bear.
Love the blog by Dr Darrell Bock. Yes, the Sermon on the Mount is indeed cutting to the heart of true righteousness in God as Jesus perfectly lived it on earth , overflowing with His love, purity, meekness, mercy, grace, justice, generosity, truth & faithful committment to His followers. What a Saviour we have, lighting our way to ultimate perfection in eternity & urging us to shine His light & spread His saltiness among our fellow sojourners in this world…
The inner attitude of what we do is more important than the outward manifestation of our action.
Believing and Trusting God in what is being said bring rest and peace to our soul.
God is teaching me not to look at external things like relationships, finances, good health etc as a measure of blessings from Him but to look at my heart. Consider the internal traits of my heart as these indicate God’s blessings which cannot be destroyed or stolen. They are eternal.
I want to know more Sir.
I enjoy Matthew _ The Unexpected study with fresh eyes. It was in Matthew 4:4, that Jesus revealed that in overcoming temptation and Satan, it is the Word. But by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Is is an awakening verse for me. That, I can eat God’s Word as my spiritual food. Every time I hear, read, study, memorize and meditate, It is also a battle food for spiritual warfare in Ephesian 6 :17 to overcome Satan. Many were healed by Jesus Word. We experience Abba Father and Jesus when we do our application in our BSF study. BSF has enriched my walk . Blessings Gordon Goh
When Jesus is in our hearts he gives us the strength to walk closer to him ,by reading his word every day gives us the confidence love & ability & the blessings flow each & every day. Thank you LORD
for all my blessings .Let my light shine in the area God has placed me.
I want to know more