Sermon on the Mount:
This sermon was the first major teaching of Jesus. It occurred on a gently sloping hillside on the banks of the Sea of Galilee attended by approximately 5,000 people. This sermon is also called the Beatitudes. It laid out rules to live by in order to enter God’s kingdom.
Blessed are those who do the following:
1. Be humble before God and depend on Him
2. Show regret over your sins
3. Hunger for righteousness in your personal life
4. Seek justice for the oppressed
5. Forgive those who trespass against you
6. As much as possible be at peace with everyone
7. Bear up under persecution which is sure to come
8. Let your integrity and good deeds shine before men
Jesus expanded on the commandment “Thou shalt not kill” to include being angry with your brother or holding a grudge. Jesus urged people to settle their differences quickly and out of court. Never swear against God because you are aligning with Satan when you do. Jesus expanded on the commandments “Thou shalt not commit adultery” and “Thou shalt not covet” when He said willful lust is a sin and unfaithfulness is the only reason for divorce. Don’t make an oath but if you do don’t break it. Always speak the truth. Let your no be no and your yes be yes. Be slow to anger and quick to forgive. Go above and beyond to make things right with anyone you have offended. Love God and other people because God made them too.
Whenever you are persecuted for God’s sake you are perfect before the Lord. You will receive a prophet’s honor in heaven just like the prophets of old. Pray to God and give to the needy as your heart moves you but do it in private and not to impress others. Righteous acts must be done for God’s glory or no heavenly reward is given. Our eyes should be on building up spiritual treasure in heaven instead of earthly treasure. Don’t worry about anything and don’t judge others. God will handle it. Seek God and you will find Him. You will be known by your fruit and you can judge others the same way. Follow the teachings of Jesus and be wise; otherwise you are foolish.