Unpacking the Sermon on the Mount: Lessons for Today

Season 1 of Central Sermon Series embarks on a study of the Sermon on the Mount with Rev. Matt Sapp's summer 2024 sermons. The Sermon on the Mount is one of the most important and extended bodies of teaching in all of scripture, and its impact extends well beyond our faith. These three chapters of uninterrupted teaching from Christ have influenced the larger culture and even the entire Western world. In a time when fewer people are familiar with the history and basic teachings of our faith, many still have some passing familiarity with the teachings of Jesus presented in the Sermon on the Mount. Phrases like "Turn the other cheek," "The golden rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you," "Blessed are the peacemakers," "Do not judge, or you too will be judged," "No one can serve two masters," "You cannot serve both God and money," "Don't worry about tomorrow; today has enough worries of its own," and even the Lord's Prayer are all found in these three chapters of uninterrupted teaching from Jesus in Matthew chapters 5 through 7. These teachings are so impactful that they have permeated the larger culture, making even those who are unsure about the Christian faith recognize them as good advice for living a fulfilling and worthwhile life. 10 Lessons From the Sermon on the Mount Be Happy (Matthew 5:1-12): Happiness isn’t found in most of the places most of us most often seek it. Be Interesting (Matthew 5:13-16): You were created to stand out, not blend in. Be Holy (Matthew 5:17-37): Holiness is not about self-improvement; it is an other-directed activity. Be Generous (Matthew 5:38-48): Jesus calls us to a standard higher than fairness. Be generous. Be Humble (Matthew 6:1-18): Prayer and self-denial develop attitudes of humility. Be Measured (Matthew 6:19-34): Avoid the twin excesses of wealth and worry. Be Self-Aware (Matthew 7:1-6): Recognize your own limitations and value the most precious parts of who you are. Be Open (Matthew 7:7-12): Put God’s promises for you first, and everything else will fall into place. Be Wise (Matthew 7:13-20): Be discerning enough to distinguish between true and false leaders. Be Revolutionary (Matthew 7:21-29): Doing the will of God in the world is revolutionary. Central is proud to be a place where all generations worship, grow, and serve together. where women and men have equal opportunities for leadership. where traditional worship is engaged with excellence. and where diverse approaches to Christian faith and theology all find themselves at home under the lordship of Christ. You can support our ministry by sending a gift via onrealm.org/centralbaptistnewnan/Give Want to learn more about Central? Visit our website at centralbaptistnewnan.org or give us a call at 770-683-0610.