The Sermon on the Mount
Daily Bible Studies for June 23-28, 2008
Learn what we believe and how we are to behave!
This Week’s Scripture: Matthew 5:17-20 MOT & NLT
[Jesus said,] 17Do not think (suppose, assume) that I came to destroy the law and the prophets. I came not to destroy but to fulfill (make them come true). MOT
[Jesus said] 17“Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. NLT
18For truly I (Myself) say to you, until heaven and earth pass away (disappear), one “iota” or one point shall be no means (“ou me”) pass away (disappear) from the law, until all things come to pass. MOT
18I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. NLT
19Whoever, therefore, breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches thus to others, shall be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. But whoever does and teaches them, shall be called great in the Kingdom of heaven. MOT
19So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. NLT
20For I tell you that except your righteousness shall exceed more [than that] of the scribes and Pharisees, by no means shall you enter into the Kingdom of heaven.” MOT
20“But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven! NLT
Monday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your written word in both the Old and New Testaments, and how they instruct me in Your ways. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit anew right now, that I may both understand and do Your will! As I go about this week use me to be a living “Sermon on the Mount” for each person I come into contact with each day. This I pray in the strong and ever-living name of Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
[Jesus said,] 17Do not think (suppose, assume) that I came to destroy the law and the prophets. I came not to destroy but to fulfill (make them come true). MOT
[Jesus said] 17“Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. NLT
What do Jesus words “Do not think I came to destroy the law and prophets mean to you?
How has Jesus fulfilled the law and the prophets?
What is one application of today’s Scripture in your life right now?
Today’s Challenge: I will live out God’s law in the power of the Holy Spirit!
Tuesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray that by the power of Your Spirit in my life today, that I will live out the both the small and great details of Your law in my life. I pray that You will use me as an instrument of Your truth and love in all my interactions. Glorify Yourself in my life right now and always. This I pray in Jesus’ name, and for the sake of His coming Kingdom. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
18For truly I (Myself) say to you, until heaven and earth pass away (disappear), one “iota” or one point shall be no means (“ou me”) pass away (disappear) from the law, until all things come to pass. MOT
18I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. NLT
What does it mean to you that not even one “iota” or point shall disappear from the law until all things come to pass?
How will you live out this verse in your life today?
Today’s Challenge: I will learn and live God’s law each day of my life!
Wednesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I truly want to be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven, so I ask that You will fill and protect me with the Holy Spirit today, so I may live and teach your commands in every area of my life. Let me be a blessing to everyone I meet this day, so they may be blessed and see the blessing as coming from You! This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
19Whoever, therefore, breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches thus to others, shall be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. But whoever does and teaches them, shall be called great in the Kingdom of heaven. MOT
19So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. NLT
What does it take to be “great” in the Kingdom of heaven according to today’s Scripture?
What one thing will you do today to become greater in the Kingdom of heaven?
Today’s Challenge: I will rely on the Holy Spirit to empower me to live and teach God’s commands!
Thursday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know that the scribes and Pharisees were considered as righteous people in their day. I pray that my righteousness may not just be in an outward observation of Your commands, but an inward transformation of my heart, through Your great grace and presence. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
20For I tell you that except your righteousness shall exceed more [than that] of the scribes and Pharisees, by no means shall you enter into the Kingdom of heaven.” MOT
20“But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven! NLT
How does one ensure that one’s righteousness “exceeds” the scribes and Pharisees?
What will you do today to increase your righteousness?
Today’s Challenge: I will live in righteousness by maintaining a right relationship with Jesus!
Friday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I focus again today on righteousness, because I know that Jesus calls me to a greater righteousness than may be found through human means. I pray for a fresh anointing of Your Holy Spirit that all that I am and do may bring You glory and honor. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
20For I tell you that except your righteousness shall exceed more [than that] of the scribes and Pharisees, by no means shall you enter into the Kingdom of heaven.” MOT
20“But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven! NLT
Who would you consider as the most righteous person you know? What makes them “righteous” in your eyes?
What one thing will you do today to become more righteous than a scribe or Pharisee?
Today’s Challenge: I will live in the power of the Holy Spirit in order to be and become more righteous!
Saturday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, today is a day of preparation for worshiping with my brothers and sisters through Your Son, Jesus, in corporate worship tomorrow. I pray that You will fill me with the Holy Spirit and prepare me to come to worship with my heart, mind, body and soul attuned to You. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
As we have considered Jesus’ teaching concerning the Law this week, we have been reminded that Jesus didn’t come to abolish the law but to fulfill it. For us that means that we remain “people of the book,” that is we have standards that are established by God and are thus absolute. We can’t live as we please, or think that because of God’s grace we are no longer subject to the law. The truth is as we live in the power of the Holy Spirit we don’t NEED the law, because when the Holy Spirit governs our lives, we will think, speak and act according to God’s ways. May we continue to turn our lives over to Him moment by moment that our lives may be a witness of the power of God to all we meet. See you in worship!
Today’s Challenge: I will prepare my heart and life for worship—daily on my own, and each Sunday with my brothers and sisters in Jesus!