The People’s Response

 

FILING INFORMATION:

2002010

Subject: sermon on the mount

Preached Originally: 02/24/02 – Rapid City, SD

 

Introduction:

A.    7:28-29 – we learn of the effects of the sermon on listeners.

1.     not told of response of apostles – but multitudes astonished at His teaching.

B.    This was not the only time Jesus’ listeners were amazed at His words.

1.     John 7:46 – Jewish officers sent to arrest Jesus.  Begin to listen and failed to arrest him.

2.     Told chief priest – never has a man spoken the way this man speaks.

3.     When we read of the amazement of those who heard Jesus – we are witnessing the effect of the voice of God upon human hearts.

C.   Why were they so amazed?

1.     Jesus appeared in everyway ordinary; usual; just a common person from Galilee.

a)    no formal background; training.

b)    Only a man speaking…

2.     Yet…He spoke w/the absolute; unequivocal truth; as one who had experienced it – as one who was identical with it.

3.     He taught as One who knew what he was talking about.

D.   7:28-29 – emphasis on Jesus.

1.     Why should we practice this sermon?

2.     b/c of the one who delivered it.

3.     b/c of the person of the preacher – this is the reason it is valuable.

4.     We need to heed the Sermon on the Mount b/c of the authority of the one who preached it.

5.     His teaching is eternal b/c He = God’s son.

E.    Imagine the scene….see Jesus as they did.

1.     young man from Nazareth – sitting on side of hill – teaching.

2.     Soon few begin to gather – more and more – great crowd – follow Him wherever he went.

3.     When He speaks – people magnetically drawn to Him – imagine their astonishment; amazement; the looks on their faces….

F.    How; Why were they amazed?

 

I.  They were amazed because He spoke with authority.

A.    Scribes = experts in interpretation of the law – but not in the law itself.

1.     Jhn. 7:15 - concerned w/learning & scholarship – prided themselves in this & looked down upon Jesus b/c He was not considered “educated.”

2.     always quoted others – never said anything on their own.

B.    W/Jesus – there was a freshness; an originality with Him!

1.    It was not just style….it was substance!

2.    He did not theorize or hesitate.

3.    w/quiet assurance – He laid the foundation of a heavenly kingdom.

C.   Preachers/religious leaders would do well to remember this!

1.    too many today take religion lightheartedly & part of this is because those teaching don’t take what they do seriously.

2.    Some…b/c devoted totally to style…leave substance behind!

3.    This congregation must be committed to speak where Bible speaks & remain silent where Bible silent.

4.    Must hold up Bible in a way that people can relate – make it real – then put it into practice!

 

II.  They were amazed because He spoke with confidence & certainty.

A.    5:3 – from the very beginning.

B.    No doubt about it; not a supposition; or a mere possibility.  It was certain!

1.    the ring of certainty is in every point; every verse!

C.   This is become foreign w/many in the Lord’s church – and especially in the religious world.

1.    w/many religion is ANYTHING but certain!

a)    the I’m OK; You’re OK mentality is EVERYWHERE!  Why?

b)    B/c of fear of offending someone w/the truth!

c)    So many content to tiptoe around – their religion becomes driven by the whims of the people.

3.     Some:  Christians in the denominations…b/c you know…baptism just a “tradition” of churches of Christ.

4.     When it comes to doctrinal matters-  we must preach w/absolute certainty!  Ex., bible is certain that no baptism = no salvation.

D.   To speak w/clarity & overwhelming conviction scares many today!  But…Bible DEMANDS those who teach from it to preach this way!

1.    2 Tim. 4:1-2; Acts 20:27-28; 1 Thess. 1:11-13…

 

III.  They were amazed with what He said about Himself.

A.    Chapter 5 – but I say…stresses this 6 times!

1.     Each time – he is correcting the Pharisees.  Imagine this from the audience’s perspective as the young carpenter claims such privilege.

2.     5:11 – He says…

a)    they would be persecuted – because of Jesus!

b)    Not just b/c of His teaching – but b/c of Him!

3.     5:13 – salt of the earth…

a)     implication here – if you are my disciple; if you listen to me….

b)     You WILL become the salt of the earth….because of your relationship w/me.

B.    Who was this guy?

1.     He was Christ.  The long promised Messiah who came to fulfill God’s eternal purpose!

2.     5:17 – focus on I come.  Some suggest this expression is extraordinary.

a)     suggests the uniqueness of His coming…

b)     He came from somewhere!  Wasn’t just born.  He was the Alpha/Omega; the consummation of the ages; the end & the beginning!

3.     Not just another preacher/prophet – He was God’s Son!

a)     Jhn 1:14; Phil. 2:6-7

b)     Thus we understand that this sermon is the will of God – not just a breakthrough in ethics!

4.     5:17 – he came to fulfill the law.

a)     by Him the law would be removed.

b)     Rom. 10:4; Rom. 7:4; Col. 2:14

 

IV.  They were amazed because He identified Himself as Lord and Judge of all.

A.     Jesus not only revealed everlasting truth – but He says that he is the divinely empowered master of our fate.

1.     7:21-23 – He will stand at the end of history & preside over disposition of the souls of all.  The judgment will be determined by our relationship w/Him!

2.     We will give ultimate account of our lives to Him!

3.     7:24-27 – all of this hinges on how WE respond to His word!

B.     It is Jesus who will look people in the eye & invite them home to heaven.  Mt. 25:31-34

1.     It is Jesus who will look people in the eye & condemn them to a devils hell – Mt. 25:41-43; 7:21

C.    Earnhart: The teachings of Jesus are not merely prudent counsel from some passing season – but are valid for all time!  They will meet us in eternity!  He clearly intends that we should understand that!

D.    Stevens: The One who sat there on that mountain to teach; is the one who at the end will sit on the throne of glory and all the nations of the world will appear before Him & he will pronounce judgment on them!  Imagine that scene!

 

Conclusion:

A.    What is your reaction?  To the sermon?

1.     Some:  it’s impossible….can’t live up to it!

2.     Way to apply the sermon is to be born again & b/c a new creature.  Jhn. 3:3-5; 2 Cor. 5:17

B.    What is your reaction to Jesus?

1.    I hope you are filled w/love & adoration.

2.    Do you exhibit humble obedience?

3.    Do you realize that w/o Jesus all is hopeless!

4.    Let us all realize just how much we need Him!

C.   If we reject Jesus – along w/His teaching – we do so at our own eternal peril!

D.   So how about you….do you need to develop a relationship w/Jesus?  Renew your relationship?

E.    I N V I T A T I O N