Study Guide: Sermon On The Mount
Title: Sermon On The Mount
Sermon Summary: This sermon emphasizes the importance of obedience to divine instructions as a means to prepare for impending spiritual challenges. It highlights the need to incorporate daily practices of faith, such as prayer, fasting, giving, and studying the Word of God. By doing so, believers are better equipped to discern spiritual threats and navigate life’s storms with divine wisdom. The sermon stresses personal responsibility in securing one’s spiritual calling and advocates for a proactive approach to faith in anticipation of increased spiritual opposition. It draws from personal anecdotes and biblical teachings to underscore the necessity of aligning one’s actions with the will of God to experience protection and blessings.
Key Points:
- Times are increasingly challenging in both the natural and spiritual realms, necessitating spiritual preparation.
- Obedience to God’s instructions is crucial for overcoming spiritual attacks.
- God values the effort of those striving to be willing and obedient; such individuals are often targeted by darkness.
- It’s vital to maintain spiritual practices, such as the four pillars: prayer, fasting, giving, and studying, and to add the Sermon on the Mount as a daily focus.
- Faith should be supplemented progressively with virtue, knowledge, temperance, endurance, godliness, brotherly love, and love.
- Spiritual discernment is crucial to understanding intentions and preventing spiritual threats.
Scripture Reference:
- 2 Peter 1:4-12: Discusses the importance of adding to one’s faith through various virtues to ensure spiritual fruitfulness and readiness.
- Matthew 5-7: The Sermon on the Mount, which provides practical guidance for living a righteous life and preparing for spiritual challenges.
Small Group Guide: Staying Tuned to God’s Voice in Challenging Times
Sermon On The Mount
Key Takeaways:
- Being willing and obedient to God is crucial, especially as times get harder both naturally and spiritually.
- We must be prepared for increased spiritual attacks, particularly if we’re trying to be obedient to God.
- It’s important to be in the right place, at the right time, with the right people.
- We need to take responsibility for our spiritual growth and not blame God or others for our challenges.
- Regularly studying the Word of God, particularly the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), is essential for spiritual discernment and growth.
Discussion Questions:
- The speaker emphasizes the importance of being “willing and obedient.” What does this mean to you, and how can we cultivate these qualities in our lives?
- Reflect on the notion that we are in a continuous spiritual battle. How have you experienced this battle in your own life?
- The sermon mentioned that “sin is not something you do, but who you are or are not.” What impact does this understanding have on your perspective of sin and righteousness?
- How have you experienced spiritual attacks in your life? How did you handle them, and what did you learn from those experiences?
- The sermon mentions the concept of being “in the right place, at the right time, with the right people.” How can we discern God’s guidance in these areas of our lives?
- The speaker talks about taking responsibility for our spiritual growth. In what areas of your life do you need to take more responsibility rather than blaming others or circumstances?
- What stood out to you most from the discussion of the Sermon on the Mount? How can we apply these teachings in our daily lives?
- The sermon emphasizes the importance of focusing on God’s Word rather than worldly distractions. What are some practical ways we can shift our focus more towards Scripture in our daily routines?
- How can we cultivate a prayer life that aligns with the principles discussed in the sermon (praying in secret, avoiding vain repetitions, etc.)?
Practical Applications:
- Commit to reading through Matthew 5-7 (the Sermon on the Mount) at least twice a week, or daily if possible.
- Identify one area in your life where you need to take more responsibility for your spiritual growth. Create a specific action plan to address this area.
- Practice “secret” giving, fasting, or prayer this week, focusing on doing these things for God alone rather than for recognition from others.
- Evaluate your media consumption (music, social media, etc.) and consider how it aligns with the principles discussed in the sermon. Make adjustments as necessary.
- Start a prayer journal to record your prayers and God’s responses, focusing on cultivating a deeper, more authentic prayer life.
- Look for opportunities to practice forgiveness and loving your enemies this week, as emphasized in the Sermon on the Mount.
- Share with the group next week how applying these principles has impacted your spiritual life and your ability to discern God’s voice in challenging situations.
Sermon On The Mount
Discussion Questions
How does the concept of being ‘willing and obedient’ influence one’s spiritual journey, especially in times of adversity?
In what ways can spiritual attacks serve as indicators of being on the right path according to this message?
How can we balance the idea of being ‘sold out to God’ with the reality of living in a world that often opposes spiritual values?
What role does love play in spiritual warfare, and how can ‘loving our enemies’ be practically applied in our daily lives?
How do the narratives of figures like Elijah help us understand the duality of divine provision and human suffering?
What does it mean to be spiritually ‘in tune,’ and how can this state be cultivated amidst life’s distractions?
How do we reconcile the notion of a loving God with the occurrence of tragic events involving faithful individuals?
What lessons can be drawn from Paul’s teaching on adding layers of spiritual virtues (like faith, virtue, knowledge) to one’s life?
How does the teaching on the Sermon on the Mount provide practical guidance for handling modern-day challenges?
What does it mean to truly rely on divine wisdom over human understanding, and how can we train ourselves to discern this in critical moments?
Day 1: The Power of God’s Word
Reading: Matthew 5:1-16
Devotional: As we begin this journey, let’s reflect on the transformative power of God’s Word. Just as the sermon emphasizes the importance of immersing ourselves in Scripture, today’s reading reminds us of the blessings that come from aligning our lives with God’s teachings. The Beatitudes offer a roadmap for spiritual growth and Kingdom living. Consider how you can be “salt and light” in your daily interactions. How can you let God’s Word shine through your actions and attitudes? Remember, it’s not about perfection, but about progress and allowing God’s truth to gradually transform your heart and mind.
Day 2: Seeking God in Secret
Reading: Matthew 6:1-18
Devotional: Today’s passage challenges us to examine our motives in spiritual practices. Are we seeking God’s approval or man’s applause? The sermon emphasized the importance of private devotion and sincerity in prayer, fasting, and giving. As you read, reflect on your own spiritual habits. Are there areas where you might be tempted to “perform” for others rather than genuinely connecting with God? Consider how you can cultivate a deeper, more authentic relationship with God in the secret places of your heart. Remember, it’s not about the quantity of your prayers or the impressiveness of your spiritual disciplines, but about the quality of your connection with the Father.
Day 3: Trusting God’s Provision
Reading: Matthew 6:19-34
Devotional: In a world filled with anxiety and uncertainty, today’s reading offers a powerful reminder of God’s care and provision. The sermon touched on the importance of trusting God completely, even in difficult circumstances. As you meditate on these verses, consider areas of your life where worry or fear may be overshadowing your faith. How can you shift your focus from earthly concerns to heavenly priorities? Challenge yourself to take concrete steps to “seek first the kingdom of God” today, trusting that as you do so, God will faithfully meet your needs.
Day 4: Discernment and Spiritual Growth
Reading: Matthew 7:1-14
Devotional: Today’s passage calls us to careful self-examination and spiritual discernment. The sermon emphasized the importance of being attuned to God’s voice and wisdom in navigating life’s challenges. As you read, reflect on areas where you might need to apply more careful discernment in your life or relationships. Are there “logs” in your own eye that need addressing before you can help others? Consider how you can cultivate a more discerning spirit, always seeking God’s guidance and wisdom in your decisions and interactions with others.
Day 5: Building on the Rock
Reading: 7:15-29
Devotional: We conclude our reading plan with Jesus’ powerful illustration of building our lives on a solid foundation. The sermon stressed the importance of not just hearing God’s Word, but putting it into practice. As you reflect on this passage, consider the foundation of your own life. Are you actively applying the truths you’ve learned, or simply accumulating knowledge? Challenge yourself to identify one specific way you can put God’s Word into action today. Remember, it’s in times of trial that the strength of our foundation is truly tested. By consistently building your life on Christ and His teachings, you’ll develop the resilience to weather any storm that comes your way.
Each day, set aside time for prayer and reflection. Use these themes and scriptures to guide your discussions and journaling, allowing God’s Word to transform your heart and life.
Here are the scripture references mentioned or alluded to in the sermon, along with some relevant verses for key themes discussed:
Explicitly Mentioned:
- 2 Peter 1:4-8
- Matthew 5:1 – 7:29 (The Sermon on the Mount)
- Galatians 2:20
- Hebrews 4:12
- John 1:10-13
- Revelation 1:8, 1:18
Alluded to or Paraphrased:
- Ephesians 6:12 (not dealing with flesh and blood)
- Matthew 10:33 (denying Christ before men)
- 1 Peter 4:8 (love covers a multitude of sins)
- Luke 4:8 (serving God only)
- Matthew 6:33 (seek first the kingdom of God)
- Acts 19:20 (the word mightily grew and prevailed)
Relevant verses for key themes:
- On spiritual warfare: Ephesians 6:10-18
- On forgiveness: Matthew 6:14-15, Colossians 3:13
- On the power of the Word: Isaiah 55:11, Romans 1:16
- On being led by the Spirit: Romans 8:14, Galatians 5:16-18
- On spiritual discernment: 1 Corinthians 2:14-16, Hebrews 5:14
- On persecution: 2 Timothy 3:12, 1 Peter 4:12-14
- On the importance of prayer: 1 Thessalonians 5:17, James 5:16
- On fasting: Isaiah 58:6-7, Matthew 6:16-18
- On giving: 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, Luke 6:38
- On the dangers of pride: Proverbs 16:18, James 4:6
Chapter 1: The Importance of Spiritual Preparedness
0:00 – 15:00
We are warned about upcoming challenges and the need to be spiritually prepared.
Chapter 2: Lessons from Personal Spiritual Battles
15:00 – 30:00
A personal story is shared to illustrate the reality of spiritual warfare and the importance of discernment.
Chapter 3: The Sermon on the Mount: A Guide for Daily Living
30:00 – 45:00
We are instructed to study and apply the teachings from the Sermon on the Mount in our daily lives.
Chapter 4: Living Out the Word of God
45:00 – 60:00
We are urged to internalize and live out the Word of God in our daily lives.
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